The Tanakh Podcast

Today we discuss the notion that the future king who will bring peace to Jerusalem will be "poor and riding a donkey" (9:9) - an image which has often been seen as associated with the Mashiach.

Today we discuss the phrase (8:16) "Truth, Justice and Peace" and the inherent tensions between them.

It is the 4th year of Darius. The Temple is not yet completed but the structure is already standing. People are asking: Will we need to fast on the 9th of Av this year? The prophet responds. What do you think he said?

Two prophecies: Chariots (again) - and Crowns. What are the messages behind these prophecies? In our reading, both are prophecies encouraging the returnees to Jerusalem that God is backing the enterprise of the Return to Zion, and the project of rebuilding the Temple.

A flying scroll; a female figure of evil transported in a lead cauldron - these are the strange and colourful images of our chapter. But What do they mean?

An image of a golden Menorah with two olive trees. This prophecy has become the basis of the national crest of the State of Israel. But what does it all mean?

Zechariah sees a celestial hearing in which the High Priest stands before Satan. God rebukes Satan and says that he doesn't want to hear any accusations against the Jewish People who have endured so much! Instead the High Priest is given fresh, clean clothing, symbolizing God's forgiveness of His people and his intent to offer Israel a fresh start, a new beginning.

We continue with Zechariah's visions which express the end of Israel's oppression and dispersion, and promises both God's and Israel's return to Jerusalem.

Zechariah 1 offers a cryptic image of white and red horses and a mystery man who reports: “We have roamed the world, and have found it dwelling in tranquility.” To which Zechariah's angel blurts out: "How long will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the towns of Judah, to which you have been furious for seventy years already?”

In chapter 2 we hear Haggai actively encouraging the Jews of Judea to build, lifting their hopes with promises of a better future.