Zechariah

In Bible versions:

Zechariah: NET AVS NIV NRSV NASB TEV
Zacharias: NASB

the father of John the baptist
a son of Berekiah, a righteous man who was killed by the Jewish authorities
son and successor of King Jeroboam
father of Abi, the mother of King Hezekiah
a leader of the tribe of Reuben
son of Meshelemiah; a door keeper for the tent of meeting
son of Jeiel and Maacah of Gibeon
a Levite gate keeper and harpist in David's time
a priest and trumpeter in David's time
son of Isshiah (Uzziel Kohath Levi)
son of Hosah; a pre-exile Levite gatekeeper
a man of Manasseh in Gilead in Saul and David's time
a prince whom Jehoshaphat sent to teach the law around Judah
son of Benaiah (Asaph Levi)
son of King Jehoshaphat
son of Jehoiada the priest; a prophet
a man who influenced King Uzziah for good
a Levite (Asaph) who helped Hezekiah cleanse the temple
a Levite (Kohath) who helped King Josiah restore the temple
a chief officer of the house of God in Josiah's time
son of Berechiah; a priest; writer of the book of Zechariah
leader among the Parosh clansmen who returned from exile
son of Bebai; leader among Bebai clansmen returned from exile
a lay man of the Elam Clan who put away his heathen wife
a man who stood with Ezra when he read the law to the assembly
son of Amariah of Judah
a descendant of Shelah
son of Pashhur; a priest whose descendants returned from exile
son of Jonathan (Asaph Levi)
son of Jeberechiah; a witness to Isaiah's prophesy

---

memory of the Lord ( --> same as Zachariah)

Arts:

Arts Topics: King Zechariah; Other Portraits of Zechariah, Father of John the Baptist; Portraits of Zechariah, Son of Berekiah; The Angel Speaking to Zechariah; The Call of Zechariah; The Death of Zechariah; The Promise to Zechariah; Zechariah Preaching; Zechariah, Father of John the Baptist, in Various Compositions; Zechariah, Son of Jehoiadah

Greek

Strongs #2197: Zacariav Zacharias

Zacharias = "remembered of Jehovah"

1) the father of John the Baptist
2) son of Barachias, who was slain by the Jews between the altar and
the temple

2197 Zacharias dzakh-ar-ee'-as

of Hebrew origin (2148); Zacharias (i.e. Zechariah), the name of two
Israelites:-Zacharias.
see HEBREW for 02148

Hebrew

Strongs #02148: hyrkz Z@karyah or whyrkz Z@karyahuw

Zechariah = "Jehovah remembers"

1) 11th in order of the minor prophets; a priest, son of Berechiah
and grandson of Iddo, who, along with Haggai, directed the
rebuilding of the temple in the days of Zerubbabel
2) king of Israel, son of Jeroboam II
3) son of Meshelemiah of Shelemiah, a Korhite, and keeper of the
north gate of the tabernacle of the congregation
4) one of the sons of Jehiel
5) a Levite of the second order in the temple band in the time of David
6) one of the princes of Judah in the reign of Jehoshaphat
7) son of the high priest Jehoiada, in the reign of Joash king of
Judah, who was stoned in the court of the temple
8) a Kohathite Levite in the reign of Josiah
9) the leader of the sons of Pharosh who returned with Ezra
10) son of Bebai
11) one of the chiefs of the people whom Ezra summoned in council
at the river Ahava; stood at Ezra's left hand when Ezra expounded
the law to the people
12) one of the family of Elam who had married a foreign wife after
the captivity
13) ancestor of Athaiah or Uthai
14) a Shilonite, descendant of Perez, grandfather of Athaiah
15) a priest, son of Pashur
16) the representative of the priestly family of Iddo in the days of
Joiakim the son of Jeshua; possibly the same as 1 above
17) one of the priests, son of Jonathan, who blew with the trumpets
at the dedication of the city wall by Ezra and Nehemiah
18) a chief of the Reubenites at the time of the captivity by
Tiglath-pileser
19) one of the priests who accompanied the ark from the house of
Obed-edom
20) son of Isshiah of Jesiah, a Kohathite Levite descended from Uzziel
21) 4th son of Hosah, of the children of Merari
22) a Manassite, father of Iddo
23) father of Jahaziel. He prophesied in the spirit
24) one of the sons of Jehoshaphat
25) a prophet in the reign of Uzziah, who appears to have acted as
the king's counsellor, but of whom nothing is known
26) father of Abijah or Abi, Hezekiah's mother
27) one of the family of Asaph in the reign of Hezekiah
28) one of the rulers of the temple in the reign of Josiah
29) son of Jeberechiah who was taken by the prophet Isaiah as one of
the 'faithful witnesses to record' when he wrote concerning
Maher-shalal-hash-baz

2148 Zkaryah zek-ar-yaw'

or Zkaryahuw {zek-ar-yaw'-hoo}; from 2142 and 3050; Jah has
remembered; Zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine
Israelites:-Zachariah, Zechariah.
see HEBREW for 02142
see HEBREW for 03050

Zacharias [EBD]

(1.) A priest of the course of Abia, the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which the priests had been originally divided by David (1 Chr. 23:1-19). Only four of these courses or "families" of the priests returned from the Exile (Ezra 2:36-39); but they were then re-distributed under the old designations. The priests served at the temple twice each year, and only for a week each time. Zacharias's time had come for this service. During this period his home would be one of the chambers set apart for the priests on the sides of the temple ground. The offering of incense was one of the most solemn parts of the daily worship of the temple, and lots were drawn each day to determine who should have this great honour, an honour which no priest could enjoy more than once during his lifetime.

While Zacharias ministered at the golden altar of incense in the holy place, it was announced to him by the angel Gabriel that his wife Elisabeth, who was also of a priestly family, now stricken in years, would give birth to a son who was to be called John, and that he would be the forerunner of the long-expected Messiah (Luke 1:12-17). As a punishment for his refusing to believe this message, he was struck dumb and "not able to speak until the day that these things should be performed" (20). Nine months passed away, and Elisabeth's child was born, and when in answer to their inquiry Zacharias wrote on a "writing tablet," "His name is John," his mouth was opened, and he praised God (60-79). The child (John the Baptist), thus "born out of due time," "waxed strong in spirit" (1:80).

(2.) The "son of Barachias," mentioned as having been slain between the temple and the altar (Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51). "Barachias" here may be another name for Jehoiada, as some think. (See ZECHARIAH.)

Zechariah [EBD]

Jehovah is renowned or remembered. (1.) A prophet of Judah, the eleventh of the twelve minor prophets. Like Ezekiel, he was of priestly extraction. He describes himself (1:1) as "the son of Berechiah." In Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 he is called "the son of Iddo," who was properly his grandfather. His prophetical career began in the second year of Darius (B.C. 520), about sixteen years after the return of the first company from exile. He was contemporary with Haggai (Ezra 5:1).

His book consists of two distinct parts, (1) chapters 1 to 8, inclusive, and (2) 9 to the end. It begins with a preface (1:1-6), which recalls the nation's past history, for the purpose of presenting a solemn warning to the present generation. Then follows a series of eight visions (1:7-6:8), succeeding one another in one night, which may be regarded as a symbolical history of Israel, intended to furnish consolation to the returned exiles and stir up hope in their minds. The symbolical action, the crowning of Joshua (6:9-15), describes how the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of God's Christ.

Chapters 7 and 8, delivered two years later, are an answer to the question whether the days of mourning for the destruction of the city should be any longer kept, and an encouraging address to the people, assuring them of God's presence and blessing.

The second part of the book (ch. 9-14) bears no date. It is probable that a considerable interval separates it from the first part. It consists of two burdens.

The first burden (ch. 9-11) gives an outline of the course of God's providential dealings with his people down to the time of the Advent.

The second burden (ch. 12-14) points out the glories that await Israel in "the latter day", the final conflict and triumph of God's kingdom.

(2.) The son or grandson of Jehoiada, the high priest in the times of Ahaziah and Joash. After the death of Jehoiada he boldly condemned both the king and the people for their rebellion against God (2 Chr. 24:20), which so stirred up their resentment against him that at the king's commandment they stoned him with stones, and he died "in the court of the house of the Lord" (24:21). Christ alludes to this deed of murder in Matt. 23:35, Luke 11:51. (See ZACHARIAS [2].)

(3.) A prophet, who had "understanding in the seeing of God," in the time of Uzziah, who was much indebted to him for his wise counsel (2 Chr. 26:5).

Besides these, there is a large number of persons mentioned in Scripture bearing this name of whom nothing is known.

(4.) One of the chiefs of the tribe of Reuben (1 Chr. 5:7).

(5.) One of the porters of the tabernacle (1 Chr. 9:21).

(6.) 1 Chr. 9:37.

(7.) A Levite who assisted at the bringing up of the ark from the house of Obededom (1 Chr. 15:20-24).

(8.) A Kohathite Levite (1 Chr. 24:25).

(9.) A Merarite Levite (1 Chr. 27:21).

(10.) The father of Iddo (1 Chr. 27:21).

(11.) One who assisted in teaching the law to the people in the time of Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 17:7).

(12.) A Levite of the sons of Asaph (2 Chr. 20:14).

(13.) One of Jehoshaphat's sons (2 Chr. 21:2).

(14.) The father of Abijah, who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Chr. 29:1).

(15.) One of the sons of Asaph (2 Chr. 29:13).

(16.) One of the "rulers of the house of God" (2 Chr. 35:8).

(17.) A chief of the people in the time of Ezra, who consulted him about the return from captivity (Ezra 8:16); probably the same as mentioned in Neh. 8:4,

(18.) Neh. 11:12.

(19.) Neh. 12:16.

(20.) Neh. 12:35,41.

(21.) Isa. 8:2.

Zacharias [NAVE]

ZACHARIAS
1. A man slain by the Jews. Referred to by Jesus, Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51.
2. Father of John the Baptist, Luke 1:5-80; 3:2.
See: Elisabeth; John the Baptist.

Zechariah [NAVE]

ZECHARIAH
1. A Reubenite, 1 Chr. 5:7.
2. Three Levites in the days of David, 1 Chr. 9:21; 15:18, 20, 24; 16:5; 26:2, 14.
3. A Benjamite, 1 Chr. 9:37.
Called Zacher in 1 Chr. 8:31.
4. Two Kohathites, 1 Chr. 24:25; 2 Chr. 34:12.
5. A Merarite porter in the temple, 1 Chr. 26:11.
6. Father of Iddo, 1 Chr. 27:21.
7. A prince sent by Jehoshaphat along with priests and Levites to teach in the cities, 2 Chr. 17:7.
8. A Levite, and father of Jahaziel, 2 Chr. 20:14.
9. Son of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chr. 21:2.
10. High priest, and son or grandson of Jehoiada. Put to death for prophesying against Jerusalem, 2 Chr. 24:20-22, 25; Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51.
11. A prophet in the reign of Uzziah, 2 Chr. 26:5.
12. A ruler of the temple, 2 Chr. 35:8.
13. The prophet. Son of Berechiah, Zech. 2:4.
Prophesied in the reign of Darius, Ezra 4:24; 5:1; 6:14; Zech. 1:1, 7; 7:1.
Probably the priest mentioned in Neh. 12:16.
14. Two chiefs who returned with Ezra, Ezra 8:3, 11, 16.
15. Name of various Jews after the captivity, Ezra 10:26; Neh. 8:4; 11:4, 5, 12; 12:16.
16. A priest and temple musician, Neh. 12:35, 41.
17. Perhaps identical with 11, above, Isa. 8:2.
18. A Levite in the reign of Hezekiah, 2 Chr. 29:13.

ZACHARIAS [SMITH]

(Greek form of Zechariah).

1. Father of John the Baptist. (Luke 1:5) etc. He was a priest of the course of Abia. the eighth of the twenty-four courses who ministered at the temple in turn. He probably lived at Hebron. His wife?s name was Elisabeth. John was born to them in their old age, and the promise of this son was communicated to Zacharias by an angel while he was offering incense and praying in the temple.
2. Son of Barachias, who, our Lord says, was slain by the Jews between the altar and the temple. (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:61) There has been much dispute who this Zacharias was. Many of the Greek fathers have maintained that the father of John the Baptist is the person to whom our Lord alludes but there can be little or no doubt that the allusion is to Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, (2 Chronicles 24:20,21) and he may have been called "the son" of Barachias from his grandfather. (B.C. 838.) He is mentioned as being the martyr last recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures (as Abel was the first) -d Chronicles being the last book in their canon.

ZECHARIAH [SMITH]

1. The eleventh in order of the twelve minor prophets. He is called in his prophecy the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, whereas in the book of Ezra, (Ezra 5:1; 6:14) he is said to have been the son of Iddo. It is natural to suppose as the prophet himself mentions his father?s name, whereas the book of Ezra mentions only Iddo, that Berechiah had died early, and that there was now no intervening link between the grandfather and the grandson. Zechariah, like Jeremiah and Ezekiel before him, was priest as well as prophet. He seems to have entered upon his office while yet young, (Zechariah 2:4) and must have been born in Babylon whence he returned with the first caravan of exiles under Zerubbabel and Jeshua. It was in the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, that he first publicly discharged his office. In this he acted in concert with Haggai. Both prophets had the same great object before them; both directed all their energies to the building of the second temple. To their influence we find the rebuilding of the temple in a great measure ascribed. If the later Jewish accounts may be trusted, Zechariah, as well as Haggai, was a member of the Great Synagogue. The genuine writings of Zechariah help us but little in our estimate of his character. Some faint traces, however, we may observe in them, of his education in Babylon. He leans avowedly on the authority of the older prophets, and copies their expressions. Jeremiah especially seems to have been his favorite; and hence the Jewish saying that "the spirit of Jeremiah dwelt in Zechariah." But in what may be called the peculiarities of his prophecy, he approaches more nearly to Ezekiel and Daniel. Like them he delights in visions; like them he uses symbols and allegories rather than the bold figures and metaphors which lend so much force and beauty to the writings of the earlier prophets. Generally speaking, Zechariah?s style is pure, and remarkably free from Chaldaisms.
2. Son of Meshelemiah or Shelemiah a Korhite, and keeper of the north gate of the tabernacle of the congregation, (1 Chronicles 9:21) (B.C. 1043.)
3. One of the sons of Jehiel. (1 Chronicles 9:37)
4. A Levite of the second order in the temple band as arranged by David, appointed to play "with psalteries on Alamoth." (1 Chronicles 15:18,20) (B.C. 1043.)
5. One of the princes of Judah in the reign of Jehoshaphat. (2 Chronicles 17:7) (B.C. 910.)
6. Son of the high priest Jehoiada, in the reign of Joash king of Judah (2 Chronicles 24:20) and therefore the king?s cousin. After the death of Jehoiada, Zechariah probably succeeded to his office, and in attempting to check the reaction in favor of idolatry which immediately followed he fell a victim to a conspiracy formed against him by the king, and was stoned in the court of the temple. He is probably the same as the "Zacharias son of Barachias" who was slain between the temple and the altar. (Matthew 23:35) [ZACHARIAS, No. 2] (B.C. 838.)
7. A Kohathite Levite in the reign of Josiah. (2 Chronicles 34:12) (B.C. 628.)
8. The leader of the sons of Pharosh who returned with Ezra. (Ezra 8:3) (B.C. 450.)
9. Son of Behai. (Ezra 8:11)
10. One of the chiefs of the people whom Ezra summoned in council at the river Ahava. (Ezra 8:16) He stood at Ezra?s left hand when he expounded the law to the people. (Nehemiah 8:4) (B.C. 459.)
11. One of the family of Elam who had married a foreign wife after the captivity. (Ezra 10:26) (B.C.458.)
12. Ancestor of Athaiah or Uthai. (Nehemiah 11:4)
13. A Shilonite, descendant of Perez. (Nehemiah 11:5)
14. A priest, son of Pashur. (Nehemiah 11:12)
15. The representative of the priestly family of Iddo in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua. (Nehemiah 12:16) (B.C. 536.) possibly the same as Zechariah the prophet, the son of Iddo.
16. One of the priests, son of Jonathan, who blew with the trumpets at the dedication of the city wall by Ezra and Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 12:36,41) (B.C. 446.)
17. A chief of the Reubenites at the time of the captivity by Tiglath-pileser. (1 Chronicles 5:7) (B.C. 740.)
18. One of the priests who accompanied the ark from the house of Obed-edom. (1 Chronicles 15:24) (B.C. 1043.)
19. Son of Isshiah or Jesiah, a Kohathite Levite descended from Uzziel. (1 Chronicles 24:25) (B.C. 1043.)
20. Fourth son of Hosah of the children of Merari. (1 Chronicles 26:11)
21. A Manassite. (1 Chronicles 27:21,22)
22. The father of Jahaziel. (2 Chronicles 20:14)
23. One of the sons of Jehoshaphat. (2 Chronicles 21:2)
24. A prophet in the reign of Uzziah who appears to have acted as the king?s counsellor, but of whom nothing is known. (2 Chronicles 26:5) (B.C. 807.)
25. The father of Abijah or Abi, Hezekiah?s mother. (2 Chronicles 29:1)
26. One of the family of Asaph in the reign of Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 29:13) (B.C. 727.)
27. One of the rulers of the temple in the reign of Josiah. (2 Chronicles 35:8) (B.C. 628.)
28. The son of Jeberechiah, who was taken by the prophet Isaiah as one of the "faithful witnesses to record," when he wrote concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz. (Isaiah 8:2) (B.C. 723.) He may have been the Levite of the same name who in the reign of Hezekiah assisted in the purification of the temple. (2 Chronicles 29:13) Another conjecture is that he is the same as Zechariah the father of Abijah, the queen of Ahaz.

ZACHARIAS (1) [ISBE]

ZACHARIAS (1) - zak-a-ri'-as (Zacharias):

(1) One of the "rulers of the temple" at the time of Josiah's Passover (1 Esdras 1:8) = "Zechariah" of 2 Ch 35:8.

(2) One of the "holy singers" at Josiah's Passover (1 Esdras 1:15); the name stands in place of "Heman" in 2 Ch 35:15.

(3) In 1 Esdras 6:1; 7:3 = the prophet Zechariah.

(4) One of the sons of Pharos who returned with Ezra at the head of his family (1 Esdras 8:30) = "Zechariah" of Ezr 8:3, and perhaps identical with (5).

(5) One of the "men of understanding" with whom Ezra consulted when he discovered the absence of priests and Levites (1 Esdras 8:44) = "Zechariah" of Ezr 8:16, and perhaps identical with (6).

(6) Zacharias (omitted in the King James Version), who stood on Ezra's left hand as he expounded the Law (1 Esdras 9:44) = "Zechariah" of Neh 8:4.

(7) One of the sons of Babi who went up at the head of his family with Ezra (1 Esdras 8:37) = "Zechariah" of Ezr 8:11.

(8) One of the sons of Elam who had taken foreign wives (1 Esdras 9:27) = "Zechariah" of Ezr 10:26.

(9) The father of Joseph, one of the "leaders of the people" under Judas (1 Macc 5:18,56).

(10) The King James Version = the Revised Version (British and American) "Zarains" (1 Esdras 5:8).

(11) The King James Version = the Revised Version (British and American) "Zachariah" of Mt 23:35.

S. Angus

ZACHARIAS (2) [ISBE]

ZACHARIAS (2) - (Zacharias): Father of John the Baptist (Lk 1:5, etc.). He was a priest of the course of ABIJAH (which see), of blameless life, who in his old age was still childless. But on one occasion when it was the turn of the course of Abijah to minister in the temple (see TEMPLE), Zacharias was chosen by lot to burn incense. While engaged in this duty he was visited by Gabriel, who announced to him that he should become the father of the precursor of the Messiah. Zacharias received the promise incredulously and was punished by being stricken mute. When, however, the child was born and Zacharias had obeyed the injunction of Gabriel by insisting on the name John, his powers of speech returned to him. According to Lk 1:67-79, Zacharias was the author of the hymn Benedictus, which describes God's deliverance of Israel in language drawn entirely from the Old Testament, and which is unaffected by the later Christian realization that the Kingdom is also for Gentiles.

Elisabeth, his wife, was of the daughters of Aaron (Lk 1:5) and kinswoman of the Virgin (Lk 1:36; the relationship is altogether obscure). According to Lk 1:42-45, she was one of those who shared in the secret of the Annunciation. A few manuscripts in Lk 1:46 ascribe the Magnificat to her, but this seems certainly erroneous. See especially Zahn, Evangelium des Lucas, 98-101 and 745-751 (1913).

Burton Scott Easton

ZECHARIAH (1) [ISBE]

ZECHARIAH (1) - zek-a-ri'-a (zekharyahu, or zekharyah; the Septuagint Zacharia(s)): A very common name in the Old Testament. The form, especially the longer form, of the name would suggest for its meaning, "Yah remembers" or "Yah is renowned," and the name was doubtless understood in this sense in later times. But the analogies with ZACCUR, ZECHER, ZICHRI (which see), etc., make some original ethnic derivation probable.

(1) King of Israel, son of Jeroboam II (the King James Version "Zachariah"). See the next article.

(2) The grandfather of King Hezekiah, through Hezekiah's mother Abi (2 Ki 18:2, the King James Version "Zachariah" parallel 2 Ch 29:1).

(3) A contemporary of Isaiah, taken by Isaiah as a trustworthy witness in the matter of the sign Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isa 8:1). As his father's name was Jeberechiah, some support seems to be offered to theories of those who would make him the author of certain portions of Zechariah.

See ZECHARIAH, BOOK OF.

(4) A Reubenite of the time of Israel's captivity (1 Ch 5:7).

(5) A Benjamite, living in Gideon (1 Ch 9:37; called "Zecher" in 8:31). He was the brother of Kish and hence, the uncle of Saul.

(6) A Manassite of Gilead, at the time of David (1 Ch 27:21).

(7) The third son of Jehoshaphat (2 Ch 21:2). He was slain by Jehoram (2 Ch 21:4).

(8) A "prince" who Jehoshaphat sent to "teach" in the cities of Judah (2 Ch 17:7). As this "teaching" was in connection with the establishing of the Law, Zechariah was primarily a judge.

(9) A prophet who was influential in the early days of Uzziah (2 Ch 26:5). He is characterized as ha-mebh in bire'oth (beyir'ath(?)) ha-elohim, which phrase is usually understood to mean that he had instructed (Revised Version margin) the king in the fear of God. As long as he lived the king profited by his instruction and advice.

The following eight are all Levites:

(10) A doorkeeper at the time of David, who was made a singer "of the second degree" (1 Ch 15:18; the text is confused). He was a player on a "psaltery" (1 Ch 15:20) and took part in the thanksgiving when the Ark was brought to Jerusalem (1 Ch 16:5).

(11) A son of Isshiah (1 Ch 24:25).

(12) A son of Meshelemiah, a "porter of the door of the tent of meeting" at the time of David (1 Ch 9:21; 26:2,14). In 1 Ch 26:14 called "a discreet counselor."

(13) A son of Hosah, a Merarite, also at David's time (1 Ch 26:11).

(14) The father of the prophet, JAHAZIEL (which see) (2 Ch 20:14).

(15) A son of Asaph, who assisted in the purification of the Temple at the time of Hezekiah (2 Ch 29:13).

(16) A Kohathite, who assisted in the repair of the Temple at the time of Josiah (2 Ch 34:12).

(17) A son of Jonathan, an Asaphite, one of the musicians at the dedication of the wall at the time of Nehemiah (Neh 12:35).

The following are all priests:

(18) A trumpeter at the time of David (1 Ch 15:24).

(19) A son of Jehoiada, at the time of Joash. He rebuked the people publicly for their apostasy, and was stoned by them, Joash consenting to their act (2 Ch 24:20-22). As 2 Chronicles is the last book in the Hebrew Old Testament, Zechariah was regarded as the last of the Old Testament martyrs, and hence, is coupled with Abel (the first martyr) in Mt 23:35 parallel Lk 11:51. The words "son of Barachiah" in Matthew are due to confusing this Zechariah with the prophet.

See ZACHARIAH.

(20) One of the "rulers of the house of God" at the time of Josiah (2 Ch 35:8).

(21) A son of Pashhur, 242 of whose descendants as "chiefs of fathers' houses" dwelt in Jerusalem at the time of Nehemiah (Neh 11:13).

(22) A trumpeter at the dedication of the wall at the time of Nehemiah (Neh 12:41).

(23) The prophet (Ezr 5:1; 6:14; Neh 12:16; Zec 1:1,7; 7:1,8; 1 Esdras 6:1; 7:3).

See ZECHARIAH, BOOK OF.

The following are all returned exiles or are mentioned only as ancestors of such:

(24) A son of Parosh (Ezr 8:3; 1 Esdras 8:30 has "Zacharias" here and elsewhere).

(25) A son of Bebai (Ezr 8:11; 1 Esdras 8:37)

(26) One of the "chief men" dispatched by Ezra to bring priests from Casiphia (Ezr 8:16; 1 Esdras 8:44). Doubtless the same as (24) or (25), above.

(27) One of the persons who stood by Ezra at the reading of the Law (Neh 8:4; 1 Esdras 9:44); almost certainly identical with (26).

(28) A son of Elam, who had taken a foreign wife (Ezr 10:26; 1 Esdras 9:27).

(29) A son of Amariah, a Judahite, the ancestor of certain persons dwelling in Jerusalem (Neh 11:4).

(30) A son of "the Shilonite," the ancestor of certain persons dwelling in Jerusalem (Neh 11:5).

Burton Scott Easton

ZECHARIAH (2) [ISBE]

ZECHARIAH (2) - (zekharyah, zekharydhu, "Yah has remembered" (2 Ki 14:29; 15:8-12); Zacharias, the King James Version Zachariah): Son of Jeroboam II, and 14th king of Israel. He was the 4th of the line of Jehu, and reigned six months. Zechariah succeeded to a splendid inheritance, as he was king, not only of the ten tribes of Israel, but of the Syrian state of Damascus, which his father had subdued. In the unusual wealth and dignity of this position lay his peril. Also there were two dark shadows falling across his path, though both probably unseen by him. One was the promise to Jehu, as the reward of his destroying the worship of Baal in Israel, that his sons should sit on the throne of Israel to the 4th generation (2 Ki 10:30; 15:12). Zechariah was Jehu's great-great-grandson. The other was the word of Amos to the priest of Bethel: "Then said the Lord. ... I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword" (Am 7:8,9).

The only brief notice of Zechariah personal to himself is that he gave his support to the worship of the calves, since Jeroboam I established the religion of the state. He hardly had time, however, to identify himself with this or any institution before he was publicly assassinated by Shallum, the son of Jabesh (he "smote him before the people"). The prophet Hosea was then alive, and there is probably allusion to this crime when, addressing Ephraim, he says: "Where is thy king, that he may save thee in all thy cities?. ... I have given thee a king in mine anger, and have taken him away in my wrath" (Hos 13:10,11; compare 1:4).

There has long been difficulty with the chronology of this period. Archbishop Ussher assumed an interregnum of 11 years between the death of Jeroboam II and Zechariah's accession. This is accepted as probable by a recent writer, who sees "at least 10 years of incessant conflict between rival claimants to the throne on Jeroboam's death" (see article "Zechariah" in HDB, IV). It seems more likely that there is error in certain of the synchronisms. The year of Zechariah's accession was probably 759 BC (some put it later), and the 6 months of his reign, with that given to Shallum, may be included in the 10 years of Menahem, who followed them (2 Ki 15:17).

See CHRONOLOGY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

W. Shaw Caldecott