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300 Structure and the Book ofZechariah
according to 6.13, bears royal honour. They stand before the Lord of
the whole earth.
Visions 6-7 belong together: both speak of 'going forth' and deal
with the removal of evil from the land. They have contacts with the
other pair of visions, 2-3, both together and separately (V2 // V7; V3
// V6); they also have formal links with the last vision. 1
The last vision rounds off the whole, forming its own climax to the
series as it describes the accomplishment of God's purposes: the Lord
of the whole earth. 2
Zech. 6.9-15 is an account of a prophetic word and action, which
picks up some of the most important themes mentioned previously: the
two leaders; the Temple and regathering of people to rebuild it; and
'you shall know that Yahweh of hosts has sent me to you'. Verse 15b
refers back to 1.2-6 (esp. v. 4). 3
Zech. 7-8 is constructed as a large chiasmus, with the promise
mentioned above at the centre (8.8). It refers to themes introduced in
1.1-6, giving an exhortation to obey, a promise for Jerusalem and
Judah, and a wider promise (based on the visit of people from Bethel
to 'entreat the favour of Yahweh') to many peoples. 4
This coherent whole is marked out for the reader or hearer by the
use of key words and phrases that connect corresponding sections
together. Despite the fact that there are passages where it is impossible
to be sure what the intended meaning is in detail, the result is a very
pleasing and powerful unity.
Within Zechariah. 9-14 we have seen evidence of continuity in that
the same basic themes are found throughout, in an alternating pattern.
There is no possibility, as far as I can see, of presenting an exact pattern,
such as those offered by Lamarche, Lacocque and others. Nevertheless,
there do seem to be deliberate attempts to connect different
sections with each other. For example, we noted links between the
units making up 9.1-11.3, so as to emphasize the main themes of
judgment/salvation for Judah/the nations, and in particular the battle
1. Pp. 251-53.
2. Pp. 142-43, 245-46, 264.
3. Pp. 147-48, 245-46, 261-63, 268.
4. P. 163; cf. p. 160.