Chronological Reading Plan for Sep 20, Zech 5-9

Today's readings are Zech 5-9. Tomorrow's are Zech 10-14.

Another vision occurs in Zech 5, a flying scroll and measuring basket. God demands complete elimination of wickedness in His people. The scroll indicates movement of God's people into exile (it flies) by judgment (the measuring basket). The visions tells us that God exiled His people to cleanse them.

The last vision of chariots is a bookend to the first. The chariots represent divine judgment on all the nations of the earth. Redemption comes to God's people, represented by the bronze mountains (God's new dwelling).

Joshua is crowned king as Zerubbabel becomes priest. They are given authority to rule and lead, rebuild the temple and begin worship. They occupy two traditional Jewish roles that will one day be combined into one person, the Messiah.

Zech 7-8 bring oracles concerning periods of fasting and remembrance, designed to remind the Jews of where they've been and what God did to redeem them. It is good for God's people to remember what they have been delivered from. It helps them to remain humble. God has given His children in the Old Testament the feasts, celebrations and rituals to bring His grace to mind. He has given the church today the sacraments of baptism and communion.

Zech 9 was probably written well after the Temple was completed. It sets the tone for the rest of the book. In it, we see that God will deliver and bless Judah. His wrath will be unleashed on its enemies. We see a powerful Messianic prophecy in Zech 9:9-10.