Zechariah’s Visions of the Last Days

The writer of the prophecy of Zechariah was a man of priestly lineage, called of God to assist the prophet Haggai in his work of arousing the people to build the temple. His first message was delivered soon after Haggai’s second pronouncement. Briefly, but forcefully, he emphasizes the need of turning to the Lord wholeheartedly, reminding the people of the dire results of refusal by their fathers to heed the appeals of the former prophets.AGP 155.3

Because of its symbolism, the book of Zechariah has been called the apocalypse of the Old Testament. The first series of visions deals primarily with the experiences connected with the rebuilding of the temple, and references are made to the leaders Zerubbabel and Joshua. The promise is made to the former that as his hands have laid the foundation of the temple, “his hands shall also finish it.” Zechariah 4:9.AGP 155.4

In a view of Joshua, the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord, the gracious pardon of the sinner is graphically illustrated. Joshua is “clothed with filthy garments,” a symbol of sin. Isaiah 64:6. The adversary, Satan, stands at his right hand to resist the work of grace that God would perform in behalf of the penitent sinner. But Satan is rebuked by “the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem,” and the divine command is given, “Take away the filthy garments from him.”AGP 155.5

Then to Joshua are addressed the sweet words: “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” (See Zechariah 3:2-4.)AGP 156.1

The latter part of the prophecy of Zechariah portrays events connected with the coming of Christ and the setting up of His everlasting kingdom. Here are suggested the descent of Christ at the close of the millennium, and the cleaving of the Mount of Olives to make place for the eternal city of God that comes down from Him out of heaven. Then is portrayed the gathering of all nations before Jerusalem, and their destruction, following which “the Lord shall be king over all the earth.” Chapter 14:9.AGP 156.2