Zechariah began ministering among the Jews who had returned from captivity in Babylon (i.e., the restoration community) two months after Haggai began preaching (1:1; 7:1; cf. Neh. 12:10-16; Hag. 1:1). In a sense, Zechariah's message supplements that of Haggai.6
"Both prophets . . . contrast the past with the present and future, with Haggai stressing the rebuilt Temple as a sign and source of God's blessing and Zechariah emphasizing the role of repentance and renewal in achieving that end. The two prophets worked hand in glove, complementing each other's message."7
"There is a marked contrast between Haggai and his contemporary Zechariah. If Haggai was the builder, responsible for the solid structure of the new Temple, Zechariah was more like the artist, adding colourful windows with their symbolism, gaiety and light. To make sure that their symbolism is rightly understood an interpreting angel acts as guide, adding in some cases a message that goes far beyond what could be deduced from the visions."8
Haggai and Zechariah's ministries followed those of Ezekiel and Daniel, who ministered during the Captivity in Babylon.
| | |
Table of Some Post-Exilic Events |
Cyrus issued his edict allowing the Jews to return home. | 538 B.C. | Ezra 1 |
About 50,000 Jews returned under Zerubbabel and Joshua's leadership. | 536 B.C. | Ezra 2; Neh. 7 |
The altar was rebuilt and sacrifices resumed. | 536 B.C. | |
Work on the temple began but then halted. | 536 B.C. | Ezra 3:1-4 |
The Jews became occupied with rebuilding their own homes. | 536-522 B.C. | Hag. 1-2 |
Cyrus died, and his son, Cambyses II, succeeded him and ruled Persia. | 530 B.C.; 530-522 B.C. | |
Smerdis ruled Persia. | 522-521 B.C. | |
Darius I, the Great (Hystaspes), rescued Persia from civil war and ruled Persia. | 521-486 B.C. | |
Darius confirmed Cyrus' decree and encouraged the Jews to continue rebuilding the temple. | 520 B.C. | Ezra 6:1-14 |
Haggai preached his first three sermons. | 520 B.C., 6th and 7th months | Hag. 1:1, 15; 2:1 |
Zechariah preached his first sermon. | 520 B.C., 8th month | Zech. 1:1 |
Haggai preached his fourth and fifth sermons. | 520 B.C., 9th month | Hag. 2:10, 20 |
Zechariah received his eight night visions. | 520 B.C., 11th month | Zech. 1:7 |
Joshua, the high priest, was crowned. | 520 B.C., 11th month | Zech. 6:9-15 |
The delegation from Bethel arrived, and Zechariah preached again. | 518 B.C., 9th month | Zech. 7:1 |
The Jews completed the temple and dedicated it. | 515 B.C., 12th month | Ezra 6:15 |
Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) reigned over Persia. | 486-464 B.C. | Esth. 2:16 |
Artaxerxes I reigned over Persia. | 464-424 B.C. | |
About 5,000 Jews returned to Palestine under Ezra's leadership. | 458 B.C. | Ezra 7:7 |
Artaxerxes I authorized Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. | 445 B.C. | Neh. 2:1 |
Nehemiah led the third return to Palestine. | 444 B.C. | Neh. 2:9 |
Malachi ministered. | ca. 432-431 B.C. | |
hide text
