The Holy Spirit plays a central role in Zechariah. The Old Testament does not name the third member of the Trinity, but references his activity as the engine that brings about restoration and revival. Old Testament prophecy gives the outline that the New Testament fills in. In Zechariah 12-13:6 we see the Spirit’s activity as a major sign that God will do a new thing in the future that brings about repentance, revival, and restoration. His power will cause those who “pierced” their shepherd to mourn over their sin. A pierced shepherd and a poured out Spirit outlines in shadowy form the substance of what we see in the New Testament on Good Friday and Pentecost. Zechariah gives these visions in order to exhort God’s people to continue their Temple rebuilding project after a disappointing return from exile. But by the Spirit his words resonate to our generation as we await the completion of the work begun by Christ and the Spirit. The exhortation remains the same: stay faithful and trust that by the Spirit’s power God’s purposes in Christ will be accomplished. This is Understanding Zechariah.

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