Restored for His Glory: God’s Promise to Purify, Rebuild, and Dwell Among His People
- Be God's Glory
- Oct 7
- 12 min read
Welcome to Day 279 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In Zechariah 5–8, God reveals powerful visions and prophetic messages that unveil His commitment to cleanse His people from sin, judge wickedness, and restore righteousness among them. Through vivid imagery and symbolic acts, He shows that sin cannot coexist with His presence, but His mercy remains steadfast toward those who return to Him wholeheartedly. These chapters bridge warning and hope — demonstrating God’s holiness, His justice, and His promise of restoration. Ultimately, they highlight the Lord’s desire to dwell among His purified people and establish peace, prosperity, and divine fellowship. The message is clear: God’s presence brings renewal, and His covenant promises remain sure for those who walk in obedience and truth.
Zechariah 5
Zechariah 5 contains two striking visions that reveal God’s determination to remove sin and wickedness from His people. In the first vision, the prophet sees a giant flying scroll, symbolizing God’s curse against thieves and those who swear falsely. This scroll, representing divine judgment, enters the homes of the guilty and consumes them, signifying that sin cannot hide from God’s justice. The second vision depicts a woman representing wickedness sealed inside an ephah (a measuring basket) and carried away to the land of Shinar (Babylon). This act symbolizes God’s removal of wickedness from the land and its banishment back to the origin of rebellion. Through these visions, God shows His holy character — He purges iniquity to make room for righteousness, ensuring that His people live in a land cleansed of corruption and deceit.
Zechariah 6
In Zechariah 6, the prophet sees four chariots emerging from between two bronze mountains, symbolizing the four spirits or winds of heaven sent out by God to patrol the earth. These chariots represent divine agents carrying out God’s justice and maintaining balance throughout the world. The vision reflects God’s sovereignty and His active rule over all nations. Later in the chapter, Zechariah is commanded to crown Joshua the high priest with a royal crown — an extraordinary act that symbolizes the coming of the Branch, a Messianic figure who will unite the roles of priest and king. This prophecy points forward to Jesus Christ, who serves as both our eternal High Priest and righteous King. God’s message here is one of divine order and messianic hope — the assurance that His plan for redemption is unfolding and that peace will be established through His chosen ruler.
Zechariah 7
Chapter 7 opens with a question from the people about whether they should continue fasting during the fifth month — a practice commemorating Jerusalem’s destruction. God’s response, however, pierces deeper than ritual observance. Through Zechariah, He challenges the motives behind their fasting, asking whether their acts of devotion were truly for Him or for themselves. The Lord reminds them of the earlier prophets’ calls for justice, mercy, and compassion — values they ignored before their exile. Their hearts had been hardened, leading to God’s discipline. This chapter reveals God’s character as one who values sincere repentance and obedience over empty traditions. His desire is not for ritual performance but for transformed hearts that reflect His righteousness in action — caring for the oppressed, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger.
Zechariah 8
Zechariah 8 radiates with hope and restoration as God declares His intention to return to Zion and dwell among His people once more. The Lord proclaims that Jerusalem will be called the “City of Truth” and the mountain of the Lord, “the Holy Mountain.” Scenes of peace and prosperity fill the prophecy — old men and women sitting in the streets, children playing safely — vivid images of a restored community under God’s protection. The Lord promises to bless His people with abundance, truth, and righteousness, urging them to be strong and faithful as He fulfills His covenant. What was once a time of mourning and fasting will become seasons of joy and celebration. This chapter captures God’s heart for His people — a God who restores, redeems, and rejoices over those who live in truth and peace.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Zechariah (Hebrew: Zekharyah) means “The LORD remembers.” This name captures the central message of the book: that God remembers His covenant promises and is faithful to restore His people. Zechariah’s prophecies were given during the post-exilic period, around 520–518 B.C., to encourage the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian captivity. While Haggai focused on urging the people to rebuild the temple, Zechariah’s message went deeper — calling them to spiritual renewal and reminding them that God’s plans extended far beyond the temple walls.
Purpose of the Book:
The purpose of the book is to encourage the returned exiles to rebuild the temple, renew their faith, and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Through a series of night visions, prophetic messages, and symbolic acts, Zechariah revealed God’s plan to cleanse His people, restore their relationship with Him, and establish His kingdom through His chosen servant — the “Branch,” a title pointing to Jesus Christ (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12). The book is both immediate (addressing the rebuilding of Jerusalem) and prophetic (pointing to the coming reign of the Messiah and God’s final redemption).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The author of the book is identified as Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo (Zechariah 1:1). The Bible itself confirms his prophetic role in several places. In Ezra 5:1–2 and Ezra 6:14, Zechariah is mentioned alongside Haggai as one of the prophets who motivated Zerubbabel and Joshua to continue rebuilding the temple. Historical Jewish writings, including the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) and Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews (Book 11, Chapter 4), also affirm Zechariah’s ministry during the reign of King Darius of Persia. Furthermore, the New Testament recognizes Zechariah’s words as inspired prophecy — Jesus quotes from Zechariah multiple times (see Matthew 21:5; Matthew 26:31; John 12:15), validating his authorship and divine message.
Key People:
Zechariah, the prophet through whom God spoke words of comfort and restoration.
Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and descendant of King David, who led the rebuilding of the temple.
Joshua (Jeshua) son of Jehozadak, the high priest, who represented spiritual leadership and purification.
The Angel of the Lord, who serves as God’s messenger and intercessor throughout Zechariah’s visions.
The Branch, a prophetic title for the coming Messiah, symbolizing the ultimate restoration and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The conclusion of the book declares that God’s ultimate plan is not just to restore a physical temple, but to establish His everlasting kingdom through His Messiah. Zechariah points forward to the triumph of God’s purposes — a future where the Lord will reign as King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). The book moves from repentance to renewal, from rebuilding to revelation, showing that God never forgets His promises. It reminds believers that God is faithful to remember, restore, and redeem His people — and that His Spirit, not human strength, accomplishes His divine will.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Zechariah 5
In Zechariah 5, God’s character is revealed as holy, just, and intolerant of sin. The vision of the flying scroll demonstrates that God sees all wrongdoing — both public and hidden — and His justice reaches every corner of the land. His holiness demands purity among His people, and His righteousness ensures that deceit and theft do not go unpunished. God’s actions show that He loves His people enough to purge sin, restoring holiness where corruption once thrived.
Although no specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, His character reflects Elohim Mishpat — “God of Justice.” He teaches us that sin has real consequences and cannot coexist with His presence. The lesson from Zechariah 5 is that God calls His people to live in truth and integrity. Just as wickedness was removed from the land, we too must allow God to cleanse our hearts from anything that separates us from Him.
Zechariah 6
In Zechariah 6, God is revealed as sovereign, powerful, and orderly in His rule over the earth. The four chariots symbolize His control over all nations and His perfect ability to execute justice and maintain balance. God is not passive — He actively directs the forces of heaven to carry out His will. His sovereignty assures us that no earthly kingdom or event is beyond His command.
In this chapter, we see the name YHWH (Yahweh) — “the LORD” — emphasizing His eternal and covenant-keeping nature. We also see the prophetic image of “the Branch,” a title referring to the coming Messiah, who will rule as both Priest and King. The lesson God teaches here is that His plan for redemption is secure and unstoppable. He reminds His people that peace and righteousness will ultimately be established through His chosen King — Jesus, the Branch — who unites divine authority and intercession.
Zechariah 7
In Zechariah 7, God’s character shines as relational, compassionate, and righteous. He values sincerity of heart over ritualistic practices, desiring mercy, justice, and obedience rather than empty religious motions. God exposes the people’s self-centered motives, showing that true worship flows from a transformed heart. His compassion is seen in His reminder to care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, revealing His heart for justice and empathy.
Although no specific Hebrew name is mentioned, God’s nature here reflects El Rachum — “the Compassionate God.” The lesson He teaches in this chapter is that genuine devotion cannot be faked through routine or ritual. God wants His people to align their actions with His heart — to love mercy, walk humbly, and serve others. Our relationship with Him is deepened not by external acts, but by inward obedience and compassion toward others.
Zechariah 8
In Zechariah 8, God’s character is portrayed as faithful, restorative, and loving. He promises to return to Zion, to dwell among His people, and to bless them with peace and prosperity. God delights in turning mourning into joy, and His zeal for Jerusalem shows His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. His faithfulness inspires hope, and His love brings renewal to a once-broken people.
The chapter repeatedly uses the name YHWH Tsevaot (The LORD of Hosts), emphasizing God’s supreme authority over heavenly armies and earthly affairs. This name reveals His unmatched power and His ability to fulfill every promise He makes. The lesson He teaches is one of hope and encouragement — that He restores what was lost and turns sorrow into gladness for those who walk in truth and peace. We can relate to Him as our Restorer and Redeemer, trusting that He is always working to rebuild what was broken for His glory.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Zechariah 5 reveal God’s holiness and intolerance toward sin in the lives of His people?
What do the visions of the flying scroll and the woman in the ephah teach us about God’s justice and purity?
In Zechariah 6, what does the image of the four chariots show us about God’s sovereignty over the entire earth?
How do we see both God’s kingship and priesthood reflected in “the Branch” mentioned in Zechariah 6?
In Zechariah 7, how does God reveal His compassion and desire for genuine relationship over ritual obedience?
What does Zechariah 8 teach us about God’s faithfulness to restore His people after seasons of judgment?
How does God’s character throughout these chapters remind you that He is both righteous in justice and merciful in restoration?
Questions About Themes:
What is the significance of God removing wickedness from the land in Zechariah 5, and how does it connect to the theme of spiritual cleansing?
How does the crowning of Joshua in Zechariah 6 symbolize the unity of divine authority and priestly intercession?
What theme is emphasized through God’s questioning of Israel’s motives for fasting in Zechariah 7?
How does the contrast between judgment in Zechariah 5–6 and restoration in Zechariah 8 highlight God’s redemptive plan?
In what ways do these chapters demonstrate that obedience and integrity are essential to experiencing God’s blessings?
How does the repeated phrase “Thus says the LORD of Hosts” in Zechariah 8 reinforce the theme of divine authority and promise?
What overarching message do these visions and prophecies communicate about God’s desire to dwell among a purified people?
Reflective Application Questions:
What areas of your life might God be calling you to allow Him to “cleanse,” as He did in Zechariah 5?
How can you trust God’s sovereignty more fully, knowing that He is in control of both judgment and peace as seen in Zechariah 6?
In what ways can you examine your motives in worship, prayer, or service, to ensure they are truly for God and not for self?
How does the reminder of God’s justice challenge the way you live out integrity in your daily decisions?
What does it look like in your own life to turn seasons of mourning into joy through God’s restorative power as described in Zechariah 8?
How can you personally reflect God’s compassion toward the oppressed, widow, and orphan as He commands in Zechariah 7?
How might you hold onto hope in your current circumstances, trusting that God is working behind the scenes to restore and renew as He did for His people in Zechariah 8?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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