Zechariah 6:1-15
Q.1. How did this final vision compare with Zechariah’s first vision? How was his vision explained? Had God ignored Judah’s mistreatment? – (Zech.6:1-8 c.f. Zech.1:7-17; Rev.6:1-8)
This vision was an answer to the people’s concern that they would be swallowed up by the surrounding nations (Zech.1:12). Contrary to appearances, the first vision brought encouraging words that the Lord was zealous for His people and Zion (Zech.1:13-14). The chariots drawn by coloured horses marked different ways that God will judge the earth, with famine, plagues, and death (Zech.6:1-3 & 6 c.f. Rev.6:1-8). The vision documented God’s intention to punish Israel’s enemies – Then He cried out to me and spoke to me saying, “See, those who are going to the land of the north have appeased My wrath in the land of the north.” (Zech.6:8).
Q.2. In what way was Joshua’s crown symbolic? Who was to pay for it? To whom does it rightfully belong? What added ministry will the Branch fulfill? – (Zech.6:9-15 c.f. Is.11:1-5; Heb.7:1-28)
The crown was to be paid for from an offering by the exiles (Zech.6:10). Zechariah was to – … make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest (Zech.6:11). This was a symbolic act, because the High Priest came from the tribe of Levi, whereas the kingly crown was from a member of the tribe of Judah – Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the Lord … (Zech.6:14). Zechariah was then given an amazing prophecy of a future time, when the Branch – Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honour and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.” (Zech.6:13 c.f. Is.11:1-5). He thus identified the Messiah as Jesus, Who would combine the offices of King and High Priest. The writer to Hebrews went into great detail to explain how this was possible (Heb.7:1-28). Jesus qualified as the promised King, being of the tribe of Judah. However, although He therefore could not belong to the tribe of Levi, He qualified as the High Priest, through His connection to the priestly order of Melchizedek – Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek … without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, He remains a priest perpetually (Heb.6:20; 7:3). It seemed to suggest that this temple that will be built by the Lord, will be paid for by God’s people living outside of Israel – Those who are far off will come and build the temple of the Lord.” Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And it will take place if you completely obey the Lord your God (Zech.6:15).