Category: BSF Exile &amp; Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4

December 25, 2025November 30, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 4

Zechariah’s fifth vision is of a lampstand with 7 lamps with 7 channels leading to it. This vision is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.”

The “great mountain” shall “become a plain” before God. Zerubbabel’s hands “laid the foundation” and “shall also finish it” with the “capstone,” amid shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18 Day 5: Zechariah 4

12) The lampstand fed continuously by olive trees illustrates a limitless supply of oil, representing the Holy Spirit’s power. This symbolism proves that success relies not on human “might,” but on divine sufficiency. It assures Zerubbabel that God will supernaturally level “mountains” of opposition to bring the work to a triumphant finish.

13a) God encouraged him that success comes by the Spirit, not human strength, promising that “mountains” of opposition would vanish and he would finish the Temple. The warning cautions against despising “small beginnings” or relying on self-effort, urging him to trust solely in God’s sufficient grace.

b) It shifts focus from human exhaustion to divine reliance, teaching that success depends on God’s Spirit, not our striving. It reframes overwhelming “mountains” as obstacles God will flatten. Finally, it validates “small beginnings,” assuring us that God rejoices in humble starts and guarantees to finish His work with grace. I am encouraged by God doing it all by grace.

14) ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.’ This verse is comforting because I can let go of things and put them in God’s hands rather than mine. Everything is from Him, by Him, and for Him. Everything is in God’s power. When I feel like I can’t do something, it’s okay because God can do it.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4

Great study! I love all the different visions. God is so gracious to speak to His people and lead and guide us!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4

You’ll see that many of these images have to do with the temple since the people were currently rebuilding it at this time.

The golden lampstand was meant to stand in the temple. The olive trees’ job was to supply the 7 lamps with oil via 7 pipes.

The Jewish people would know instantly that this was special. Here, the olive trees supply the oil. In ancient times, the lampstands had to be constantly tended to, so the analogy of God doing it all hit home.

Zerubbabel was in charge of the temple building. The message to him was that God, via the Holy Spirit would supply the power to finish the temple.

Oil was a popular symbol in the Bible. Its properties were what was important: healing, lubrication, light, warmth, polishes, etc. Here, it represents God’s Spirit.

The building of the temple was a great mountain. But with God’s power, it would be as a plain.

When work is done by the Spirit, it is by grace. God always finishes what He starts.

The small things shape us.

The 7 are the eyes of the Lord who rejoices in us doing His work.

The 2 anointed ones were Zerubbabel and Joshua. We see this symbolism again in Revelation, as 2 more will rise up for the Lord (Revelation 11:3-13). Revelation 11:4

The anointed ones would have a continual supply of oil like the lamps.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 4 (The Vision of the Golden Lampstand) is a message of supernatural empowerment specifically designed to encourage Zerubbabel, the governor.

The Power Source: The prophet sees a lampstand fed directly by two olive trees, meaning it never runs out of fuel and requires no human maintenance. This illustrates the central truth: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” The work will be accomplished by God’s endless supply of grace, not by human military force or political maneuvering.
Leveling the Mountain: The “great mountain” of opposition (rubble, politics, discouragement) facing Zerubbabel is promised to become a “plain.” God will flatten the obstacles that seem insurmountable.
The Capstone: God guarantees that Zerubbabel, who laid the foundation, will personally set the final stone (the capstone) to finish the Temple. This triumph will not be met with boasts of “We did it,” but with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”—acknowledging God’s help from start to finish.
Small Beginnings: The vision rebukes the cynics who “despise the day of small things.” God rejoices to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand, affirming that humble beginnings often lead to glorious finishes.

Conclusion

God’s work is done by God’s power. When we face “mountainous” obstacles, the solution is not to try harder (might/power), but to rely deeper on the Holy Spirit. God assures us that what He begins by grace, He will finish by grace.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 4: Zechariah 3

December 24, 2025November 30, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 3

Zechariah saw in his fourth vision Joshua, who stood in “filthy garments” before the Angel of the Lord while “Satan” opposed him. The Lord said, “The Lord rebuke you!” and commanded, “Take away the filthy garments.” God declared, “I have removed your iniquity” and clothed him in “rich robes.” If Joshua would walk in the ways of the Lord, he would govern his house.

God then promises to bring “My Servant the BRANCH (aka Jesus)” to remove the land’s iniquity “in one day,” or the End Times.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18 Day4: Zechariah 3

9) Joshua, representing Israel, stands in “filthy garments” symbolizing their collective sin. God commands these be removed and replaced with “rich robes,” visually demonstrating that He actively takes away their iniquity and bestows a restored, pure status. This exchange illustrates that forgiveness is a gracious gift from God, not a human achievement.

10a) God takes away our sins when we receive the new clothes provided by Christ when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

It depicts the “Great Exchange” and justification by faith. God removes our “filthy” sin and clothes us in Christ’s perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). This spiritual “wedding garment” (Matthew 22) provides a new, holy identity (Ephesians 4:24) and qualifies us for the eternal feast (Revelation 19), a standing we receive by grace, not merit.

Long Answer:

Zechariah 3:3-5 provides a vivid Old Testament picture of the New Testament doctrine of Imputed Righteousness. It dramatizes exactly what God does for every believer in Christ.

1. The Great Exchange (2 Corinthians 5:21)

In the vision, Joshua does not wash his own clothes; God orders the filthy garments removed and new ones put on.

The Parallel: This illustrates the “Great Exchange.” Christ takes our “filthy garments” (our sin and shame) upon Himself on the cross, and in return, He clothes us in His “rich robes” (His perfect righteousness). We do not stand before God in our own merit, but in the merit of Jesus.

2. Required for Entrance (Matthew 22:11-12)

In Matthew, the guest without a wedding garment is cast out because he tried to enter the feast on his own terms. In Zechariah, Joshua is only accepted after he is re-clothed.

The Parallel: God provides the covering necessary to stand in His presence. Just as Joshua could not serve as priest in filthy clothes, we cannot enter the Kingdom in our own “good works.” We must wear the righteousness provided by the King.

3. A New Identity (Ephesians 4:24)

Joshua receives a “clean turban,” symbolizing a renewed mind and a restored status of holiness.

The Parallel: Salvation is not just a legal acquittal; it is a transformation. We “put on the new self.” God stops identifying us by our past sins (the filth) and identifies us by our new creation in Christ (the festal robes).

4. Preparation for Glory (Revelation 19:7-9)

The “rich robes” in Zechariah anticipate the “fine linen, bright and pure” worn by the Bride of Christ in Revelation.

The Parallel: What God does at salvation (justification) prepares us for the ultimate wedding feast of the Lamb. The “festal apparel” implies that we are not just cleaned up for duty, but dressed for celebration and eternal joy.

b) Dear Lord, Thank you so much for sending your Son to die for our sins. We are not worthy and never will be, but you love us so much that you accept us anyway. Human words will never be enough to express our gratitude to you. Thank you so much. In Jesus’s name, Amen!

11a) Zechariah 3:8-10 teaches that Joshua (the priest) is just a shadow. The reality is Jesus, who is the Royal King (The Branch), the Solid Foundation (The Stone), and the Final Sacrifice who removes sin forever in One Day.

These symbols portray Christ as the “Branch,” the righteous King from David’s line (Jeremiah 23), and the “Stone,” the sure foundation of God’s kingdom (Isaiah 28). Most significantly, the promise to remove iniquity in “one day” foretells His singular, final atonement on the cross, accomplishing what the law could not.

Long answer:

Zechariah 3:8-10 moves from the specific cleansing of Joshua to a prophetic picture of the Messiah. The “men of sign” (the priests) are foreshadowing a greater High Priest to come.

1. The Branch: The Davidic King

God promises to bring forth “My Servant the BRANCH” (Zechariah 3:8).

The Symbolism: A “branch” (or shoot) implies new life springing from a seemingly dead stump.
The Fulfillment: This points to Jesus’ lineage. By the time of Zechariah, the royal line of David had been cut down (no king sat on the throne).
- Isaiah 11:1-4 predicts a “shoot from the stump of Jesse” who will judge with righteousness.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 calls Him a “righteous Branch” who will be called “The Lord Our Righteousness.”
- Zechariah 6:12-13 later confirms that this Branch will build the temple and, uniquely, sit as a Priest on a Throne.
Conclusion: Jesus is the “Branch” who unites the offices of King and High Priest, restoring the fallen dynasty of David.

2. The Stone: The Sure Foundation

God sets a “stone” before Joshua (Zechariah 3:9).

The Symbolism: A single, unshakeable stone chosen by God.
The Fulfillment: This points to Jesus’ nature as the Foundation of the Church and God’s kingdom.
- Isaiah 28:16 describes God laying a “tested stone” in Zion, a “precious cornerstone” and a sure foundation.
- Psalm 118:22 predicts that the stone the builders rejected would become the “chief cornerstone.”
Conclusion: Jesus is the rock upon which the new temple (the Church/Believers) is built.

3. The Seven Eyes: Perfect Wisdom

The stone has “seven eyes” (Zechariah 3:9).

The Symbolism: In the Bible, seven represents perfection or completion.
The Fulfillment: This points to Jesus’ Omniscience and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
- Isaiah 11:2 describes the Spirit of the Lord (wisdom, understanding, counsel) resting on the Branch.
- Revelation 5:6 portrays the Lamb (Jesus) having “seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.”

4. The “One Day”: The Atonement

God promises to “remove the iniquity of that land in one day” (Zechariah 3:9).

The Symbolism: The Levitical system required sacrifices day after day, year after year. A removal in “one day” implies a singular, final event.
The Fulfillment: This points to The Crucifixion (Good Friday).
- Unlike the High Priests who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). The “one day” is the day Jesus died, effectively paying for the sin of the world permanently.

b) Well, all of God’s Word is connected, and the Old Testament points to the New Testament and the eternal life that Jesus offers/brings.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 4: Zechariah 3

Powerful message of how God will clothe us all in Christ’s salvation.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 4: Zechariah 3

Point of fact: Joshua was the high priest at the time (Haggai 1:1).

This is a great example of how God restricts Satan.

This is a great example of fighting Satan in God’s authority Jude 1:9

Satan tried to say Joshua was dirty (his garments represent the sin of God’s people), and therefore, he should not stand before the Lord. God proves him completely wrong.

A brand is burnt wood and is useful in a fire.

God cleansed Joshua by giving him new garments, aka righteousness and justification. This is a popular idea in the Bible (Genesis 3:7, 3:21) and (Revelation 7:13-14).

Priests wore turbans. (Exodus 28:36-38).

Branch is the title for the Messiah (Isaiah 4:2 and 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5 and 33:15).

Jesus called us branches, too (John 15:5).

Eyes represent knowledge, and the number 7 in the Bible is the number of completion or perfection. Therefore, 7 eyes represent omniscience.

Messiah brings everyone peace, which sitting under a fig tree represents (1 Kings 4:25, 2 Kings 18:31)

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 3 (The Vision of the High Priest) is a courtroom drama illustrating forensic justification and spiritual cleansing.

The Accusation: Joshua the High Priest stands before the Angel of the Lord dressed in “filthy garments” (symbolizing the sin of the nation and the priesthood). Satan stands at his right hand to accuse him. The accusation is valid: Joshua is filthy.
The Defense: The Lord does not argue that Joshua is clean; instead, He silences the accuser by election: “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” God defends Joshua based on His own choice to save him, not Joshua’s merit.
The Exchange: God commands the removal of the filthy clothes (removing iniquity) and re-clothes Joshua in “rich robes” and a clean turban. This symbolizes imputed righteousness—God providing the purity that Joshua lacked.
The Charge & Promise: Joshua is reinstated to his duties with a condition: if he walks in God’s ways, he will govern God’s house.
The Prophecy: The vision concludes by pointing to the “Branch” (the Messiah) and a single stone with seven eyes, promising that God will “remove the iniquity of that land in one day”—a foreshadowing of the Atonement.

Conclusion

Humanity cannot clean itself, but God provides a change of clothes. The chapter teaches that restoration begins with God silencing our accuser and replacing our sin with His righteousness by grace alone. It affirms that spiritual standing is a gift from God, not an achievement of man.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 3: Zechariah 2

December 23, 2025November 30, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 2

Zechariah saw a man holding a measuring line in his third vision. The man was going to measure Jerusalem when God said that Jerusalem would be a city without walls cause it would be so big. God Himself will be a wall of fire around it.

God will come and live among His people. God will inherit Judah as His portion and will choose Jerusalem again.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18 Day 3: Zechariah 2

6) The “city without walls” symbolizes a restoration so vast it defies measurement. The “wall of fire” replaces stone defenses with perfect divine protection. Crucially, the promise to be the “glory in her midst” signifies the return of God’s personal presence, confirming He has ended the exile to live among them again.

Zechariah 2:4: God promises boundless expansion and abundance. He declares Jerusalem will be “inhabited as villages without walls” because the population of people and livestock will grow so large that physical fortifications cannot contain them, signifying a future of overflowing prosperity that exceeds human limits.

Zechariah 2:5a: God promises supernatural protection through the metaphor of a “wall of fire.” He pledges to personally surround Jerusalem, acting as an impenetrable defense. This assures the people that their security relies not on physical fortifications, but on His constant, fiery vigilance against any external threat.

Zechariah 2:5b, 10, 11b: God promises the return of His manifest presence and glory. He pledges to “dwell in your midst,” ending the spiritual separation of the exile. This guarantees a renewed covenant relationship, replacing past mourning with singing as the Lord takes up permanent residence within the city again.

Zechariah 2:11a: God promises that Jerusalem’s restoration will trigger a global spiritual gathering. He declares that “many nations” will join the Lord, expanding the covenant family beyond ethnic Israel. This assures Judah that their renewal is the catalyst for fulfilling the ancient promise to be a blessing to all the earth.

b) I always love it when God says He will be with me. It’s so encouraging when I feel alone and unsafe in this world. They reassure believers that true security comes from God’s presence, not human control. We are encouraged that God surrounds us like a “wall of fire” when we feel vulnerable. These promises invite us to trust that His plans for our lives are far greater than our current limitations or fears.

8 ) It reveals God is actively moving, not dormant. It reminds humanity (“all flesh”) of our frailty. The meaningful truth is that in the presence of Divine action, our best response is reverent silence—ceasing our frantic striving and complaints to humbly witness His sovereign power and holiness.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 3: Zechariah 2

God is with us and protects us. If we could only remember this all day long and keep it in the forefront of our minds, we’d be a lot more content each and every day.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 3: Zechariah 2

The man is an angelic being and could be Jesus.

Jerusalem needed to be large enough for God’s people. God would provide the protection for Jerusalem to finish the temple. Today, Jerusalem is a city without walls and will be when the Messiah reigns on earth.

God wants His people to return to Jerusalem, but many do not.

Remember, Babylon is both literal and figurative (a city of evil) in the Bible. (Revelation 18:4-5)

Anything that is the apple of your eye is precious and something you cherish above all else.

With a shake of His hand, God will enslave those who enslaved His people.

The people will sing and rejoice because God will be with them in such a powerful way!

Fun Fact: This is the only place where the phrase Holy Land is used in the Bible.

God’s land (and His people) are holy, set aside for Himself.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 2 (The Vision of the Man with the Measuring Line) is a message of boundless expansion and divine presence.

Breaking Limits: Zechariah sees a man attempting to measure Jerusalem to define its walls. An angel interrupts, declaring that Jerusalem will be “inhabited as villages without walls” because of the multitude of people and livestock. This signifies that God’s future plans for His people are too vast to be contained by human measurements or physical fortifications.
The Wall of Fire: God promises to replace the physical stone walls (which offer limited protection) with Himself: “I will be to her a wall of fire all around.” This guarantees perfect security.
The Glory Within: God promises to dwell in the midst of the city. The restoration is not just about real estate; it is about the return of God’s tangible presence (Glory) among His people.
The Apple of His Eye: The chapter concludes with a warning to the nations that plundered Israel: “he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” This reasserts Israel’s precious status and God’s protective jealousy.

Conclusion

God’s plans are bigger than our safety nets. The vision teaches that true security does not come from physical barriers (walls) but from God’s personal presence. He calls His people to stop limiting their expectations to what they can measure and instead trust in His limitless protection and glory.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 2: Zechariah 1:7-21

December 22, 2025November 30, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:7-21

Zechariah’s first vision was of a man mounted on a red horse. The man was leading other horses and their riders. These were the ones the Lord had sent to go throughout the earth.

Zechariah was told that the Lord said He would return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there His house would be rebuilt. The people will be prosperous.

Then Zechariah saw four horns, which were the ones that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. There were four craftsmen who have come to terrify those against Israel.

Zechariah receives two night visions. First, he sees a man among myrtle trees; scouts report the nations are at ease, ignoring Jerusalem’s plight. God responds with zeal, declaring anger at these nations and promising to rebuild His Temple and prosper His cities.

Second, Zechariah sees four horns representing the powers that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. God then reveals four craftsmen sent to terrify and cast down these horns. Together, these visions assure the people that God is ending the nations’ complacency and actively dismantling the forces that oppressed His people.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18 Day 2: Zechariah 1:7-21

3) The myrtle trees in the ravine symbolize Israel’s life persisting in deep humiliation. Echoing Isaiah’s promise of myrtles replacing briars (Isa 55:13), God’s presence among them in the hollow proves He is with them in their lowliness, ready to replant Jerusalem and transform their barren state into fertile blessing.

4) Scripture defines “horns” as symbols of aggressive military power (Deut 33:17, Dan 8:5). By countering them with “craftsmen”—artisans who master material—God reveals these terrifying empires are subject to His design. He raises specific agents to “terrify and cast down” their strength, dismantling the nations that scattered His inheritance.

5a) These visions directly addressed their two biggest fears: abandonment and vulnerability.

Seeing God in the “ravine” proved He was with them in their humiliation, not absent. By revealing “craftsmen” sent to dismantle the hostile powers (“horns”) blocking them, God assured them He was actively clearing the political obstacles so they could safely resume building.

b) Psalm 121 says that God watches over us as we sleep. He helps us. Nothing will harm us. He will watch over our lives forever.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 2: Zechariah 1:7-21

Be prepared for lots of symbols in our study of Zechariah. This may be hard to interpret, but I hope my notes help!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 2: Zechariah 1:7-21

Bible scholars are divided on the meaning of the colors of the horses.

The myrtle tree is a laurel tree. It could be a symbol of the people of Israel.

The man is an angel of the Lord who is God Himself (Zechariah 1:11) or Jesus.

Most Bible scholars agree that this is Jesus because no one has ever seen God. (1 Timothy 6:16)

Jesus intercedes for Jerusalem and Judah.

God is angry because other nations are at peace but His people are suffering. God cares for His people and promises to restore them.

Most Bible scholars think that the four horns represent: Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome.

God will judge those nations that scatter His people.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Context

The prophet Zechariah is addressing the Jewish exiles who have returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. They are discouraged because the rebuilding of the Temple has stalled, the city is in ruins, and the promised glory of restoration has not yet appeared.

Part 1: The Man Among the Myrtle Trees (Verses 7–17)

The Scene: Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse standing in a ravine (or hollow) among myrtle trees, backed by other horses (red, sorrel, and white). These are distinct from earthly armies; they are divine sentries patrolling the earth.

The Report: The scouts report that the “whole earth is at rest and at peace.” While this sounds positive, for the oppressed Israelites, it is bad news. It means the Gentile empires (Babylon/Persia) are comfortable and secure, while God’s people remain low and broken. There is no shaking of the nations to liberate Israel.

The Interpretation:

The Intercession: The Angel of the Lord asks God, “How long?” regarding His mercy for Jerusalem.
The Promise: God responds with “gracious and comforting words.” He declares He is “jealous” for Zion (protective love) and “very angry” with the nations at ease. While God used those nations to discipline Israel, they took it too far (adding to the calamity).
The Result: God promises that His house (the Temple) will be built and the “measuring line” (a symbol of construction and expansion) will be stretched out over Jerusalem.

In Zechariah 1:7-17, the prophet sees a vision involving four distinct types of figures. Here is a breakdown of who they are:

1. The Man Among the Myrtle Trees

Identity: He is the central figure of the vision, described as riding a red horse and standing in a ravine (or deep place) among myrtle trees.
Role: He acts as the leader or commander of the patrol. Most scholars identify him as the Angel of the Lord (see verse 11). In Christian theology, this is often viewed as a “Christophany”—a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus—because he speaks with divine authority yet also intercedes to the Father.

2. The Patrol (The Horsemen)

Identity: Behind the leader are other horses (red, sorrel/brown, and white).
Role: These are angelic scouts. They report that they have patrolled the earth and found it “at rest and at peace.” They are God’s eyes and ears, monitoring the political situation of the Persian Empire.

3. The Interpreting Angel

Identity: An angel who stands beside Zechariah.
Role: He is Zechariah’s guide and narrator. He explains the vision to the prophet. He is distinct from the Man on the red horse; he is the one Zechariah talks to directly to ask, “What are these?”

4. The Lord of Hosts (Yahweh)

Identity: God the Father.
Role: He is the one who receives the report and answers the Angel of the Lord’s prayer with “gracious and comforting words.” He declares His zealous love for Jerusalem and His anger at the nations who are at ease.

Summary

The Leader (Angel of the Lord): Intercedes for the people.
The Scouts (Horsemen): Report on the world’s status.
The Guide (Interpreting Angel): Explains the meaning to Zechariah.
The Lord (Yahweh): Pronounces the promise of restoration.

Part 2: The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Verses 18–21)

The Scene: Zechariah sees four horns, followed by four craftsmen (or blacksmiths/artisans).

The Interpretation:

The Four Horns: In biblical imagery, a “horn” represents power, strength, and pride. These represent the nations/powers that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.
The Four Craftsmen: These represent God’s divine agents of judgment. Just as a blacksmith has mastery over metal, these agents are sent to terrify and cast down the horns.
The Meaning: For every power that rises against God’s people, God has already appointed a “craftsman” to dismantle it. The powers that scattered Israel will themselves be scattered.

Conclusion

Zechariah 1:7–21 moves from observation to action.

The passage reassures the discouraged people of two things:

God sees: He is not ignorant of the world’s status; He knows the enemy is comfortable and His people are suffering.
God will act: He is not passive. He is moving to rebuild Jerusalem (Vision 1), and He has already appointed the specific means to destroy the enemies that oppressed them (Vision 2).

The takeaway is that God’s current silence does not equal His absence; He is preparing to overturn the status quo.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17

December 19, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF EXILE & RETURN: A TIME TO BUILD LESSON 17

God wants more for His people
God wants to bless us
God wants our hearts
God wants all of us

TAKE AWAY: God’s arms are always open for us to come to Him.

photo of Zechariah 1:1-6 as God calls Zechariah to prophesy to the exiles in Jerusalem from bsf exile and return study www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 5: Zechariah 1:6

December 18, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:6

“But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors?

“Then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17 Day 5: Zechariah 1:6

9) I would say immediately. Their confession acknowledges that God is just and reliable. They admit the exile was not random misfortune, but the precise fulfillment of God’s purpose, executed exactly as their ancestors’ deeds deserved.

10a) The dictionary defines repent as “to feel such sorrow for sin… as to be disposed to change one’s life.” Biblically, however, it goes deeper than mere regret. It is a decisive “u-turn”—changing one’s mind (metanoia) and behavior to turn away from disobedience and walk in agreement with God.

Psalm 32:1-5: When you confess your sins, God forgives you and cleanses you because of the blood of Jesus. Repentance is the pathway from the crushing misery of hidden guilt to the liberating joy of divine forgiveness through the simple act of honest confession.

Romans 2:4: God’s kindness is intended to lead us to repentance. True repentance is not a forced reaction to fear, but a grateful response to God’s kindness, which is designed to gently lead us back to Him.

1 John 1:8-9: If we confess our sin, we are forgiven and purified from all unrighteousness. Repentance replaces the self-deception of denial with honest confession, assuring us that our forgiveness rests not on our own perfection, but on God’s faithful character to cleanse us completely

11) So many ways. I can move on from my sins and not let the weight of them drag me down. I can learn from my past and do better, walking in the ways of God and Jesus.

People experience repentance as the lifting of a crushing weight. It replaces the anxiety of guilt with the peace of forgiveness. It removes the barrier between the soul and God, restoring intimacy and providing the freedom to break destructive cycles and begin again with a clean conscience.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 5: Zechariah 1:6

I love how repenting is so freeing. God is so, so good.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 5: Zechariah 1:6

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

This verse provides the definitive answer to the questions posed in verse 5, establishing the invincibility of God’s Word.

The Relentless Pursuit: The text personifies God’s words and statutes as a hunter. While the ancestors tried to outrun God’s warnings, the consequences eventually “overtook” (nasag – caught up with) them. Time does not erase truth.
The Vindication of God: The ancestors are quoted admitting that God was fair. They realized their suffering was not random bad luck, but the exact fulfillment of what God “purposed to do.”
The Law of Harvest: The phrase “according to our ways and deeds” confirms that God’s judgment was not arbitrary; it was a direct, measured response to their specific behavior.

Conclusion

You can ignore God’s Word, but you cannot escape it. Reality will eventually align with Scripture; we can either humble ourselves and agree with God now (in repentance), or be forced to agree with Him later (in judgment), but ultimately, God is proven right.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

December 17, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:4-5

“Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. ⁵Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever?”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17 Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

7a) Don’t be like your ancestors. Turn from your evil ways and practices.

b) To remember what it was like in exile. They remembered that their ancestors died in captivity, proving sin has deadly consequences. They realized that while the prophets were gone, their warnings had come true. This forced them to admit that humans are temporary, but God’s Word is eternal and inevitably overtakes those who ignore it.

8a) Because if you don’t learn from history, you’ll repeat the mistakes of the past. Reflecting on history exposes the undeniable link between actions and consequences. It prevents repeating past failures by showing that while generations pass, truth remains constant. We gain wisdom from our ancestors’ errors, allowing us to choose obedience today rather than suffering the same regrets.

b) I think people can get too caught up in the guilt of it all, when they need to let it go, learn from it, and move forward. Past failures can create a prison of fear, convincing people that history inevitably repeats itself. Shame paralyzes them, making them feel defined by old wounds rather than future potential. This mindset blocks hope, causing them to surrender to cynicism instead of trusting God for a new beginning.

A healthy response acknowledges past failures without being defined by them. It involves honest confession and learning from mistakes, then accepting God’s grace to break the cycle. We use history as a guide, not a shackle, trusting that repentance opens the door to a new, redeemed future.

c) I have seen His faithfulness in all that I do, how He helps and guides me, and this helps me to trust Him as I move forward in life.

We learn that we are fragile and prone to wandering, highlighting our deep need for grace. Conversely, the past reveals God as the faithful constant. We see that while we change, He remains patient and sovereign, proving that His mercy is greater than our mistakes and His plan outlasts our failures.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

Great lessons about learning from your past and using history to trust in God. So good!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 4: Zechariah 1:4-5

It’s important to learn from your ancestors the mistakes they made so that you do not repeat them.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

These verses act as a stern reality check regarding the consequences of ignoring God.

De-romanticizing the Past: Zechariah warns the people not to idealize their heritage. Their “fathers” (ancestors) had the same opportunity to repent when the “former prophets” (like Jeremiah and Isaiah) preached, but they stubbornly refused. Tradition is not an excuse for disobedience.
The Argument from Mortality: Verse 5 asks two haunting rhetorical questions: “Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?” Zechariah is forcing them to look at the graveyards.
- The ancestors are dead (many in exile), proving they could not outrun God’s judgment.
- The prophets are dead, proving that the opportunity to hear God’s word through a specific messenger is limited.

Conclusion

Humanity is transient, but accountability is permanent. You cannot wait out God; the messengers will eventually pass away, and the stubborn will eventually die, but the window to repent is open now.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

December 16, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:2-3

“The Lord was very angry with your ancestors. ³Therefore, tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17 Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

5a) That God gets angry. It reveals God as consistently just and faithful. By citing His anger at their ancestors, He proves He is not indifferent to evil and keeps His word. He addresses the past honestly, showing He takes the covenant seriously. This establishes that His mercy is a deliberate choice, not an oversight of sin.

b) God is slow to anger; whereas, humans are quick to anger. God is a jealous God. God offers judgment. Human anger is often impulsive, selfish, and uncontrolled, driven by wounded pride. God’s anger is a deliberate, righteous reaction to evil. It is always just, measured, and constructive. Unlike human rage, God’s anger is never a loss of control but a necessary defense of holiness and justice.

c) Through the blood of Jesus Christ.

6a) ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

b) God loves us infinitely. He is our strength from the devil and temptation. If we humble ourselves before the Lord, He will lift us up. It reveals God as redemptive and responsive. He takes the initiative to invite sinners back, proving He desires relationship over judgment. His promise to “return to you” (Zechariah 1:3) or “draw near” (James 4:8) shows that He is not distant; He is waiting to embrace anyone who humbly turns to Him.

c) He calls me to be close to Him and be more like Jesus. Through blessing me every day. Through challenges that make me rely on Him. Through prayer, faith, Bible study, and others. He calls me every day.

God calls people through the initiative of His Word and the internal conviction of the Holy Spirit. He uses Scripture, human messengers, and sometimes difficult circumstances to awaken a spiritual need. His call is an invitation to relationship, promising that if they humbly turn to Him, He will meet them there.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

Great message of God’s great love for His people that He will never quit calling us to Him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 3: Zechariah 1:2-3

This is a reminder that God was angry with the Jews’ ancestors, and they were banished. The same can happen to them, too.

God promises the people He is close, but they must choose to return to Him.

Remember, we are the ones who have moved away from God, not the other way around. James 4:8

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

These verses establish the ground rules for the post-exilic relationship between God and Israel, pivoted on acknowledgment and action.

Validation of History: God bluntly validates the trauma of the exile: “The Lord was very angry with your fathers.” He does not sugarcoat the past; the destruction of Jerusalem was a righteous judgment on previous generations.
The Invitation: The core message is a conditional promise of reciprocity: “Return to me… and I will return to you.” The Hebrew word for “return” (shuv) implies a literal change of direction, not just a feeling.
Urgency: The title “Lord of Hosts” (God of Armies) is repeated three times in one sentence, emphasizing that this is a supreme command, not a casual suggestion.

Conclusion

God is not holding a grudge over the past, nor is He distant; He is responsive. The restoration of His presence is guaranteed, but it waits upon the people’s initiative to move toward Him first.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

December 15, 2025November 24, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 1:1

“In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17 Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

3a) Zechariah was a prophet of the Lord who was called to prophesy to the people. His grandfather was a priest who returned with Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and with Joshua to Jerusalem, who was the head of a priestly family.

b) The timing of Zechariah’s prophecy sets it two months after Haggai’s first prophecy (Haggai 1:1) and within a month after another prophecy of Haggai (Haggai 2:1). This was between October and November of 520 B.C.

4a) Zechariah and Haggai were trying to get the people to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Jerusalem was paralyzed by fear and apathy. Temple construction had ceased for 14 years due to political enemies. The people prioritized their own luxury homes while God’s house lay in ruins, causing severe economic hardship. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah arrived to shatter this stagnation and spark immediate action.

b) That He cares about them and loves them infinitely. It reveals a relentless desire to dwell with His people. God refuses to abandon them to apathy or fear. By initiating contact, He shows that He remembers His covenant and values their relationship above their failures, actively intervening to restore their hope, purpose, and future glory.

c) He has guided me in the right direction and corrected me, too, if I misstepped. He always has the answers if we pray and listen and take the step we believe is right.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

Wouldn’t it be cool if God called us now like He did in OT times? I am grateful for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but to have God’s direct words from others must have been something to behold!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 17, Day 2: Zechariah 1:1

Zechariah is a prophet who lived at the same time as Haggai. He encouraged the Israelites to return to God and rebuild the temple. He wanted the Israelites’ spirits to renew and harken for God.

Zechariah means “Jehovah remembers.”

This is after the people have returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. Note that there is no king of Judah or Israel at this time. Darius sits on the throne of Persia.

Be on the lookout for pictures and symbols that Zechariah is fond of using.

Fun Fact: There are at least 27 different Zechariahs mentioned in the Bible.

Zechariah encouraged the people by telling them how much God cares for them and wants to use them for His purposes.

It’s interesting to note that Jesus mentioned Zechariah in Matthew 23:35

Fun Fact: Zechariah refers to Jesus more than any other Old Testament prophet except for Isaiah.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Zechariah 1:1 serves as the historical and theological anchor for the entire book.

Historical Reality: By dating the prophecy to the “second year of Darius” (approx. Oct/Nov 520 BC), the text acknowledges that Israel is currently under foreign (Persian) domination, not a sovereign kingdom. It places the message two months after Haggai began preaching, creating a united front for spiritual renewal.
Thematic Hope: The prophet’s name, Zechariah, means “Yahweh remembers.” His lineage (son of Berechiah) implies “Yahweh blesses.” This immediately counters the people’s fear that God had forgotten them in their post-exile struggle.
Divine Authority: The phrase “the word of the LORD came” validates that this is a direct revelation from God, not merely social commentary or human wisdom.

Conclusion

God is sovereign over human calendars and foreign kings; even in times of political weakness and delay, He remembers His covenant and intervenes in history at the exact right moment.

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