Zechariah 1 -2 When we read the prophets we come away with our minds swirling because in our 21st century we know we are reading a historical record with implications for our spiritual lives. A new administration under Cyrus allowed the exiles to return to rebuild the Temple. In that time Isaiah prophesied that this was His plan and even named Cyrus as ruler several years before his birth! (Isaiah 44:28)
Both Haggai and Zechariah would remind them that God wanted his people to learn. Learn and do not fall back into what your ancestors did not do. He had sent prophets but they did not pay any attention or listen to them. He offered hope to them if they turned from their evil wickedness but their words fell on deaf ears. Micah had reminded them God would turn and have compassion upon them and cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Now with this ringing in their ears, they listened and began to confess: “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has indeed done what he said he would do to us, because of our sinful ways.” Words of repentance are a sweet balm to the Lord in heaven. He loves to hear of our words: I am sorry and I am willing to obey.
It is then that the floodgates of heaven swung open! “Sing out and be happy!” but also a simple reminder: “be silent in the Lord’s presence…”