Project 119: Zechariah 6
| Project 119 | Amy Hirsch
In Zechariah 6, we see Zechariah’s last vision, and isn’t it interesting how it bookends his first vision? Zechariah sees four chariots with horses who are going to the four winds of the earth, patrolling all of the land. His message here echoes the first vision’s message: we are reminded that God is reigning and that nothing escapes His watchful eye. We are also reminded that His plans are perfect and His purposes will come to pass. We can trust in His word.
I was especially intrigued by the second part of Zechariah 6, where we witness a coronation ceremony happen. Zechariah calls for several exiles to bring their silver and gold, and a crown is fashioned for Joshua, the high priest. These days, any images of crowns make think of the popular Netflix show The Crown, which focuses on the rule of Queen Elizabeth II. Anytime they say “The Crown” in the show, I’ve noticed that they aren’t typically just talking about the beautiful headpiece the queen wears. Rather, “The Crown” refers to the authority of the monarch, who is the head of the state. The fashionable headwear is just a physical symbol of her power and rule.
In the same way, there’s a lot of symbolism happening here in Zechariah. A crown isn’t being fashioned just for the sake of making a crown—rather, the crown is a symbol of God’s plan to rule over His people. Joshua, the high priest, wears the crown for now, and Joshua will help lead the endeavor to rebuild the temple, but Zechariah’s vision is also futuristic. He pictures a day when Israel will be ruled by a king who is also the high priest, when these two offices will be united under one leader, “the Branch.” Another prophet told us that this Branch from the lineage of David would “reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 23:5, ESV). In Zechariah, we learn that he will sit on the throne not only as a king, but also as a priest.
When we look to the New Testament, we see the hopes of this priest-king fulfilled in Christ. Isn’t it good news that Christ is reigning, that nothing is left outside of His control (Hebrews 2:8)? And, isn’t it also good news that this same sovereign Lord who reigns over the cosmos is intimately acquainted with the details of your life, and is a king who graciously intercedes for His people as a merciful and faithful high priest (Hebrews 2:17)?
Zechariah 6 (ESV):
A Vision of Four Chariots
1 Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains. And the mountains were mountains of bronze. 2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, 3 the third white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses—all of them strong. 4 Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” 5 And the angel answered and said to me, “These are going out to the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The chariot with the black horses goes toward the north country, the white ones go after them, and the dappled ones go toward the south country.” 7 When the strong horses came out, they were impatient to go and patrol the earth. And he said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. 8 Then he cried to me, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have set my Spirit at rest in the north country.”
The Crown and the Temple
9 And the word of the LORD came to me: 10 “Take from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon, and go the same day to the house of Josiah, the son of Zephaniah. 11 Take from them silver and gold, and make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12 And say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. 13 It is he who shall build the temple of the LORD and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’ 14 And the crown shall be in the temple of the LORD as a reminder to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah.
15 “And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”