Zechariah is a prophet who tells the people that God is giving them a second chance.
"Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts" (vs. 3). This sounds very much like James, who will later counsel the church: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8). God promises a reciprocal arrangement, where He will respond in a mutual way to us.
Zechariah also urges the people to not repeat the mistakes of the past generations. "Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.' But they did not hear or heed me, says the Lord" (vs. 4). Now that the nation has been through the exile and return, it is time for a restoration of the covenant and a way forward for the people.
God offers His people a second chance. His desire with the ancient prophets, as under Zechariah and Haggai, as now, is for His people to repent and return to Him.
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