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4. Connections Between Sections ofZechariah 1-14 299
The overall structure of Zechariah 1-8 may be expressed in
simplified, but not distorted fashion as follows:
1.1-6 Introduction. Historical reasons for the present disaster; assurance that
the situation has changed; appeal to return to Yahweh.
Report that the people did turn.
1.7-6.15 Series of night visions with attached oracles.
VI Horses patrol the earth: nations at ease
V2 Horns that scattered Jerusalem to be punished
V3 Jerusalem inhabited without walls
V4 Joshua the high priest reclothed
V5 Two anointed: (Joshua) and Zerubbabel
V6 Scroll/curse going forth against thief etc.
V7 Ephah and woman: wickedness removed far away
V8 Horses and chariots patrol the earth: God's Spirit at rest
Visions 1 and 8 are obviously similar, but the situation changes
from Yahweh's being angry with the nations, to his being at rest. It
may be assumed from the contrast and from the content of the
intervening material that the nations have been dealt with, and Judah
and Jerusalem are cleansed and protected.
The two pairs of visions 2-3 and 6-7 match each other. Visions 2
and 3 are linked together in a number of ways: their form is similar
and both focus on Jerusalem. The oracle 2.10-17 further emphasizes
their unity and ties them to VI with the phrase 'again choose
Jerusalem'. It also introduces new elements which become important
over the whole of chs. 1-8:
1. 'You will know that Yahweh of hosts has sent me...'
(+ 4.9; 6,15)
2. Many nations will join themselves to Yahweh (8.20-23;
cf. 6.15a).
3. Yahweh will dwell in the midst of his people and be their
God (8.3, 8).
Visions 4 and 5 occupy the central position and, in their present
form at least, present a divinely authorized dyarchy of Joshua the high
priest, and Zerubbabel/'Branch' who rebuilds the Temple and,
age. For examples of possible connections between sections, see above, pp. 222,
246, 253, 256, 259, 269.