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The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament
The Message of Zechariah: Your Kingdom Come
The study of the book of Zechariah is bound to be enriching, for it is imbued from beginning to end with the same heart-cry that Jesus turned into a prayer for all of "Your kingdom come." Here Barry G. Webb explores the kingdom of God as the prophet Zechariah apprehended it. In oracles and visions Zechariah challenged his hearers The promises of God in the book of Zechariah are meant to fuel the faithfulness of God?s people and prepare the way for the promised Messiah.
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 11, 2024
Stunning. I bought this because I felt I needed an aid to understanding the prophecy of Zechariah, particularly the mind-bending second part of the book, and Webb's introductory commentary is on Ligonier Ministries' list of the top five for Zechariah. I wanted something that wasn't so technical in its engagement with translation issues or textual criticism that the message of the book would be drowned out, and this seemed to fit the bill. I figured it would be beneficial, but I didn't realize it was going to blow me away. Webb deals with the historical background and context of Zechariah (which was very helpful), AND he powerfully brings out the gospel message of this post-exilic prophet in ways I had never seen or imagined before. Again, it just blew my mind to read his elucidation of the central theme of Zechariah: the coming kingdom and absolute, recognized reign of Yahweh, inaugurated through the coming of the "Branch" and to be consummated in the Second Coming (as further demonstrated in the Revelation of John and the way it draws on the prophecy of Zechariah, which I want to dig into next).
There were sections on what felt like every other page that I had to stop and copy into the Notes app on my phone. I was particularly struck by the realization that Zechariah's prophetic message was sent to a rather pathetic group of returnees from the Babylonian exile who were tempted to give up on such things as rebuilding the Temple because of opposition and discouragement. Working on something mundane as a building, especially when that building was such a far cry from Solomon's Temple, seemed pointless. Yet, "by rising up and rebuilding in their own day, Zechariah and the people of [the province of] Yehud showed that they believed the promises of God and intended to live by them" (36). In the same way, Webb brings out, doing the work of kingdom-building in the face of opposition and discouragement is an act of faith; it's a declaration that we know it is "not by might and not by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts" (Zech. 4:6).
Without ever losing sight of the historical moment into which Zechariah first spoke, Webb shows how this book connects to the person and ministry of Jesus and the outpouring of the Spirit in the new age of God's kingdom -- the beginning of the Day of the Lord that will culminate in Jesus' return to judge the living and the dead. He draws out the conflict between God and His enemies, the promise that all idolatry of every stripe will be cleansed, that the earth itself will be renewed, and that we as God's holy people are engaged in a battle that God has already won. It's an absolutely thrilling picture of the victory of God.
Not one page of this short commentary is dull; every section overflows with beauty and excitement. I haven't read any other commentaries on Zechariah, so maybe Webb's is par for the course (I doubt it), but in any case I couldn't recommend this one more: it's made me love the book of Zechariah, want to dig further into the rest of the post-exilic prophets (and Second-Temple-era literature), and look at the book of Revelation in a new light.
There were sections on what felt like every other page that I had to stop and copy into the Notes app on my phone. I was particularly struck by the realization that Zechariah's prophetic message was sent to a rather pathetic group of returnees from the Babylonian exile who were tempted to give up on such things as rebuilding the Temple because of opposition and discouragement. Working on something mundane as a building, especially when that building was such a far cry from Solomon's Temple, seemed pointless. Yet, "by rising up and rebuilding in their own day, Zechariah and the people of [the province of] Yehud showed that they believed the promises of God and intended to live by them" (36). In the same way, Webb brings out, doing the work of kingdom-building in the face of opposition and discouragement is an act of faith; it's a declaration that we know it is "not by might and not by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts" (Zech. 4:6).
Without ever losing sight of the historical moment into which Zechariah first spoke, Webb shows how this book connects to the person and ministry of Jesus and the outpouring of the Spirit in the new age of God's kingdom -- the beginning of the Day of the Lord that will culminate in Jesus' return to judge the living and the dead. He draws out the conflict between God and His enemies, the promise that all idolatry of every stripe will be cleansed, that the earth itself will be renewed, and that we as God's holy people are engaged in a battle that God has already won. It's an absolutely thrilling picture of the victory of God.
Not one page of this short commentary is dull; every section overflows with beauty and excitement. I haven't read any other commentaries on Zechariah, so maybe Webb's is par for the course (I doubt it), but in any case I couldn't recommend this one more: it's made me love the book of Zechariah, want to dig further into the rest of the post-exilic prophets (and Second-Temple-era literature), and look at the book of Revelation in a new light.
April 17, 2020
Probably the commentary I’ve most enjoying reading through. I’m not saying it was the most technical or anything. But it was really well done, especially for an Old Testament book that, when you read it, comes off quite confusing. In a mere 180 pages, Webb thoroughly explains the book and makes total sense out of it.
The introduction was excellent and really interesting, and then his outlining and treatment of the text was equally so.
Through and through, excellent. Again, the BST series isn’t meant to be super technical, but it was enough so. A really good commentary. And if you’re just interested in the book of Zechariah (which is an under appreciated book, in my opinion, as it’s essentially a mini-Isaiah with all it’s Christ references) then this is a great read.
The introduction was excellent and really interesting, and then his outlining and treatment of the text was equally so.
Through and through, excellent. Again, the BST series isn’t meant to be super technical, but it was enough so. A really good commentary. And if you’re just interested in the book of Zechariah (which is an under appreciated book, in my opinion, as it’s essentially a mini-Isaiah with all it’s Christ references) then this is a great read.
April 12, 2022
After Kline, one of the most helpful works on Zechariah. Not because of its exegetical precision (it's tiny, really), but because it's eschatology reading of it is stimulating, and that's what I expect from a commentary - to be stimulated not bored to death.
But it should be supplemented by other works, like Boda's two books - looking at Zechariah from quite different angle, but so rich in details and oftentimes bringing helpful correction to Webb.
But it should be supplemented by other works, like Boda's two books - looking at Zechariah from quite different angle, but so rich in details and oftentimes bringing helpful correction to Webb.
July 20, 2023
I really enjoyed the depth of digging into the text, and the linkages with all the other writers in the Scriptures that Webb highlights throughout this commentary. It helped me very much in my personal studies and in my teaching sessions to have his notes along with me. I liked the footnotes as they gave good info without getting in the way of the main ideas.
The outlines were also very helpful throughout.
The outlines were also very helpful throughout.
March 6, 2025
This is a phenomenal book that made one of the more confusing books of the Bible come alive! This commentary is true to the series title in balancing exposition and application to today. Webb is not only clear and interesting, he also has some beautifully worded paragraphs. I highly recommend this for both lay people and ministers.
November 16, 2019
This (and Kline) are the two best commentaries I've come across on Zechariah.
August 23, 2016
A useful exposition of a difficult prophetic book
8 September 2011 - London
Zechariah was one of the post-exilic prophets whose ministry occurred around the time that the Jews had been granted permission to return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. Unlike many of the prophetic books, Zechariah preaches more of a message of comfort and hope as opposed to judgement (which is evidence supporting that the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are one and the same, as well as proving that he does not change in demeanour or personality). Obviously, when the Jews returned to their land it was not going to be easy. Jerusalem was a pile of rubble and they pretty much had to start again from scratch.
While I said that the message is mainly one of comfort and hope, it is not without its criticism, and that is mainly because the Jews, upon their return, were spending more time building their own houses and seeing to their own comfort than to rebuilding God's house (namely the Temple). When reading this book, one does need to keep in mind the historical books of Ezra and Nehamiah, which give a more historical background account of this period and the problems that the remnant faced.
Much of the book is looking forward to the end: that is the time when sin will be removed from the land and the original creation is finally restored. The book itself is divided in two, the first consisting of a series of visions (and it is difficult to tell whether these visions all occurred at once, or were staggered over a period of time), and the second part is an oracle that is to be passed onto the people (not that the visions were not meant to, and the fact that they were recorded by Zechariah indicates God's intention that they were to be passed on).
The book is thick with symbols and visions, which can make it quite difficult to follow, though also the distance in time of the writing can make understanding the message difficulty as well. However we need to remember that as a part of holy scripture it is also meant for us. As Paul says to Timothy, that all scripture is God breathed, and useful to teaching, rebuking, etc.
Zechariah contains two very famous prophecies that foretell Christ (remembering that the entire Old Testament is one prophecy pointing to Christ), the first being the King riding on the Donkey (which Jesus fulfilled on Palm Sunday) and the second being the 30 pieces of silver. The section of the book in which this prophecy occurs has always confused me, but Webb does assist in teasing it out a bit. Basically Zechariah is told to become a shepherd, and then treat the flock with contempt, and finally sell them for slaughter. As Webb explains, this is an acting prophecy in which God is condemning bad leadership. A shepherd in the Bible is a leader, and a bad shepherd is a bad leader. The Bible does have a lot to say about leadership, and it is very explicit that people in leadership tend to have higher burdens than others because the flock will be influenced by the leader and a bad leader will end up producing a contemptuous flock.
8 September 2011 - London
Zechariah was one of the post-exilic prophets whose ministry occurred around the time that the Jews had been granted permission to return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. Unlike many of the prophetic books, Zechariah preaches more of a message of comfort and hope as opposed to judgement (which is evidence supporting that the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament are one and the same, as well as proving that he does not change in demeanour or personality). Obviously, when the Jews returned to their land it was not going to be easy. Jerusalem was a pile of rubble and they pretty much had to start again from scratch.
While I said that the message is mainly one of comfort and hope, it is not without its criticism, and that is mainly because the Jews, upon their return, were spending more time building their own houses and seeing to their own comfort than to rebuilding God's house (namely the Temple). When reading this book, one does need to keep in mind the historical books of Ezra and Nehamiah, which give a more historical background account of this period and the problems that the remnant faced.
Much of the book is looking forward to the end: that is the time when sin will be removed from the land and the original creation is finally restored. The book itself is divided in two, the first consisting of a series of visions (and it is difficult to tell whether these visions all occurred at once, or were staggered over a period of time), and the second part is an oracle that is to be passed onto the people (not that the visions were not meant to, and the fact that they were recorded by Zechariah indicates God's intention that they were to be passed on).
The book is thick with symbols and visions, which can make it quite difficult to follow, though also the distance in time of the writing can make understanding the message difficulty as well. However we need to remember that as a part of holy scripture it is also meant for us. As Paul says to Timothy, that all scripture is God breathed, and useful to teaching, rebuking, etc.
Zechariah contains two very famous prophecies that foretell Christ (remembering that the entire Old Testament is one prophecy pointing to Christ), the first being the King riding on the Donkey (which Jesus fulfilled on Palm Sunday) and the second being the 30 pieces of silver. The section of the book in which this prophecy occurs has always confused me, but Webb does assist in teasing it out a bit. Basically Zechariah is told to become a shepherd, and then treat the flock with contempt, and finally sell them for slaughter. As Webb explains, this is an acting prophecy in which God is condemning bad leadership. A shepherd in the Bible is a leader, and a bad shepherd is a bad leader. The Bible does have a lot to say about leadership, and it is very explicit that people in leadership tend to have higher burdens than others because the flock will be influenced by the leader and a bad leader will end up producing a contemptuous flock.
August 14, 2010
This commentary WOW! Was very enjoyable to read and I gained a wealth of knowledge from it. Dr. Barry Webb is a Biblical Theologian that seems to write with love, reverence, respect for God and his Word. Many Scholarly books I've read, obliterates the biblical text with so much exegesis, Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic; there is no coherent composition of thought. And the Bible is irreverently handled like any old book, seems to be no Faith and Love for God but not this book.
Statements that strikes out in this writing "in many ways the New Testament tells us that Zechariah's message about the coming of the kingdom of God finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The first stage of the climactic battle usher in the kingdom of God has already been fought in Jerusalem, in the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The final battle will be fought there also when he returns. In the meantime it continues to be fought everywhere we go as Jesus' followers, preaching the kingdom of God in the power of the Holy Spirit he has poured out upon us. (pg. 174)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem it was not just God's Messiah who had come to us, but God himself. And when Jesus Christ comes again it will be the coming of God. The One who ascended bodily from Mount of Olives will one day stand there again. He will come again in glory to judge the world and restore all things. (pg. 183)
"As we saw in Chapter 12 (Zechariah), the pouring out of the Spirit leads to heartfelt repentance among the people of Israel gathered in Jerusalem, and restoration to true covenant relationship with God(12:10-13:9). How wonderfully that was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, when the Spirit came in power and the apostle Peter stood up to confront his fellow Israelites with their sin in crucifying the Lord Jesus, they was cut to the heart, and turned to God for forgiveness," (pg.184)
Highly recommended reading! Glory to God!
The following statements are not in this book but my added notes:
We know Peter also went to the Gentiles and they received the same covenant/Promise etc. Acts 2:38,39 10:43-48 11:1, 15 Also Paul is with one accord with Peter on how to see and enter the Kingdom of God Acts 19:1-7.
By Grace through Faith Repent, get water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and Filled with the Holy Spirit (Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance)
John 7:37-39
37 IN THE LAST DAY, THAT GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Statements that strikes out in this writing "in many ways the New Testament tells us that Zechariah's message about the coming of the kingdom of God finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The first stage of the climactic battle usher in the kingdom of God has already been fought in Jerusalem, in the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The final battle will be fought there also when he returns. In the meantime it continues to be fought everywhere we go as Jesus' followers, preaching the kingdom of God in the power of the Holy Spirit he has poured out upon us. (pg. 174)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem it was not just God's Messiah who had come to us, but God himself. And when Jesus Christ comes again it will be the coming of God. The One who ascended bodily from Mount of Olives will one day stand there again. He will come again in glory to judge the world and restore all things. (pg. 183)
"As we saw in Chapter 12 (Zechariah), the pouring out of the Spirit leads to heartfelt repentance among the people of Israel gathered in Jerusalem, and restoration to true covenant relationship with God(12:10-13:9). How wonderfully that was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, when the Spirit came in power and the apostle Peter stood up to confront his fellow Israelites with their sin in crucifying the Lord Jesus, they was cut to the heart, and turned to God for forgiveness," (pg.184)
Highly recommended reading! Glory to God!
The following statements are not in this book but my added notes:
We know Peter also went to the Gentiles and they received the same covenant/Promise etc. Acts 2:38,39 10:43-48 11:1, 15 Also Paul is with one accord with Peter on how to see and enter the Kingdom of God Acts 19:1-7.
By Grace through Faith Repent, get water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and Filled with the Holy Spirit (Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance)
John 7:37-39
37 IN THE LAST DAY, THAT GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
March 13, 2011
The kingdom of God as the prophet Zechariah apprehended it. In oracles and visions Z challenged his hearers to return to the coming kingdom, to cleanse themselves in anticipation of the cleansing fountain of God's grace, to restore the city of Jerusalem in preparation for its coming glorification. The promises of God in the book of Z are meant to fuel the faithfulness of God's people and prepare the way for the promised Messiah.
August 13, 2009
another resource for teaching through Zechariah -- very helpful
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews