Zec 1:1 | MHM | STEP | Repentance Urged. This passage introduces the ministry of Zechariah, a prophet sent by God with a message for the people of Judah. Zechariah received God’s word directly, giving him the authority to speak as God’s messenger. His ministry began in the second year of King Darius of Persia, during a time when the Jewish people were still living under foreign rule because of their past sins. Zechariah’s message starts with a strong call to repentance before moving to visions or promises. The people had already heard the prophet Haggai, and because they listened, God sent Zechariah as another sign of His care for them. Zechariah’s family is listed to show his connection to other prophets, and some believe he may be the same Zechariah that was later killed for his faith (Matthew 23:35 ).

‏ Zechariah 1:1

Repentance Urged.

This passage introduces the ministry of Zechariah, a prophet sent by God with a message for the people of Judah. Zechariah received God’s word directly, giving him the authority to speak as God’s messenger. His ministry began in the second year of King Darius of Persia, during a time when the Jewish people were still living under foreign rule because of their past sins. Zechariah’s message starts with a strong call to repentance before moving to visions or promises. The people had already heard the prophet Haggai, and because they listened, God sent Zechariah as another sign of His care for them. Zechariah’s family is listed to show his connection to other prophets, and some believe he may be the same Zechariah that was later killed for his faith (Matthew 23:35 ^a).