The Encouraging Visions of Zechariah

Two months after Haggai’s last recorded message, Zechariah had a series of visions regarding the work of God in the earth. These messages, given in the form of parables and symbols, came at a time of great anxiety and were particularly significant to the people advancing in the name of God. It seemed as if the king was about to withdraw permission to rebuild. The future appeared dark.RR 203.4

Zechariah heard the angel of the Lord inquiring, “‘O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which You were angry these seventy years?’ And the Lord answered the angel who talked with me,” Zechariah declared, “with good and comforting words.RR 203.5

“So the angel who spoke with me said to me, ... ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: ... “I am exceedingly angry with the nations at ease; for I was a little angry, and they helped—but with evil intent.” Therefore thus says the Lord: “I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; My house shall be built in it.”’” Zechariah 1:12-16.RR 203.6

The prophet was now directed to predict, “The Lord will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem.” Verse 17.RR 203.7

Zechariah then saw the powers that had “scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem,” symbolized by four horns. Immediately afterward he saw four craftsmen—agencies used by the Lord in restoring His people and the house of His worship. See verses 18-21. “‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” Zechariah 2:4, 5.RR 203.8

God had commanded that Jerusalem be rebuilt. The vision offered assurance that He would give comfort and strength to His afflicted ones and fulfill the promises of His everlasting covenant. What He was accomplishing for His people was to be known in all the earth. “Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!” Isaiah 12:6.RR 204.1