Historical Setting
The setting for Zechariah’s prophecy, like that of Haggai’s, was the reign of Darius I, king of Persia (521–486 BC). Despite the return of the Jews from Babylonian exile, there was little evidence of the program of covenant restoration Yahweh had promised Jerusalem. Selfishness crippled community spirit, and the general mood of the period was gloomy and dismal. In fact, only a small percentage of Jewish captives had actually returned to Judah, and the city walls still lay in ruins. The temple of God remained a rubble heap, and drought and blight ravaged the land. Judah remained a Persian vassal state, and the surrounding nations continued to harass the leaders in Jerusalem and thwart their timid efforts to improve the bleak situation.
The prophet Zechariah complemented Haggai’s message in calling for a spiritual revival among the people. Zechariah’s ministry began just two months after Haggai’s, and his last dated message was delivered in 518 BC. So Zechariah’s ministry in Jerusalem probably lasted more than two years. The reference to Haggai and Zechariah in Ezr 5:1 suggests that they continued to support and encourage the people until the temple was completed and rededicated to the worship of Yahweh with the celebration of the Passover in 515 BC.
The situation in the Persian Empire is that Darius I had some difficulty securing the throne of Persia for himself after the death of Cambyses in Egypt in 522 BC. Two years of intrigue—at times bordering on civil war—had suggested to some that the empire was falling apart and that all the conquered territories might soon be free of the imperial yoke. Such was not to be the case, however, as Darius consolidated his control in 520 BC, ensuring the continued existence of the empire.
Literary Setting
One emphasis that ties all the various sections of the book together is the urgency of rebuilding the temple and the implications for completing the task. In weaving his various points around this emphasis, the prophet taps into common motifs and metaphors from temple-building accounts in the ancient Near East.
A second aspect of the literary setting is found in apocalyptic literature, in which visions figure prominently under the tutelage of angelic guides. Such literature is an expression of worldwide crisis in which good and evil are locked in a cosmic struggle. See the articles “Dreams and Temple Building in the Ancient Near East,” “Apocalyptic Literature,” “Ancient Temple-Building Accounts and Zechariah.” ◆
Key Concepts
• Spiritual restoration must precede social or political restoration.
• God’s presence is the key to restoration, thus the importance of rebuilding the temple.