The Use of Zechariah in Revelation

Marko Jauhiainen contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding the use of the Old Testament in Revelation by seeking to clarify the question of how exactly the book of Revelation uses the book of Zechariah. Undertaking a thorough examination of the links between the two documents, the author concludes that the number of allusions to Zechariah is significantly smaller than often maintained and that the exaggerated claims are at least partly traceable back to inadequate methodology. Yet John's use of Zechariah makes a significant contribution to Revelation. The burning issue for Zechariah was the coming restoration of God's people and John, firmly anchored in the Jewish prophetic tradition, brings closure to open, unfulfilled prophecies, offering his own vision as the final word on the question of when and how this restoration will take place.