Zechariah 1:9

"What are these, my lord?" I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, "I will show you what they are."

Study Bible

“What are these, my lord?” I asked.
Zechariah, a prophet during the post-exilic period, is having a vision. This question reflects his desire for understanding and clarity regarding the vision he is witnessing. The term "my lord" indicates respect and recognition of authority, often used in addressing angels or divine messengers. This scene is part of a series of visions given to Zechariah to encourage the Jewish people rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The question signifies the human need for divine interpretation and guidance, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books.

And the angel who was speaking with me replied,
Angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humans in the Bible, delivering messages and providing explanations. This particular angel is a guide for Zechariah, similar to the role of angels in the visions of Daniel and John in Revelation. The presence of the angel underscores the divine origin of the vision and the importance of the message being conveyed. It also highlights the accessibility of divine wisdom through God's appointed messengers.

“I will show you what they are.”
The angel's response promises revelation and understanding, emphasizing God's willingness to reveal His plans to those who seek Him. This assurance of explanation is a common motif in prophetic literature, where God provides insight into His purposes and future events. The phrase suggests a progressive revelation, where understanding unfolds as God deems appropriate. It also points to the role of prophecy in unveiling divine mysteries, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament revelations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah is the author of the book and the one receiving the visions. His role is to encourage the Israelites in rebuilding the temple and to offer hope for the future.

2. The Angel
A divine messenger who communicates God's revelations to Zechariah. The angel serves as an interpreter of the visions Zechariah receives.

3. The Vision
This is part of a series of night visions given to Zechariah. These visions are symbolic and require interpretation to understand their meaning for Israel and God's plans.

4. The Lord
Referred to indirectly in the passage, the Lord is the ultimate source of the vision and the one who sends the angel to communicate with Zechariah.

5. The Context
The vision occurs during a time when the Israelites are returning from exile and are in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. It is a period of renewal and hope, but also of uncertainty and challenge.

Teaching Points

The Role of Divine Messengers
Angels serve as interpreters of God's will, reminding us that God provides guidance and clarity through His appointed messengers.

Seeking Understanding
Zechariah's question, "What are these, my lord?" demonstrates the importance of seeking understanding in our spiritual journey. We should not hesitate to ask God for wisdom and clarity.

God's Communication
God communicates in various ways, including visions and dreams. We should be open to the different ways God might speak to us, always testing them against Scripture.

Encouragement in Uncertainty
Just as Zechariah received encouragement during a time of uncertainty, we too can find hope and direction in God's promises when facing challenges.

The Importance of Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical passages enriches our comprehension and application of Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the angel in Zechariah 1:9 compare to the role of angels in other biblical visions, such as those in Daniel or Revelation?

2. In what ways can we seek understanding from God when we encounter difficult or confusing situations in our lives?

3. How does the context of the Israelites' return from exile influence the message of Zechariah's visions?

4. What are some modern-day "visions" or messages that require discernment and interpretation, and how can we apply biblical principles to understand them?

5. How can the encouragement found in Zechariah's visions inspire us to persevere in our own spiritual and communal rebuilding efforts today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 7
Similar to Zechariah, Daniel receives visions that require interpretation by an angelic figure. This connection highlights the role of angels as mediators of divine revelation.

Revelation 1
The Apostle John also receives visions that are explained by an angel, showing a continuity in how God communicates through visions and angelic messengers.

Haggai 1
Haggai, a contemporary of Zechariah, also encourages the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's house.