In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Zechariah is identified as "son of Berechiah," it's notable that other passages refer to him simply as "son of Iddo." This suggests Iddo, his grandfather, was the more prominent figure in their lineage, especially as a recognized prophet, emphasizing continuity in prophetic tradition rather than a strict father-son succession.
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the beginning of Zechariah's prophetic ministry, occurring two months after his contemporary, Haggai, began calling the people back to rebuilding the temple. The historical context is crucial: the Jewish exiles have returned to Jerusalem but have stalled on reconstructing their beloved Temple. This verse sets the stage for Zechariah's messages, which will encourage the people by reminding them of God's past faithfulness and His future promises, starting with a call to repentance.
Zechariah's message arrives at a critical time for the people of Judah. What was happening that made this divine word so necessary?
The opening verse places Zechariah's prophecy in a very specific historical context: "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius." This isn't just a random date; it's about two months after the prophet Haggai began to stir the people to rebuild the temple (around the sixth and seventh months of the same year). The exile was over, and some had returned to Jerusalem, but the temple lay in ruins. This was a pivotal time, a moment of decision for the returned exiles. Were they going to commit to restoring God's house and, by extension, their covenant relationship with Him, or would they falter? The word of the LORD coming to Zechariah highlights that God's message is always timely, speaking directly into the needs and challenges of the present situation.
Zechariah is identified not just by his name, but by his lineage. What does this tell us about his calling and the nature of prophecy?
The verse identifies Zechariah as "the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo." While the name Zechariah was common, meaning "the LORD remembers," his lineage connects him to a priestly family. The mention of Iddo, who is also referred to as a prophet or seer in other texts (like 2 Chronicles 9:29), suggests a prophetic heritage. This isn't just to establish his credentials; it points to the nature of prophecy itself. Prophets were God's chosen spokespeople, tasked with delivering His message. The phrase "the word of the LORD came to..." emphasizes that prophecy is not human invention but divine revelation. Zechariah, like other prophets, was a vessel through whom God communicated His will, His judgment, and His promises to His people.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and eternal nature as the Redeemer.
nabiy' · Hebrew Noun
One who is called and inspired by God to convey His divine message to His people, often calling them to repentance or revealing future events.
This verse lands in a pivotal moment – the post-exilic period where the community is rebuilding their lives and the Temple under Persian rule. Zechariah's message, like Haggai's before him, arrives at a time when the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding has waned, and a call to repentance is crucial for them to fully embrace God's promises for the future.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, a large group of Jewish exiles returns to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the Temple.
c. 522 BC
Accession of Darius I
Darius Hystaspes becomes king of Persia. His reign would bring stability and allow for the resumption of the Temple project.
August 520 BC
Haggai's First Prophecy
The prophet Haggai begins to urge the Jewish leaders and people to resume the construction of the Temple, which had been stalled for years.
September 520 BC
Temple Work Resumes
Spurred by Haggai's message, Zerubbabel, Jeshua the High Priest, and the people recommence building the Second Temple.
October 520 BC— this verse
Zechariah's First Prophecy
The LORD gives his word to Zechariah, who begins prophesying two months after Haggai, also encouraging the people in their rebuilding efforts and calling for repentance.
January 519 BC
Zechariah's Visions
Zechariah receives a series of symbolic visions, offering further encouragement and divine perspective on the Temple's future glory and the purification of the people.
December 518 BC
Last Recorded Prophecy
Zechariah's recorded ministry concludes, having spanned over two years of intense prophetic activity focused on the Temple's reconstruction and the spiritual renewal of the returned exiles.
This passage provides the immediate context, showing that Haggai began prophesying just two months before Zechariah, calling the people to rebuild the temple. Zechariah's prophecy picks up where Haggai left off, urging deeper repentance.
Ezra 5:1-2This passage directly links Zechariah with Haggai, stating that both prophets encouraged Zerubbabel and the people to resume the work of building the temple. This highlights Zechariah's active role alongside Haggai in this historical moment.
Jeremiah 25:3-11Zechariah's opening message, 'Turn ye to me, and I will turn to you,' echoes the persistent call to repentance found in Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the 70 years of exile. This shows the continuity of God's message through the prophets.
Matthew 23:35Jesus refers to the 'righteous Abel' and mentions Zechariah, son of Berechiah, as one who was murdered between the temple and the altar. While debated whether this is the same Zechariah, it connects the prophet's name to a tragic historical persecution.
wesleyZechariah 1:1: "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,"
1:1 In the eighth month - Two months after Haggai began to encourage the Jews to build the temple. Zechariah - Probably this is that Zechariah whom the Jews slew between the temple and the altar, Matt 23:35.
expositorsZechariah 1:1: "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,"
ZECHARIAH THE PROPHET Zechariah 1:1-6 ; Ezra 5:1 ; Ezra 6:14 ZECHARIAH is one of the prophets whose personality as distinguished from their message exerts some degree of fascination on the student. This is not due, however, as in the case of Hosea or Jeremiah, to the facts of his life, for of these we know extremely little; but…
While Zechariah is identified as "son of Berechiah," it's notable that other passages refer to him simply as "son of Iddo." This suggests Iddo, his grandfather, was the more prominent figure in their lineage, especially as a recognized prophet, emphasizing continuity in prophetic tradition rather than a strict father-son succession.
This verse marks the beginning of Zechariah's prophetic ministry, occurring two months after his contemporary, Haggai, began calling the people back to rebuilding the temple. The historical context is crucial: the Jewish exiles have returned to Jerusalem but have stalled on reconstructing their beloved Temple. This verse sets the stage for Zechariah's messages, which will encourage the people by reminding them of God's past faithfulness and His future promises, starting with a call to repentance.
This verse marks the beginning of Zechariah's prophetic ministry, occurring two months after his contemporary, Haggai, began calling the people back to rebuilding the temple. The historical context is crucial: the Jewish exiles have returned to Jerusalem but have stalled on reconstructing their beloved Temple. This verse sets the stage for Zechariah's messages, which will encourage the people by reminding them of God's past faithfulness and His future promises, starting with a call to repentance.
"In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, saying," — While Zechariah is identified as "son of Berechiah," it's notable that other passages refer to him simply as "son of Iddo." This suggests Iddo, his grandfather, was the more prominent figure in their…
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Last reviewed October 2026