Superscription to the Vision Reports and Oracles (1:1): Zechariah now describes a series of visions received during one night in the second year of Darius. These reports attach revelations of God’s will and works to aspects of the people’s experience as subjects of the emperor. Zechariah 3:8 provides the key to this way of reading part two of Zechariah when it calls the Jerusalem priesthood a mofet, a sign or portent for the “Branch” to come. In every episode of the vision there is some concrete, present reality that is given an additional purpose to serve as a sign of God’s revelation and promises. The word of the Lord in these vision reports and oracles reveals the truth of God’s reign in spite of the discouraging realities. It may look like the Persian emperor (or any of the oppressive …