Zechariah 6:9-15

The visions are completed, but there is something that must be said by the LORD in conclusion.  These are words of comfort and provide a fitting conclusion to the visions by directing the people to Christ (Messiah).

Zechariah is to receive a monetary gift brought by three men from the Jewish people who are still in Babylon.  He is to take the gold and silver from this gift and have a crown made from it, an elaborate crown and obviously a royal crown.  Then he is to take the crown and place it on the head of the high priest Joshua. 

The background information that is needed is simple: high priests in Israel did not ever take to themselves the royal crown.  The priests were from the tribe of Levi and the king from the tribe of Judah and never the twain shall meet.  There were times in Israel’s history when kings sought to infringe on the ministry of the priesthood and they were judged severely. 

And yet here is the point: a time will come when there will be a priest on His throne.  That time will be the time of the Messiah, the Man whose name is the BRANCH.  And that Man will build the temple, even as Joshua has been doing in his day.  But this Man will be the LORD Himself: He shall bear the glory.  And shall sit and rule on His throne. 

This is the teaching of Scripture.  Take some time to read Psalm 110, one of the greatest Messianic Psalms.  There we see the Messiah ruling in great strength out of Zion, the Davidic King.  And yet He is also a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.  What is important about this union is that only one Man in all of history is qualified for both roles.  Only Jesus, Son of David, can reign forever, fulfilling God’s promise to David of a Son on the throne.  Only Jesus, our High Priest, can offer a sacrifice that provides redemption forever, a once-for-all sacrifice of a perfect Lamb.  Together He is King and Priest and there is no conflict; the counsel of peace is between them both. 

Don’t miss 6:14-15.  How encouraging for these men who represented the dispersion.  The crown of Joshua was to be an emblem of God promise to bring back the captivity, completely.  From afar the people would come and help to build the temple in the time of Messiah.  It would be at that future time when the saved nation would, in fact, diligently obey the voice of the LORD their God.

What comforting words for Israel!  The day will come.  Today let us walk faithfully with the Man whose name is the BRANCH, Jesus Christ our Lord!