The Book of Zechariah

The Book of Zechariah is one of the books found in the Old Testament. It is part of the group called the Minor Prophets. These books are not minor because they are less important, but because they are shorter in length. Zechariah is the second-last book in this group.

Zechariah was a prophet. He lived after the Jewish people returned from being exiled in Babylon. The people had come back to Jerusalem, but the city was still broken down. The temple had not yet been rebuilt. The people were discouraged. Zechariah gave them messages from God to give them hope.

This book has many visions. Some are strange and hard to understand. They show that God had not forgotten His people. God had plans to help them and to bring peace. Zechariah reminded them that they needed to follow God and live the right way.

Zechariah also spoke about the future. Some of his words point to the coming of the Messiah. Catholics believe this is Jesus. His book shows how God was preparing His people for something greater. Even though the book is short, it has an important message for the Church today.

Zechariah lived during a hard time for the Jewish people. They had just come back from exile in Babylon. Their city, Jerusalem, was in ruins. The temple, the center of their worship, had been destroyed. The people were tired and full of worry. They needed help to rebuild their faith and their land.

Zechariah was a prophet. He spoke to the people for God. He came from a priestly family. His father’s name was Berekiah, and his grandfather was Iddo. Zechariah began to speak around the same time as another prophet named Haggai. Both men encouraged the people to rebuild the temple.

Learn more about the life of Zechariah here.

Catholics believe that God speaks through the prophets. Zechariah’s words were not just for his time. They also point to Jesus, the one God would send to save His people. Some of Zechariah’s visions and messages show hints of what Jesus would later do.

Zechariah helped the people look forward with hope. He reminded them that God had not forgotten them. He told them to stay faithful, even in hard times. His message is still important for us today.

The Book of Zechariah has a mix of writing styles. Some parts are visions. Others are simple messages. The first half of the book has eight visions. These visions are full of symbols. There are horses, horns, a flying scroll, and more. Some visions are strange and hard to picture. But each one has a message of hope, warning, or promise.

Zechariah also gives clear words from God. These are often short and direct. He calls the people to turn back to God. He warns them not to repeat the sins of their fathers. He tells them to treat others with justice and mercy. These parts are easier to understand.

The second half of the book speaks more about the future. It talks about a king who will come. He will be humble and ride on a donkey. Catholics see this as a sign of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Some other parts speak of suffering and being pierced, which also point to Jesus.

Even if some parts are hard to understand, the main message is clear. God is with His people. He wants them to be faithful. He has a plan to save them. This style of writing, full of pictures and promises, helps us look forward with faith.

The Book of Zechariah has many themes that connect with Catholic faith. These themes help us understand God’s plan and how we should live. Here are some of the main ones:

• God is faithful
  Even when the people had sinned, God did not forget them. He brought them back from exile. He promised to help them rebuild. Catholics believe that God always keeps His promises.
• Call to repentance
  Zechariah tells the people to turn back to God. This is a strong message in Catholic teaching. We are all called to turn away from sin and follow God with trust and love.
• Justice and mercy
  The book teaches that people should care for the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers. This lines up with Catholic teaching about loving our neighbor and working for justice.
• Hope in the Messiah
  Zechariah speaks of a future king who will bring peace. Catholics believe this is Jesus. He is the Savior who was promised long ago. Some verses in Zechariah clearly point to Jesus’ life, death, and mission.
• Worship and the temple
  The temple was important to the people. It was where they met God. Zechariah encouraged them to rebuild it. For Catholics, the Church is where we meet God, especially in the Eucharist. The focus on worship and holiness in Zechariah reminds us to honor God in our lives today.

These themes show that the Book of Zechariah is not just about the past. It helps guide us now, as we wait and hope for the return of Christ.

The Book of Zechariah is split into two main parts. Each part has a different focus and style. Knowing the structure helps us understand the message better.

• Chapters 1–8: Visions and Encouragement
  These chapters include eight visions (see Zechariah 1:7–6:8). The visions use symbols to show that God is watching over His people. They also promise that the temple will be finished. There are also short messages that tell the people to be faithful and just (see Zechariah 7:9-10).
• Chapters 9–14: The Coming King and the Future
  These chapters speak more about the future. They talk about a king who will come in peace (see Zechariah 9:9). There are also messages about battles, a shepherd who is struck (see Zechariah 13:7), and the day of the Lord (see Zechariah 14:1-9). Catholics see many of these verses as pointing to Jesus and His mission.

These two parts work together. The first gives hope to the people of that time. The second looks forward to a greater hope. Both parts remind us that God has a plan for His people, then and now.

The Book of Zechariah may be old, but its message still speaks to us today. It talks about things we still face—fear, hope, and waiting for what comes next.

Zechariah reminds us to trust in God, even when times are hard. The people in his day were tired and unsure. We feel the same way sometimes. Like them, we need to hear that God is with us and has not left us.

The book also points to Jesus. It helps us understand who He is and what He came to do. When Zechariah speaks of a king riding a donkey or a shepherd being struck, Catholics see Jesus in those words. This helps us grow in faith.

Finally, Zechariah calls us to live with mercy, justice, and love. That is always needed. His words push us to care for others and stay faithful. In a world full of trouble, his message gives hope and direction.

The Book of Zechariah is not read often at Mass, but it still has a place in the Church’s lectionary.

Even if we do not hear it often, its message still shapes how we understand Jesus and what He came to do. It helps us prepare for His coming and follow Him with hope.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for specific readings:

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

The King Who Brings Peace

In Zechariah 9:9-10, God promises a new kind of king for His people. This king is gentle and rides a donkey, not a war horse. He does not come to fight but to bring peace. His rule will reach far, and it will not be built on force.

Catholics believe this king is Jesus. This reading is used on Palm Sunday when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey. It reminds us that Jesus is not like other kings. He brings peace, not war. He rules with love, not power. This message still matters today, as we try to follow His way.

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time C

A Look Toward the One Who Was Pierced

In Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1, the people are moved to sorrow as they look upon someone who has been pierced. This sorrow is deep and shared by many. It is a time of grief, but also a time that leads to healing.

Catholics see this as a sign pointing to Jesus on the cross. His death brings not only sadness but also hope. The reading ends with a promise of a fountain that cleanses sin. This reminds us of the grace that flows from Jesus’ sacrifice, offering mercy and a new beginning.

It is also occasionally used at weekday Masses:

• Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time I – Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a The Vision of Jerusalem’s Future Glory
• Monday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time I – Zechariah 8:1-8 God’s Promise to Restore Jerusalem
• Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time I – Zechariah 8:20-23 Seeking the Lord Together

Visions, Encouragement, and Mercy

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the Book of Zechariah, chapters 1 through 3. He says that Zechariah was a prophet at the same time as Haggai. Both spoke to the people who had returned from exile and were trying to rebuild the temple. Fr. Mike explains that Zechariah’s message is one of encouragement to keep going and trust in the Lord.

Fr. Mike talks about Zechariah’s visions, saying they are full of symbols. He highlights the fourth vision in chapter 3. In it, Joshua the high priest stands in dirty clothes, with Satan accusing him. God takes away Joshua’s guilt and gives him clean clothes, showing that God forgives and restores.

Fr. Mike connects this to our lives. He says we may feel unworthy, but God removes our sins and gives us new life. He links this to Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery. Fr. Mike says we are called to live differently after being forgiven.

He ends by pointing to the line in Zechariah 3 where God says He will remove the guilt of the land in one day. Fr. Mike says that day is Good Friday. He reminds us that Jesus’ death on the cross made this possible.

Hope in Small Things and a Crowned Priest

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Zechariah chapters 4, 5, and 6. He says Zechariah continues to share a series of visions. In chapter 4, the image of a lampstand and olive trees points to Zerubbabel. God tells him that the work will be completed not by strength, but by the Spirit.

Fr. Mike highlights the line, “Do not despise the day of small things.” He says this speaks to people who feel like their efforts are too small to matter. He reminds us that God often works through small, steady steps. What may seem slow or unimportant is part of something bigger.

In chapter 6, Fr. Mike focuses on the crown placed on Joshua the high priest. He says this wouldn’t normally happen, since crowns are for kings. But this points to Jesus, who is both priest and king. Joshua’s name is even the same as Jesus in Hebrew—Yeshua.

Fr. Mike explains that this moment is like a preview of Jesus. The high priest is crowned because God is showing something deeper. Jesus is the one who builds God’s house, leads God’s people, and wears both the crown and the priestly robes.

Fasting, Faithfulness, and a Future for All

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares thoughts on Zechariah chapters 7 and 8. He says the people asked if they should keep fasting in the fifth and seventh months. God responds by asking whether they were really fasting for Him or just for themselves. Fr. Mike points out that true fasting means living every part of life for God, not just giving Him one moment.

Fr. Mike warns against giving God a small offering but keeping the rest of life for ourselves. He says we often act like our money, our time, or our choices belong only to us. But Zechariah reminds us that everything we have is really God’s. Fasting is meant to help us remember that.

He also highlights the promise at the end of chapter 8. Ten people from every nation will grab a Jew’s robe and say, “Let us go with you, for we’ve heard God is with you.” Fr. Mike says this points to how Gentiles—like most of us—are brought into God’s people through Jesus. He calls this a great gift.

Fr. Mike reminds us that we are invited to belong to God fully. Not just with part of our time or with small moments of prayer, but with our whole lives. That is what Zechariah is calling us to see.

Shepherds, Silver, and the Coming King

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Zechariah chapters 9 through 11. He points out that these chapters include some powerful prophecies about Jesus. Zechariah 9 says the King will come riding on a donkey. Fr. Mike connects this to Palm Sunday, when Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Fr. Mike also talks about the 30 pieces of silver in Zechariah 11. He explains that this points to Judas betraying Jesus. The silver is thrown into the treasury, which also connects to the field bought after the betrayal.

He highlights the warning about bad shepherds. Some leaders care only for themselves, while others care for their people. Fr. Mike reminds us that Jesus is the good shepherd who gives everything for his flock.

Finally, he encourages all of us to think about who we are called to serve. Whether we’re parents, teachers, or friends, we are meant to care for others first. Fr. Mike says, “Leaders eat last.”

The Pierced One and the Power of Love

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Zechariah chapters 12 and 13. He highlights how Zechariah speaks about a time when the people will mourn for “the one they have pierced.” Fr. Mike connects this to Jesus on the cross. He says this is quoted in the Gospel of John and points clearly to Christ.

Fr. Mike explains that Zechariah wrote these words hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Still, the prophecy fits Jesus perfectly. Jesus is the only Son, the firstborn, who was pierced for us. Fr. Mike reminds us that this happened because Jesus loves us and gave everything for us.

He says it’s easy to forget how much God loves us. But the image of the pierced one is a sign that we are not forgotten. Fr. Mike says, “You are worth his life. You are worth his death.”

Fr. Mike also briefly mentions the false prophets in Zechariah 13. He says the point is to turn away from lies and return to the truth. God wants to cleanse His people and make them His own.

A New Day Where Everything Belongs to God

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about the final chapter of the Book of Zechariah, chapter 14. He says this chapter describes what happens on the “day of the Lord.” On that day, God will judge evil, and those who have suffered will be lifted up. Fr. Mike points out that in Christ, we don’t get what we deserve—we get mercy because Jesus took our place.

Fr. Mike highlights how Zechariah says there will be one continuous day, not day or night. He connects this to the Book of Revelation, where it says God himself will be our light. It’s a sign that God will make all things new and bring peace.

At the end of Zechariah, Fr. Mike reflects on the small things being made holy. Even the bells on horses will be marked “holy to the Lord.” He says what is ordinary will become sacred. This reminds us that we are set apart too—God has made us holy.

Fr. Mike says we are called to live that holiness. Whether it’s in church or in daily life, all our work and actions can be given to God. Everything belongs to Him now, even the small and simple things.

The Bible

The Bible is full of stories, prayers, and messages that help us grow in faith. It teaches us how God has worked through history and how He is still working in our lives today. Reading the Bible helps us know Jesus better and follow Him more closely.

If you want to learn more about the Bible, visit this page. It has simple explanations and ideas to help you get started. This is a great way to understand the Bible more and make it part of your daily life.

Who wrote the Book of Zechariah?

The prophet Zechariah wrote it. He was from a priestly family and spoke to the people after they returned from exile in Babylon.

When was it written?

It was written around 520 to 480 B.C., during the time when the temple in Jerusalem was being rebuilt.

Why is the Book of Zechariah important?

It gave hope to the people of that time. It also points to Jesus, the Messiah. Some verses in the book are about events in His life.

Is Zechariah mentioned in the New Testament?

Yes. Some parts of his book are quoted in the Gospels. For example, Zechariah 9:9 is used to show that Jesus is the king who comes riding on a donkey.

What can Catholics learn from this book?

We learn to trust God, care for others, and stay faithful. The book also helps us understand more about Jesus.

The Book of Zechariah was written after the Jewish people returned from exile. Their city was broken, and the temple was not yet rebuilt. The people were tired and unsure about the future. Zechariah came with a message of hope. He told them that God had not forgotten them.

The first part of the book has eight visions. These visions use symbols like horses, horns, and a flying scroll. They may seem strange, but they show that God is in control. They also remind the people to stay faithful and rebuild the temple.

The second part of the book looks ahead. It talks about a humble king who rides a donkey. It also speaks of someone who is pierced. Catholics see these as signs that point to Jesus. His life, death, and mission are hidden in these words.

The book teaches trust, justice, and hope. It tells us that God is always working, even in hard times.

Take time this week to read the Book of Zechariah. It is not a long book, and it gives us strong reminders to trust God and care for others. You may not understand everything right away, but the message is clear—God is near and working in our lives.

After you read, share your thoughts in the comment section. What stood out to you? Did any verses remind you of Jesus? Your ideas may help someone else too.