Torah Class with Tom Bradford: Zechariah Lecture

Introduction

• Tom Bradford begins the second lesson in the Book of Zechariah.
• Pre-requisite: Study the Book of Haggai first as it sets the stage for Zechariah.
• Previous lesson discussed an issue of God's name in Christian Bibles.
  • God's name was given as "YHWH" in Hebrew.
  • In English Bibles: often rendered as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh".
  • English Bibles substitute God's name with "The Lord" over 6,800 times.

Zechariah Chapter 1 Overview

• First six verses are the first prophetic Oracle given to Zechariah.
• Historical context established with Persian King Darius’s reign.
• Divine message: Return to God and He will return blessings.

Important Discussion Points

God's Name

• God's name often omitted in English translations.
• Hebrew context important for understanding the true nature of divine oracles.
• God's name represents God the Father.

Historical Context

• The date is provided using two calendars: Hebrew (month) and regnal (year).
• Significance of Heshvan, the 8th month, in the Hebrew civil calendar.

Prophetic Message

• Zechariah 1:1-6: Reminder of ancestors' disobedience and God's anger.
• Theme: Repentance and return to God for restoration.
• Covenant: Importance of adhering to God's Covenant, particularly through Moses and Abraham.

Lessons on God's Response

• God's actions (blessings/punishments) occur over long periods.
• Current world situation (chaos/confusion) may be due to divine discipline.
• Repentance is necessary for divine forgiveness.

Understanding Repentance

• Hebrew word "Shuv" means to return/repent.
• Repentance involves action, not just sorrow for sins.

Vision and Symbolism

• Zechariah's vision in Zechariah 1:7-17.
  • Symbolism of horses: represent God's messengers scouting the Earth.
• Characters: Rider, interpreting angel/messenger.
• Report: World is currently at peace, significant within Persian Empire's stability.

Implications of the Prophetic Vision

• Symbolism: Night and shade suggest obscured understanding.
• Understanding requires deciphering symbolic language.
• Modern Application: Continuous relevance of God's laws.

Conclusion

• The oracle's message emphasizes God's unchanging laws and the need for obedience.
• Reflects on Yeshua's teachings about the permanence of God’s law.
• Encouragement to align one's actions with divine expectations to avoid prolonged divine discipline.