Context
Name 2 ancestors of the prophet Zechariah
Who are Berekiah and Iddo
(Zach 1:1; Ezra 5:1; 6:14)
What did the earlier Israelites do that led to God’s anger and their eventual exile?
They mocked God’s prophets and despised His words, refusing to listen or pay attention to them (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).
They were stiff-necked, didn’t listen to the prophets, didn’t obey God or respond to His correction, and followed evil ways and practices (Jeremiah 7:25-29)
They wouldn’t listen to God and turn from their evil ways and practices (Zechariah 1:4)What did Zechariah tell the people to do to avoid God’s anger?
Return to God. Do not be like their ancestors (Zechariah 1:3-4)
Zechariah was a contemporary of this prophet who also urged the rebuilding of the temple
Who is Haggai?
(Ezra 5:1;6:14)
What does God expect sinful people to do?
God expects people to humbly turn from their sin and turn to Him with all their heart, which is to repent
Joel 2:12-14, Zechariah 1:3-4, Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 3:19
What thinking and emotions does Scripture say are associated with true repentance?
True repentance involves admitting guilt, heartfelt grief over sin, humility, and a desire to be forgiven, which may result in fasting, weeping, and mourning.
(Proverbs 28:13; Joel 2:12-14; James 4:7-10)
Name 3 ways Zechariah encouraged the rebuilding of the temple
1) Zechariah prophesied (Ezra 5:1)
2) Zechariah supported Zerubbabel and Joshua (Ezra 5:2)
3) Zechariah preached (Ezra 6:14)
In what ways does God show kindness toward sinners?
God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8; Joel 2:13)
He offers many warnings (2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Jeremiah 7:25-28) and patiently waits with kindness before sending judgement (Romans 2:4-8; 2 Peter 3:9)
How did the people of Israel respond Zechariah’s message from God?
They admitted their sin and repented
Zechariah 1:6
This person was the ruler at the time of Zechariah’s prophecy
Who is King Darius 1 of Persia?
(Ruled from 522-486 BC)
DAILY DOUBLE
What attributes of God did you find in the verses we read today? Name the attribute and verse you found that attribute
Through Zechariah’s prophecy, what did God promise to do if the people would repent?
God promised to return to the people if they would return to Him, meaning He would remove His discipline and bless them
Zechariah 1:3