Zechariah 1:7
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, 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 1:7 · King James Version
Meaning
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo the prophet. This verse marks the specific time when Zechariah received a divine revelation from God. The prophet Zechariah lived during the time of the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, and his prophecies played a significant role in encouraging the people to rebuild the Temple. The mention of the date and the lineage of Zechariah highlights the authenticity and authority of the message he received. By including these details, the passage emphasizes the historical context in which the prophet was called to deliver God's word. The verse serves as a reminder that God's messages are not randomly delivered, but are often given at specific times and to specific individuals for a purpose.
Theological Overview
The verse from the book of Zechariah provides us with several important details that set the stage for the prophecy that follows. The specific date mentioned, the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, not only adds a sense of historicity to the narrative but also holds theological significance. This particular date falls during a period of restoration and rebuilding for the Jewish people, following their exile in Babylon. The mention of Darius, the ruler at the time, helps to ground the prophecy in a specific historical context. Additionally, the lineage of Zechariah, being the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, highlights the prophetic tradition within his family. All these details enrich our understanding of the message that Zechariah receives from the Lord. As we delve deeper into the text, we can uncover the layers of meaning and significance that lie within each word and historical reference, allowing us to gain a more profound insight into the divine message delivered to Zechariah.
Zechariah 1:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of Jehovah unto Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,
World English Bible
On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, Yahweh’s word came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet, saying,
Douay-Rheims
In the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month which is called Sabath, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Barachias, the son of Addo, the prophet, saying:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Vpon the foure and twentieth day of the eleuenth moneth, which is the moneth Shebat, in the second yeere of Darius, came the worde of the Lord vnto Zechariah the sonne of Berechiah, the sonne of Iddo the Prophet, saying,