Zechariah 1

In terms of Historical timeline, we learn that Zechariah started prophesying two months after Haggai; during the time of the Persian empire under the reign of Darius in Oct/Nov 520BC.  He was mainly trying to motivate the exiles who returned to finish rebuilding the temple.   He was not only a prophet but also a priest.    His message to the people were to learn from the past, and not be like their ancestors who ignored the prophets and were exiled.

We are reminded not to repeat past mistakes; but also, to remember God's faithfulness.  We are not to pass up the opportunity to return to the LORD and restore our covenant relationship.  While Zechariah was motivating the people to finish rebuilding the temple, he didn't mention the temple in the first six verses; but rather, focused on their relationship with God.   This indicates what rebuilding the temple represents - that worship should be made a priority and it starts with repentance and our relationship with Him.

Zechariah is given a series of 8 visions, 2 of which are included in chapter 1:

• The first vision of the Man among the Myrtle Trees shows the pre-incarnate Christ interceding for God the Father to once again show mercy to Judah by ending the chastisement of the past 70 years of exile and captivity.  God responds with words of comfort, that the temple will be rebuilt and His people will grow and be prosperous; and also that the enemies will be punished for going too far with their mistreatment of their captives
• The second vision of the 4 Horns and Craftsmen further shows that the 4 conquering nations (horns) will be overthrown by 4 Craftsmen (each succeeding nation)

Both these visions can also have a long-term future fulfillment with Christ and His Millenial Reign, ultimately overthrowing and ruling over all nations.