Genesis 3 proves that our purpose in life as male and female did not change after the fall, but pain was introduced. Now, fulfilling our purpose is painful and our only hope is in Christ, the seed of woman, who delivers His people from evil.

The final portion of Zechariah's final oracle leaves the people of his day with a warning and hope. It is a call to true worship that will extend into eternity. 

How does the final oracle in Zechariah point to Jesus? Jesus quoted a phrase from Zechariah in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. He claimed to be the one struck by God's sword from the salvation of God's people. 

Chapter 12 begins the final oracle recorded in Zechariah. The Lord begins to describe the "day of the Lord" and God's divine action among the nations of the earth.  

God gives Zechariah another symbolic action. Like the directions in chapter 6, the task given to Zechariah is meant to teach the people a lesson. It is a lesson from the past that should direct their present and should provide future hope.

In the days of Zechariah the prophet, the LORD promised to reclaim His property, return His prisoners, and redeem His people. Today, that promise holds firm and comes to fruition through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Two years after the night visions, the Lord answers the people from Bethel through Zechariah. Are they to continue fasting in the fifth month? Though it seems like a reasonable question, the Lord addresses the heart behind the question. 

The visions are over, and Zechariah is given a task meant to create a picture for the people of Israel. Though the fullness of this picture is not seen until the work of Christ, the people are provided a crown to help them remember. 

In the final three night visions, Zechariah sees a flying scroll, a woman in a basket, and four chariots.  They serve as a testimony of God's power and goodness toward his people. 

One lampstand, two trees, two sons of oil–Zechariah's visions can be confusing. The presence of God should be the most treasured aspect of their lives. This vision shows how God's presence enables Zerubabbel to rebuild the temple.