A symbolic act

The series of eight visions has ended. Now we move into the conclusion. (1) Three exiles who had returned from Babylon (Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah) brought an offering to the temple (they may have been men who carried donations from the Jewish community in Babylon). (2) Zechariah receives it (the gold and silver) from them and goes to the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah. This Josiah was probably a metal craftsman. Zechariah has Josiah make a crown. (3) Then he places that crown on the head of Joshua the high priest. This is different from the turban worn on the head of the high priest. The symbolic act here is the coronation of a king for the high priest. This symbolic act has two meanings: (a) a lesson concerning the distant future (v 12-13), and (b) a lesson concerning the near future (v 14-15). Zechariah conveys this to Joshua the high priest. That is the content of the latter half.

Explanation of the meaning

“Then say to him, ‘The Lord of armies says this: “Behold, there is a Man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord. Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the majesty and sit and rule on His throne. So He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices”’” (v 12-13). This is a Messianic prophecy. The “Branch” refers to the Messiah. This person will simultaneously fulfill both the role of high priest and the role of king. Under the Law of Moses, the high priest came from the tribe of Levi, while the king came from the tribe of Judah. Therefore, one person could not hold both offices at the same time. However, Jesus is from the tribe of Judah, and at the same time, He is not a priest in the line of Aaron, but a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:6). Therefore, He is both High Priest and King. “Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the Lord to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah… And it will take place if you completely obey the Lord your God” (v 14-15). This is a lesson concerning the near future. When the rebuilding of the temple is completed, the crown will be placed in the temple. At that time, it will be proven that Zechariah is a prophet sent by the Lord. Just as the exiles contributed to the rebuilding of the temple, the time has come for us Gentiles to contribute to the fulfillment of the Lord’s plan. Let us worship Jesus, who is both High Priest and King, and follow Him.