Difficult times do not last forever. Likewise, times of oppression do come to an end.

Israel was defeated and humilated by enemy nations. Yet Zechariah is given promises by God to the people that the LORD will conquer those who conquered and oppressed Israel. This promise looks to a day when pease is restored to Israel who was troubled by war.

The high point of these chapters [The LORD's promise] looks beyond the immediate future to the some day arrival of the Messiah King. [9:9 & 10:2-4]