F.B. Meyer, in The Prophet of Hope, examines in depth the Book of Zechariah from the Old Testament and the life and prophecy of the man at the center of that book. Explaining his goal in writing the book, Meyer writes:
As one who has found spoil, which he would fain share, the author writes across this prophetic treatise, Dig here; and hopes that many will be attracted by Zechariah's holy and eager spirit, through which God spake (5).
The book is divided into fifteen chapters. The chapters examine the Book of Zechariah in order, chapter by chapter. The more important chapters are examined at greater length; for example, the first chapter of the Book is examined in three consecutive chapters beginning Meyer's book.
The general thrust of Meyer's book is that Zechariah and his visions and prophecies were meant to comfort the Jews in a time of darkness and near-despair. The prophecies were promises to the Jews of better times to come, times when God would make clear once again His connection with them. Zechariah was meant to give them the sense that it is darkest right before the dawn. Writing of the second vision, for example, Meyer says that "The next vision was full of comfort. The good words and comfortable words of the previous chapter are continued, like the long drawn-out sweetness of a lullaby" (24).
In the first chapter, Meyer establishes the historical context in which Zechariah lived and prophesied. Meyer emphasizes the reassuring aspect of Zechariah's works, as opposed to the wrathful prophecies of other prophets, although there is still a trace of the rebuke for disobedience toward God:
Zechariah prefaces his prophecies with a very tender message. True, he does not slur over the sins of the past. "The Lord hath been sore displeased with your father." The memory of that displeasure was only too recent, the signs too obvious; but he hastens to accentuate the divine pitifulness and tender mercy. "Thus saith th...