Prophet Zechariah (est520-480BC)

Prophet Information:

Zechariah, meaning ‘the Lord remembers’, according to the Book of the Bee he died at a great age and was buried beside Haggai

Mission/Message:

Zechariah’s mission was very similar to Haggai’s mission. Both were concerned with spiritual renewal of the returned exiles as well as the need for the temple to be re-built.

Documentation:

The book of Zechariah is traditionally thought to have been authored by the prophet, although some readers believe that there are stark differences between the first and second half of the book and therefore must have been written by two authors. It is possible that Zechariah had just written each part of the book at different stages of his life.

Occupation:

A priest and a prophet

Best known for:

-The re-building of the temple, continuing the work of Haggai

-A detailed prediction of the Messiah (his personality, the betrayal, the crucifixion)

Attributes of his personality:

When visions are revealed to him he requests more details or an explanation, this might be so that he can analyse the meanings. He was a deep thinker.

Supernatural Aspects:

It says that the ‘word of God came to him’. He had many night visions; the book includes a series of eight visions, in these visions he would see the Lord or angels and be able to talk with them. He also speaks of angels waking him from sleep in order to reveal things to him.

Examples of prophecies:

-The prediction of the coming Messiah and detailed descriptions of him

-Apocalyptic prophecies

-The prediction of the siege of Jerusalem

End Times Prophecies:

In chapter 11, the author speaks of a ‘false shepherd’ which some believe to represent a recent church leader as many of the verses of prophecy can be linked to him.

Prophet Haggai (est590-520BC)

Prophet Name:

Haggai, means ‘festal’ or 'my holiday', he is said to have been buried in the Tomb of the Prophets on the upper slope of Mount Olives in Jerusalem.

Mission/Message:

Haggai’s mission was to clearly explain the consequences of disobedience. Furthermore, he talks about the promise that a Messiah will come. His mission was to help convince the returned exiles to re-build the temple.

Documentation:

Haggai’s message was given in two parts during the year 520, it is hinted that he witnessed the destruction of Solomon’s Temple which would make him to be aged in his seventies. Other than the book of Haggai, he is also possibly mentioned in the Book of Esther as being a eunuch.

Best known for:

-The re-building of the temple, along with the help of Zechariah, another prophet

Attributes of his personality:

He was in his seventies when he delivered his messages. He uses questions and repetitions to highlight aspects of his prophecies, which shows natural talent to be a teacher.

Supernatural Aspects:

It says that the ‘word of God came to him’ or ‘through’ him.

Examples of prophecies:

-The prediction of the coming Messiah

-The judgement at Christ’s second coming

End Times Prophecies:

In Chapter two of the book it mentions the shaking of heavens, the earth, sea, land and all nations. This is a reference to the second coming of Christ.