I. Prophetic Communication, Visions, and Angelic Beings:;xNLx;;xNLx;The word of the LORD came to Zechariah (e.g., Zechariah 1:1, 7; 4:6, 8; 6:1, 9; 7:1, 4, 8; 8:1, 18): The standard formula indicating that the messages delivered by Zechariah were divine revelations from Yahweh, the God of Israel, and carried His authority.;xNLx;Vision(s) (e.g., Zechariah 1:8; 2:1; 3:1; 4:2; 5:1; 6:1; "I saw" is frequent): Supernatural revelations or inspired insights given by God to the prophet, often involving complex and symbolic imagery that conveyed divine messages about present realities and future events. Zechariah chapters 1-6 are primarily composed of such visions.;xNLx;Angel (who talked with me / angel of the LORD) (e.g., Zechariah 1:9, 11-14, 19; 2:3; 3:1, 3, 5-6; 4:1, 4-5; 5:5, 10; 6:4-5): A heavenly messenger appearing frequently in Zechariah's visions to interpret the imagery and convey God's messages to the prophet. "The angel of the LORD" is a specific figure who often acts as a divine representative, sometimes identified with God Himself or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.;xNLx;Satan (Zechariah 3:1-2): Hebrew for "accuser" or "adversary." In Zechariah's vision, Satan stands at the right hand of Joshua the high priest to accuse him, but he is rebuked by the angel of the LORD.;xNLx;Oracle / Burden (Hebrew: massa) (Titles of Zechariah 9:1; 12:1): A prophetic utterance, often a weighty pronouncement of judgment or a significant divine revelation concerning the future.;xNLx;II. Symbolic Imagery from Visions (Zechariah 1-6):;xNLx;;xNLx;Horns (Zechariah 1:18-21): Symbols of power and oppressive nations that had scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.;xNLx;Craftsmen / Smiths (Zechariah 1:20-21): Figures raised up by God to terrify and cast down the "horns" (hostile nations), symbolizing God's power to bring down oppressors.;xNLx;Measuring line (Zechariah 1:16; 2:1-2): A builder's tool used for measuring. In the vision, it symbolizes the rebuilding and restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple, and God's intention to define and protect His city.;xNLx;Lampstand (of gold) (Zechariah 4:2-3, 10-14): A golden lampstand with seven lamps, fed by two olive trees. It symbolizes God's all-seeing presence, the restored community as a source of light, and the divine empowering of the community's leaders (Zerubbabel and Joshua) through God's Spirit.;xNLx;Olive trees (two) (Zechariah 4:3, 11-14): Standing by the lampstand, these are interpreted as "the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth," generally understood to represent Zerubbabel (the governor, representing civil authority) and Joshua (the high priest, representing religious authority), both empowered by God's Spirit for their tasks.;xNLx;Flying scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4): A large scroll seen flying over the land, inscribed with curses against thieves and those who swear falsely. It symbolizes the pervasive and inescapable judgment of God against sin in the land.;xNLx;Ephah (Zechariah 5:5-11): A standard dry measure (about 22 liters). In the vision, a woman (personifying Wickedness) is sealed inside an ephah and transported to the land of Shinar (Babylonia), symbolizing the removal of wickedness from Judah.;xNLx;Shinar (Zechariah 5:11): Another name for Babylonia, the place of exile and a symbol of pagan opposition to God. The removal of wickedness to Shinar signifies its complete banishment from the restored community.;xNLx;Chariots (four) (Zechariah 6:1-8): Coming from between two bronze mountains, drawn by horses of different colors, these chariots are identified as "the four spirits/winds of heaven" going out from the Lord to patrol the earth and execute His purposes, particularly in the north country (Babylon).;xNLx;III. Key Figures and Titles:;xNLx;;xNLx;Zerubbabel (son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah) (e.g., Zechariah 3:8 [implied with Joshua]; 4:6-10; 6:12-13 [implied with the Branch]): A descendant of David and the civil leader of the returned exiles, responsible for rebuilding the Temple. Zechariah encourages him, assuring him of success "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" (4:6).;xNLx;Joshua (son of Jehozadak, the high priest) (e.g., Zechariah 3:1-9; 6:11-13): The high priest during the Temple rebuilding. Zechariah's vision of Joshua being cleansed of his filthy garments and reclothed symbolizes the purification of the priesthood and the people from sin, and their restoration to God's service.;xNLx;The Branch (Hebrew: Tsemach) (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12-13): A significant messianic title referring to a future Davidic ruler who will "branch out" or "sprout up" and build the temple of the LORD, reigning as both king and priest (or in close harmony with the priesthood), and bringing peace. This figure is associated with Zerubbabel as a type but ultimately points to a greater future fulfillment.;xNLx;Shepherd(s) (Zechariah 10:2-3; 11:3-17; 13:7): Leaders of God's people. Zechariah condemns the worthless shepherds (Israel's corrupt leaders) and speaks of a future good shepherd, but also of a shepherd being struck (13:7), a passage with messianic implications.;xNLx;IV. Covenant, Sin, Repentance, and Restoration:;xNLx;;xNLx;Return to me / Turn (Hebrew: shuv) (e.g., Zechariah 1:3-4, 6, 16; 7:10 [not devising evil]; 8:3, 14-17; 9:12): A call for genuine repentance, involving turning away from evil practices and disobedience and returning to God in faithfulness.;xNLx;Jealous / Jealousy (of the LORD for Zion) (Zechariah 1:14; 8:2): God's intense, zealous love and protective concern for Jerusalem (Zion) and His people, motivating His anger against their enemies and His actions for their restoration.;xNLx;Disperse / Scatter (e.g., Zechariah 1:17, 19, 21; 2:6; 6:7-8 [patrol, implied dispersion of judgment]; 7:14; 10:9; 13:7): The scattering of God's people among the nations as a result of judgment and exile. Zechariah also prophesies their future gathering.;xNLx;Gather / Bring back (e.g., Zechariah 2:6, 10, 12; 8:7-8, 20-23; 10:6, 8-10; 12:2-3, 6, 10; 14:2, 14): God's future act of collecting His dispersed people from exile and bringing them back to their land, restoring them to fellowship with Him.;xNLx;Idols / Idolatry (Zechariah 10:2; 13:2): The worship of false gods or images, which Zechariah declares God will cut off from the land in the time of purification.;xNLx;False prophets / Unclean spirit (Zechariah 13:2-6): Those who prophesy lies or are motivated by an impure spiritual influence. In the time of restoration, such prophecy will be removed.;xNLx;Fasting (Zechariah 7:3-7; 8:19): The ritual abstaining from food. Zechariah addresses questions about the continued observance of fasts that commemorated national disasters, teaching that true fasting should be accompanied by justice and mercy, and that future fasts will become joyful feasts.;xNLx;Justice (Hebrew: mishpat) (Zechariah 7:9; 8:16): Fairness, equity, and right judgment in legal and social dealings. Zechariah emphasizes this as a key requirement of God, alongside mercy and kindness.;xNLx;Steadfast love / Kindness / Mercy (Hebrew: chesed) (Zechariah 7:9): Loyal love, compassion, and kindness, which God requires His people to show to one another.;xNLx;Remnant (Zechariah 8:6, 11-12; 9:7; 13:8-9; 14:2): The portion of God's people who survive judgment and through whom God will work His purposes of restoration and blessing.;xNLx;Fountain (for cleansing) (Zechariah 13:1): A prophetic image of a source of purification from sin and uncleanness that will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the day of salvation.;xNLx;Holy / Holiness (to the LORD) (e.g., Zechariah 2:12; 3:5 [holy garments]; 8:3; 14:20-21): Set apart for God, sacred, and reflecting God's pure character. Zechariah envisions a future where Jerusalem will be called the "Faithful City" and "Mount Zion, the Holy Mountain," and even ordinary items will be holy to the LORD.;xNLx;V. Eschatological and "Day of the LORD" Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;The Day of the LORD (Zechariah 12:3-4, 6, 8-9, 11; 13:1-2, 4; Chapter 14:1-21): A prominent theme in Zechariah's later chapters, referring to a future, often cataclysmic, time of God's decisive intervention. It involves:;xNLx;Judgment on the nations that oppose Jerusalem (12:9; 14:2-3, 12).;xNLx;The suffering and refining of God's people (13:8-9).;xNLx;A dramatic appearance of God on the Mount of Olives (14:4).;xNLx;The ultimate triumph of God, His universal reign, and the establishment of His kingdom (14:9, 16).;xNLx;The purification and transformation of Jerusalem and creation (14:6-8, 10-11, 20-21).;xNLx;Living waters (Zechariah 14:8): A symbol of abundant life, blessing, and divine provision flowing from Jerusalem in the eschatological age.;xNLx;Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4): The mountain east of Jerusalem, which Zechariah prophesies will be split in two when the LORD comes on the Day of the LORD.;xNLx;Plague (Zechariah 14:12, 15, 18): A devastating affliction or disease sent by God as judgment upon the nations that fought against Jerusalem.;xNLx;Feast of Booths / Tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16-19): An annual Israelite harvest festival. Zechariah prophesies that in the eschatological age, all surviving nations will be required to go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep this feast, signifying universal worship of God.;xNLx;VI. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Shame / Ashamed (e.g., Zechariah 3:3-4 [filthy garments]; 9:5; 10:5; 12:5 [ESV footnote]; 13:4): Disgrace, humiliation, or the feeling of guilt. The cleansing of Joshua the high priest involves the removal of shame. False prophets will be ashamed of their visions.;xNLx;Stronghold (Zechariah 9:12): A place of safety and security. Prisoners of hope are called to return to their stronghold.;xNLx;Prisoners of hope (Zechariah 9:12): Exiles or those in distress who still maintain hope in God's promises of restoration and deliverance.;xNLx;This list covers many of the significant terms in the Book of Zechariah (ESV) that might require definition. Its rich symbolism and far-reaching prophecies make careful attention to language crucial for understanding its message of God's sovereignty, judgment, and ultimate plan for the redemption and glorious future of His people and all creation.