We are introduced to the final prophet, Malachi. Time has passed since the second temple has been rebuilt, and it is now obvious that the final redemption has not materialized. Malachi points out to the people that it is their cynicism which has brought about this failure.

The day of God will arrive, and it will not be a day of all light or all darkness. There will be both redemption and destruction. But when it is over, God's name will be One. All of humanity will rejoice together and celebrate.

When truth and humility prevails, the fake prophets will no longer be able to spread their vile and impure ideas. They themselves will be ashamed of their lies, and claim that they are just simple farmers.

In Zechariah's vision of the ultimate battle between God's enemies and His people, one major lesson will be learned. Humility of the victors will be the result. The victors will win with God, with Grace, with empathy and compassion for each and every person who suffered injury or death in the war.

We read of God's frustration with corrupt leadership, as God asks the prophet himself to lead the people. If no one else will, God promises to do it Himself. When God Himself takes over, He leads with both punishment and reward.

Zechariah envisions a new Messianic world. In this world, people turn to God and not to sorcery. In this world, peoples achieve greatness and power through God and not through wealth and might. In this world, the people of Judah and Ephraim are once again united, together and strong.

The eyes of all mankind look toward God and His people for guidance, but those who are too arrogant will ultimately be destroyed. Those who follow God though, will become included in His people. The Messiah will not conquer the world with power and weapons, but he will rule by speaking peace to all corners of the Earth.

God reveals to us when and how the redemption will occur. He is here and ready to be present among us, but we need to be truthful, honest and just. The nations of the world will then grasp the cloak of the Jews and ask to come to Jerusalem and learn the ways of God.

The people ask the prophet, "Is this the redemption we have been waiting for? Do we still need to fast in commemoration of the destruction of the First Temple?" A seemingly innocent question reveals to God that they missed the entire point of both the reason for the destruction and the purpose of redemption itself.

In the final vision in the prophet's dream, we learn of the chariots of God as they search the land and return to the Temple. The separation of Church and State is crucial to the success of the redemption.