Let the Prophets Speak

In Zechariah's vision of the ultimate battle between God's enemies and His people, one major lesson will be learned. Humility of the victors will be the result. The victors will win with God, with Grace, with empathy and compassion for each and every person who suffered injury or death in the war.

We read of God's frustration with corrupt leadership, as God asks the prophet himself to lead the people. If no one else will, God promises to do it Himself. When God Himself takes over, He leads with both punishment and reward.

Zechariah envisions a new Messianic world. In this world, people turn to God and not to sorcery. In this world, peoples achieve greatness and power through God and not through wealth and might. In this world, the people of Judah and Ephraim are once again united, together and strong.

The eyes of all mankind look toward God and His people for guidance, but those who are too arrogant will ultimately be destroyed. Those who follow God though, will become included in His people. The Messiah will not conquer the world with power and weapons, but he will rule by speaking peace to all corners of the Earth.

God reveals to us when and how the redemption will occur. He is here and ready to be present among us, but we need to be truthful, honest and just. The nations of the world will then grasp the cloak of the Jews and ask to come to Jerusalem and learn the ways of God.

The people ask the prophet, "Is this the redemption we have been waiting for? Do we still need to fast in commemoration of the destruction of the First Temple?" A seemingly innocent question reveals to God that they missed the entire point of both the reason for the destruction and the purpose of redemption itself.

In the final vision in the prophet's dream, we learn of the chariots of God as they search the land and return to the Temple. The separation of Church and State is crucial to the success of the redemption.

Zechariah's prophecies get more mysterious as he sees a flying scroll, a flying box, and a woman in a box. We attempt to decipher the meaning of these unusual visions.

This vision of Zechariah is read in synagogue every holiday of Chanukah. We as human beings must make God's presence felt in this world. If we do that, then the light of the menorah will shine throughout the Earth.

Zechariah is witness to a heavenly trial. Yehoshua the high priest stands in dirty clothing, with all of the accumulated sins of the people in exile. Can he be cleansed? Can he lead the people in purification and atonement?

The greatest fear of those who destroy, are the carpenters and builders who seek to build. Zechariah is afraid that the building of Jerusalem may be limited, but God reassures the people and the prophet that if they build, and the people come, Jerusalem will grow.

Zechariah echoes the people's concern that they are still subservient to the might of the Persian empire. We try to comprehend a mysterious vision of colorful horses, and God promises the people that He will yet choose Jerusalem.

We begin the book of Zechariah, and we get the sense that the period of prophecy is coming to a close. Your forefathers already learned their lesson. God has already shown us the path. We no longer will need prophets to remind us to improve our ways

The prophet exhorts the people to be strong, be pure, and dedicate themselves. The potential for the full and true redemption lies in their hands. If only they apply themselves, the redemption is already here. We learn of the purpose of Halacha, Jewish law.

Haggai inspires the people to get out of their houses and build! Don't wait for miracles, the redemption comes only when we work for it.

King Ahasuerus rules his kingdom and appoints Mordeachai his second in command. Mordechai uses his position of influence to protect his brethren.

The edict of Esther and Mordechai succeeds in sowing fear among the enemies of the Jews. The day set aside for genocide of the Jews turns into a day of victory for the Jews over their enemies, and the holiday of Purim is born.

Mordechai and Esther are elevated in the King's court, and given the power to write decrees in the royal name. They give the Jews the power to defend themselves against their enemies. The people in Persian empire learn that the might of the Empire is now supporting the Jews.

At the second party, Esther exposes the true nature of Haman, and the plot to destroy her people. She understands that true loyalty to the King is the only path to victory. Esther demonstrates to the king who is really with him, and who is trying to take advantage of him.

The King has difficulty sleeping, as Esther has left him with some curious and mysterious hints. Who is truly loyal to me? What is Haman up to? The King identifies Mordechai and his loyalty to him, and he wants to give him the proper honor. Haman senses that his tactics are beginning to backfire.

Esther realizes that the key to success is to show the king that the truly loyal servant is Mordechai, and that the disloyal usurper is Haman. She devises an ingenious plan to make the king suspicious of Haman. She makes a party!

Mordechai has lost his influence in the court of the King, and imminent genocide seems unavoidable. The people look to Queen Esther as their only hope for salvation.

Mordechai displays his loyalty to the King and refuses to bow to Haman. Infuriated at this slight, Haman devises his plot to commit genocide against the Jewish people.

King Ahaseurus begins his search for a new queen, and from all the young women brought before him, he chooses Esther. Esther was an orphan Jewish girl being raised by her cousin Mordechai, but she does not reveal her family background to the King. All who meet her are impressed by her grace and kindness, and even as queen she maintains her modesty and loyalty to her family.

We read of the arrogant display of wealth and power by the King Ahaseurus. The one thing he cannot tolerate is that his dominion over his wife is compromised.