Historical context of Zechariah

Who wrote Zechariah, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Zechariah

Date written

c. 520-480 BC

Original audience

Post-exilic Judah.

Genre

Prophecy / Apocalyptic

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

14

Background and setting

Same era as Haggai.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Zechariah was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Zechariah or jump into chapter 1.