The Prophet Zechariah: The Branch (3:8; 6:12), the Donkey (9:9) and the Piercing (12:10): Perspectives from Judaism and Christianity

The Author of Zechariah

In the wake of seventy years discipline in Babylon, with the prospect of reconstruction from the rubble of years, came a young Captivity-born prophet named Zechariah. Brought to the Promised Land by his grandfather along with the scant 50,000, this prophet became a beacon of light and hope for the returned exiles. Facing the frustration of threatening enemies in the Land along with the collapse of spiritual hope in ever seeing the temple rebuilt, Zechariah and his friend Haggai brought messages of encouragement and hope for the returnees then and for the future of restored Israel. ...