1:7–6:8 Review · Zechariah’s visions relate the rebuilding of the temple to God’s overall purpose with respect to Jerusalem, giving the assurance that there is a bright future for both city and people. Despite current and future opposition, God is going to prevail. His promise will be carried out, as already pointed out in 1:6. Before we discuss the individual visions, it will be helpful to see them as a cohesive unit. They are structured in a chiastic a-b1-b2-c1-c2-b1ʹ-b2ʹ-aʹ pattern. That is to say, visions 1 and 8 correspond, and visions 2 and 3 together correspond to 6 and 7 as a unit. Visions 4 and 5 form the central core, around which the rest are structured.

a First Vision: Problem—Gentiles Prospering, Jerusalem Ailing (1:7–17)

b1 Second Vision: Gentile Oppressors Judged (1:18–21…