Book 38 of 39 in the Old Testament — Encouragement & future hope.
Zechariah ministered alongside Haggai, encouraging the same discouraged returnees through a series of eight elaborate visions promising God's continued presence and future restoration. The book's later chapters shift into more explicit prophecy about a coming king who would arrive humbly, be rejected and pierced, yet ultimately reign over all the earth — verses the New Testament connects directly to Jesus. Zechariah blends near-term encouragement for temple rebuilders with far-reaching messianic hope. It's among the most quoted Old Testament books in the New Testament's account of Jesus' final week.
“Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.”King James Version
God calls the people to return to him, and he will return to them.
“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”King James Version
Not by might nor by power, but by God's Spirit, things are accomplished.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”King James Version
A coming king will arrive righteous and gentle, riding on a donkey.
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”King James Version
God promises a future when the people will look on the one they have pierced.
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”King James Version
God promises to refine his people like silver and call them his own.