served as a prophet to Judah about 520 B.C., after the return from exile.
| Climate of the times | The exiles had returned from captivity to rebuild their Temple. But work on the Temple had stalled, and the people were ignoring their service to God. |
| Main message | Zechariah, like Haggai, encouraged the people to finish rebuilding the Temple. His visions gave the people hope. He told the people of a future king who would one day establish an eternal Kingdom. |
| Importance of message | Even in times of discouragement and despair, God is working out his plan. God protects and guides us; we must trust and follow him. |
| Contemporary prophet | Haggai (approximately 520 B.C.) |