Zechariah 1:1

¶ In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

In the eighth {H8066} month {H2320}, in the second {H8147} year {H8141} of Darius {H1867}, came the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} unto Zechariah {H2148}, the son {H1121} of Berechiah {H1296}, the son {H1121} of Iddo {H5714} the prophet {H5030}, saying {H559},

In the eighth month of the second year of Daryavesh, the following message from ADONAI came to Z'kharyah the son of Berekhyah, the son of 'Iddo, the prophet:

In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:

In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of Jehovah unto Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,

Zechariah 1:1 serves as the crucial opening verse to the prophetic book of Zechariah, immediately establishing its historical context, divine authority, and the identity of the prophet. It grounds the subsequent visions and messages in a specific time and place, giving credibility to the word that follows.

Historical and Cultural Context

The precise dating, "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius," refers to the reign of Darius I Hystaspes, King of Persia. This places the prophecy around 520 BC, a significant period in Israel's history. It was roughly 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon, as prophesied by Jeremiah 29:10. This was a challenging post-exilic era, marked by discouragement and slow progress in rebuilding the Second Temple, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Zechariah, along with his contemporary prophet Haggai (who also began his ministry in Darius's second year, see Haggai 1:1), was raised up by God to encourage the weary people to complete the Temple and to renew their commitment to the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Revelation and Authority: The phrase "came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah" underscores that the messages are not human opinions but direct revelations from God. This establishes the divine authority behind all of Zechariah's prophecies.
  • Prophet's Identity and Lineage: Zechariah is clearly identified as "the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet." This lineage not only distinguishes him but also connects him to an established prophetic tradition, lending weight to his pronouncements. His grandfather, Iddo, may have been among those who returned from exile with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:4).
  • God's Precise Timing: The specific chronological dating highlights God's sovereignty and His precise timing in communicating with His people. God speaks into specific historical moments, addressing the needs and challenges of His people exactly when His word is most needed.

Linguistic Insights

The name Zechariah (Hebrew: Zekaryah) means "The LORD remembers." This is highly significant, as the book itself is a testament to God remembering His covenant promises to Israel despite their past failings and present struggles. His father's name, Berechiah (Hebrew: Berekyah), means "The LORD blesses," and his grandfather's name, Iddo (Hebrew: Iddo), can mean "His appointed time" or "timely." These names subtly hint at the overarching themes of God's remembrance, blessing, and timely intervention in the lives of His people.

Practical Application

Zechariah 1:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in human history. Even in times of discouragement, slow progress, or national rebuilding, God speaks. His word is always timely and purposed to guide, correct, and encourage. For believers today, this verse emphasizes the importance of listening for the "word of the LORD" in our own lives and circumstances, trusting that God remembers His promises and will bless those who respond to His call, much like He called the post-exilic community to "Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts".

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Nehemiah 12:4

    Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,

  • Luke 11:51

    From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

  • Ezra 4:24

    Then ceased the work of the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

  • Ezra 5:1

    ¶ Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that [were] in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, [even] unto them.

  • Zechariah 1:7

    ¶ Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which [is] the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

  • Matthew 23:35

    That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

  • Zechariah 7:1

    ¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, [that] the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth [day] of the ninth month, [even] in Chisleu;

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