The Prophecy Of Zechariah
Zechariah 1:1-6 - A Call To Return To Yahweh

In vision clear the prophet saw
Invisible to man God's cosmic plan
Revealed in mystery's simple shapes
Ten awesome signs of global weight.

The drama on life's stage appeared
The sovereign Lord produced the plan
Four separate scenes before him passed
And then the Lord returned at last.

A call is heard before the start
"Return to Me with contrite heart
For Babylon's strength has been removed
And grace toward Judah is approved."

Then from the rubble-broken walls
Where once Shekinah's Glory dwelt
The angel's voice comes loud and clear
"He has remembered! He is here!"

The awful bondage from the past
Is now fulfilled as Yahweh said
So why is Israel in distress?
While Persia's rule gives nations rest?

The vision Zechariah saw
Outlines the course of Judah's call
To follow closely His command
Until with Christ they take their stand.

So gather round the prophet's stage
And watch this awesome sight unfold
For blessings fall on all who care
And from their hearts this message share.
--B. Pent

THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. The three names: Zechariah; his father Berekiah; and grandfather Iddo together in Hebrew mean "Jehovah remembers and blesses in His time." What significance might these names have as they relate to the Book of Zechariah?

2. According to verse 4-6, what are some of the contributing factors which led to the Babylonian captivity?

3. Even after Cyrus urged the Jews to return to their homeland, why did so few leave and so many stay? Might it have something to do with
the comforts of Babylon or the broken down walls of Jerusalem? What do you think?

4. Verses 2 and 6b suggest that they were truly repentant of their past. What are some of the indication that they were returning to Yahweh?