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The Book of Zechariah
Chapter 6

We now come to the last vision of the ten which were given to Zechariah in one night. Let's consider them again: #1. Horses and riders (Zec.1:7-17) #2. The four horns (Zec.1:18-19) #3. The four carpenters (Zec.1:20-21) #4. Man with a measuring line (Zec.2:1-13) #5. Joshua and Satan (Zec.3:1-7) #6. The Branch, and the Stone with seven eyes (Zec.3:8-10) #7. The golden candlestick and two olive trees (Zec.4:1-14; Rev.11:3-11) #8. The flying scroll (Zec.5:1-4) #9. Woman in the ephah (Zec.5:5-11) #10. The four chariots (Zec.6:1-8)

Vision Of The Four Chariots Zec.6:1-8

Zechariah 6:1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. (KJV)

And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked . . . (Zec.5:1) when Zechariah looked, he saw yet another vision.

And, behold, there came four chariots . . . this vision is also highly symbolic and very difficult, with many interpretations. "There came four chariots" . . . it seems we can assume that horses were hitched to the chariots and there were drivers for each of them. As we read on, we will find this is true.

Some interpretations of the "four chariots":
#1. The various changes made by wars in the nations; the chariots were chariots for war, and drawn by several different colored horses, so wars and changes might be meant.
#2. The "four chariots" were four monarchies, each with a different outlook toward the Jews and others, whom they ruled, as many expositors think.
#3. The "four chariots" are the four Gospels, with the apostles and preachers of the Gospel sent by Christ.
#4. The "four chariots" are angels, who are sometimes styled chariots of God (Ps.68:17; 2 Ki.6:17; Rev.9:9), and who are by Daniel, Zechariah and the apostle John said to be ministers and servants of Christ in the affairs of His church (Dan.4:13; 8:16-17; 12:5; Zec.1:9; 2:3; 4:1; Rev.1:20; 2:1,8,12, 18; 3:1,7,14).
#5. Some identify these "four chariots" with the vision which John saw in Revelation 6, which is yet future. John's vision there opens the Great Tribulation period, presenting "four horsemen," which is a striking parallel between them and Zechariah's vision of the "four chariots." In chapter 5 the visions of judgment were mainly for the people of Israel, but here in chapter 6, God's judgment is upon the Gentile nations which have oppressed God's people. It reveals not only a past judgment but a future judgment which is to come during the Great Tribulation period.

Out from between two mountains . . . the chariots must have been in a great deep and dark valley, because here we see two mountains. God's "judgments are a great deep" but His "righteousness is like the great mountains" (Ps.36:6). Some commentators say that these two mountains are Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives, which would locate these four chariots down in the Kidron Valley.

Also consider: The two mountains could be one mountain that was split in two, leaving a valley in between (Zec.14:4). Coupled with this is the mountain of vision five (Zech.4:7), that which before Zerubbabel would become a level place.

And the mountains were mountains of brass . . . or bronze. Symbolically, bronze is used in the Old Testament to represent judgment. It was one of the metals that was used in the tabernacle in the two articles of furniture which were used in the judgment of sin. The brazen altar was made of bronze (Ex.39:39), as was the laver of brass (Ex.30:18). These both stood in the outer court of the tabernacle, and both had to do with the judgment of the sin of the people.

Since the mountains in this vision are mountains of brass, it would seem that these mountains speak of judgment. Judgment is going to come forth from God. There are four judgments that go forth, and they are pictured here as four chariots.
Mountains as symbols of kingdoms, oppression, troubles: (Isa.25:7,10; 41:15-16; Jer.51:25,53,58; Zec.4:7; Mat.17:20). Mountain is also a symbol of Christ: (Dan.2:34-35,44-45).

Zechariah sees in this vision four chariots emerging from between two brass mountains. The chariot in the Old Testament is mainly a war weapon, NOT just a means of transportation (Ex.14:25; Jos.11:6; Judg.4:15; 1 Sam. 8:11; 1 Ki.12:18; 22:35), and in apocalyptic literature represents the Lord Himself as being the chariot wheels (Eze.1:15-21), or His conveyance (Isa.66:15; Ps.68:4-5,17; Hab.3:8). There are four chariots in the vision, symbolizing the worldwide extent (north, east, south, west) of the travels of the chariots (Zec.1:8-10).

Zechariah 6:2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; (KJV)

In the first chariot were red horses . . . Zechariah sees no difference between the chariots, only the different colors of the "horses" distinguish the chariots. "Red horses" could mean bloody times, and fiery execution of God's wrath (Zec.1:8; Rev.6:4).

And in the second chariot black horses . . . "black horses" could mean a time of famine (Rev.6:5). The symbol is different from that in the first vision. In Zec.1:8-10, there were horses only, and their riders went "to and fro through the Earth." Here there are war-like chariots with the horses, to execute God's judgments, each in their turn. In the first vision also, there is not the characteristic fourfold division, which reminds of the four world-empires of Daniel chapter 2; after which, in both Books, is the mention of the Kingdom of Christ. Even if the "grisled horses" are the same as the "speckled" of the first vision (Zec.1:8), there are no black horses there.

The only similarity is, that there are horses of different colors, two of which, red and white, are the same. The symbol of the fourth empire, grizzled and strong, remarkably corresponds with the strength and mingled character of the fourth empire in Daniel.

Zechariah 6:3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. (KJV)

And in the third chariot white horses . . . both Christ (Rev.19:11), and the Antichrist (Rev.6:2), ride "white horses."

The colors of the horses are important. We see the same colors in the four horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation 6. I do not think this is an accident, since it is God's Words here, through Zechariah! Personally, I think both prophecies are probably referring to the same events. The red horse in John's vision represents war. The black horse represents famine, and the pale horse is identified as death. All of which picture judgments from Almighty God.

SO . . . what does the first horse, the white horse of the Apocalypse, represent? There are white horses here in Zechariah's vision also, which probably symbolize victory. In John's vision, the white horse is immediately followed by the red horse of war. There is NO doubt in my mind that the first horseman represents Antichrist and that he will bring a false peace into the world (Dan.9:26-27) . . . because after him comes the red horse of war, and war breaks out upon the Earth.

There have been many wars, but we have never seen an actual WORLD war yet. During the Great tribulation, this entire Earth will be covered by war, because man is warlike as long as there is sin in his heart, and he shall be led by the "man of sin" the Antichrist.

When that red horse goes out, there shall be NO place anywhere without bloodshed! . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_revelation_lesson6.htm

The "grisled and bay horses" of Zechariah's vision would correspond to the pale horse of the Apocalypse (Rev.6:8). This tenth vision was given to Zechariah to encourage his people, knowing that God would judge the Gentile nations as He would judge His own people.

Zechariah 6:4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? (KJV)

Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me . . . after the prophet had seen the chariots come out, and saw the different colors of the horses.

What are these, my lord? . . . Zechariah wanted to know "what is the meaning of this vision?"
Question 21. Next one, Zec.7:3.

Zechariah 6:5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. (KJV)

And the angel answered and said unto me . . . the angel would grant the prophet his request, and explain the vision of the chariots.

These are the four spirits of the heavens . . . they cannot be literal winds, because it is spirits (angels), NOT winds, that stand before God (Ps.104:4). Or "the four winds of the heavens" (north, east, south, west). Four winds of Heaven: (Jer.49:36; Eze.37:9; Dan.7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zec.2:6; Mat.24:31; Mk.13:27; Rev.7:1).

"The four winds of the heavens" . . . could also apply to the apostles and ministers of the Gospel, because their ministry is the ministration of the Spirit, which is like wind that blows invisibly, powerfully and where it listeth (Jn.3:8), and because in it and by it, the Spirit breathes life and comfort into the eternal souls of men. The Bible tells us that we can KNOW we have eternal life (Jn.20:31; 1 Jn.5:13). John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (KJV)

Angels are called "spirits" (Ps.104:4). They are created spirits, having no material body or form, and so differ from God (Jn.4:24). They also differ from men, for they are are immaterial and immortal, and do not die. They are spiritual beings who reside in Heaven, and who remain eternally in existence, where men have physical bodies that die (1 Ki.2:2; Ps.89:48; Ecc.3:2; 1 Cor.15:22; Heb.9:27).

These are the four kingdoms, which are as "the four winds of heaven'' (Dan.7:2-8). These four kingdoms did NOTHING unless it was the will of God. "Lion" (Dan.7:4; Rev.4:7); "bear" (Dan.7:5; Rev.13:2); "leopard" (Dan.7:6; Rev.13:2); "fourth beast, dreadful and terrible" (Dan.7:7; Rev.13:1-2).

Which go forth, from standing before the Lord of all the earth . . . angels stand before the Lord, ministering unto Him and always are in His Presence. These "go forth" from Him, being sent by Him on many different errands into all the parts of the world. Heavenly spirits who "stand before the Lord" receive God's commands (Zec.4:14; 1 Ki.22:19; Lk. 1:19) in Heaven, and proceed with chariot speed (2 Ki.6:17; Ps.68:17) to execute them on Earth in its four various quarters (Ps.104:4; Heb.1:7,14)

This could also apply to the four monarchies, who stood before the Lord in His vast and infinite mind; and always in His planned program for the world. He could either send them out or hold them back. ALL powers are ordained of God, and He has the government of the whole world in His Hands.

The angels are "winds," to carry out the Lord's commands. The angels are in charge of the judgments which will be coming upon the Gentile nations, as we see also in the Book of Revelation.

Zechariah 6:6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. (KJV)

The black horses which are therein . . . the "black horses" were in the second chariot. There is no further mention of the red horses in the first chariot, because the kingdom of the Chaldeans was now extinct. These symbolize the Medes and Persians.

Go forth into the north country . . . into the country of Babylon or Chaldea, which lay north of Judea (Jer.1:13). These went to Babylon, seizing the empire, and delivered the Jews, who were captives there.

And the white go forth after them . . . the "white horses" represent ministers of goodness, mercy and kindness, and went after the black to the north. These were sent to preserve the Jews and bring them back; which was great work, for many stayed in Babylon until Ezra's and Nehemiah's time.

And the grisled go forth toward the south country . . . the Romans under Julius Caesar, Augustus, and others before them, who went into Egypt, which lay south of Judea (Dan.11:5), conquered that, and other nations, and set up the fourth kingdom or monarchy. "The grisled go forth" . . . the angels symbolized by these, were to manage the Roman power, which was a mixture of many different people (Dan.2:33,40-43), and which were sometimes favorable, sometimes fierce and severe, to those they had to deal with.

"Toward the south country" . . . Egypt and Arabia, which was south of Judea, and which the Romans did subdue; it may also point to their invading Africa too, whose punishments were mixed somewhat with more kindness and mercy than the punishments of Babylon.

Since probably more Jews remained in Babylon than returned to their own country, what was to happen had a special interest for them. They had already been warned in the third vision (Zec.2:7) to "get out of Babylon." The color black symbolizes the heavy lot, inflicted by the Medo-Persians; as in the Revelation it is said, "the sun became black as sackcloth of hair" (Rev.6:12); and to the beast in Daniel's vision which corresponded with it, it was said, "Arise, devour much flesh" (Dan.7:5); and in the Revelation, "he that sat on the black horse" (Rev.6:5-6) was the angel in charge of inflicting famine on the land. Isaiah 13:17-18 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. 18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. (KJV)

Zechariah 6:7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth. (KJV)

And the bay went forth, and sought to go . . . the bays went from the place where the prophet saw them, but it does not say where they went to. "And sought to go" . . . wanted to go but seemed to wait for permission. These which ask permission, reveal to us that Satan has NO power to hurt or afflict, until God gives it to him (Job 1:12).

That they might walk to and fro through the earth . . . it seems these had a greater commission . . . the whole Earth (Zec.1:10-11; 4:10); and/or a special commission to keep their patrols in the land of Judea, and seeing to the care and the comfort of those people.

So they walked to and fro through the earth . . . they obey immediately, and do His commands. These bay horses are here represented as attempting that which at first seems to have little effect, though when fully empowered, they do succeed in the attempt. Their job is to complete the work already partly executed by the previous three who have put a stop to Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Græco-Macedonia . . . which was to punish Israel's last great foe, the final form assumed by the fourth world kingdom, Rome, which shall continue on to the Second Coming of Christ (Zec.14:3-4; Rev.19:11-21). So, these "walk to and fro through the earth," working non-stop against Satan's "going to and fro in the earth" (Job 1:7; 2 Thes.2:8-9; 1 Tim.4:1), in connection with the last horrible development of the fourth world kingdom (Zec.14:1-15; Mal.4:5; 2 Thes.1:8-9; 2 Pet.3:10; Rev.11:18; 14:7; 20:11-15).

And he said . . . this means, the Lord of the whole Earth, before whom they stood.

Get ye hence, walk to and fro through the earth . . . the Lord gave them power and great authority to do their job.

So they walked to and fro through the earth . . . they could go to and fro, up and down, at their will, unhindered, through the whole Earth, even the beast of Rome, which reigned over the kings of the Earth, to whom the ten kings gave their kingdom and power (Antichrist). The Greek empire now gone, the Romans no longer went into any given country, but governed all human things in "all the world" (Mat.4:8; 24:14; Lk.2:1; 4:5).

Zechariah 6:8 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country. (KJV)

Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying . . . this means the Lord of the whole earth spoke to the prophet with a loud voice, and uttered the following words:

Behold, these that go toward the north country . . . meaning the Medes and Persians, which went towards Babylon.

Have quieted my spirit in the north country . . . by executing the judgments of God upon the Chaldeans, and by helping, favoring and delivering the Jews; all of which was very agreeable to the will of God, and well pleasing in His sight, signified by the quieting or refreshing His Spirit. They have fulfilled His judgments on Assyria and Chaldea.

Ninth Vision, The Crowning of Joshua Zec.6:9-15

Zechariah 6:9 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (KJV)

And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying . . . (Zec.1:1; 7:1; 8:1) the word of prophecy from the Lord (Zec.4:8; 7:4; 8:18). "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" (Zec.1:3,4,14,16; 2:8; 3:7; 8:3,4,7,8,14,19,20,23). Zechariah wants them and us to KNOW the words are NOT from him but from the LORD! The vision being closed, Zechariah now adds the usual way, with which the prophets legitimize, that they spake not of themselves, but by the Spirit of God.

Zechariah 6:10 Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah; (KJV)

Take of them of the captivity . . . that is, some of them that were returned from the captivity of Babylon, and who are mentioned by name.

Even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon . . . either with Zerubbabel and Joshua, when they came from there; or who were now just come from those that remained there. "Heldai" (1 Chron.27:15); "Tobijah" (2 Chron.17:8), Tobijah was probably the same person that returned with Zerubabbel and Joshua in Ezra 2:60; "Jedaiah" (1 Chron.4:37; 9:10; 24:7; Ezra 2:36; Neh.3:10; 7:39; 11:10; 12:6-7).

And come thou the same day . . . these men led a group from Babylon to Jerusalem. They probably brought gifts with them. Josiah was probably their leader.

And go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah . . . where the above persons were; or where they were to go along with him. This Josiah was not the king (2 Ki.21:26); he was either a goldsmith, and therefore the prophet is sent to him to make the crowns later mentioned; or he might have been a treasurer to the temple, who had gold and silver in his hands, which had been put there for the use of it.

Zechariah 6:11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest; (KJV)

Then take silver and gold . . . brought by the above men from their brethren in Babylon, as a free will offering towards the building of the temple.

And make crowns . . . "crowns" plural, two at least, one of silver, and another of gold. Both crowns were for Joshua, symbolizing that both the crown of the priesthood and the crown of the kingdom should look forward to his antitype Christ, of who is said "on His head were many crowns" (Rev.19:12).

And set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech the high priest . . . Joshua is a type of Christ, king and priest for ever for his people. It seems here that both crowns were for Joshua; on whose head "a fair mitre" was set (Zec.3:5), and with the mitre was wore by the high priest the holy crown, made of pure gold; and which was no other than "a plate of pure gold," on which was engraved "Holiness to the Lord" (Ex.28:36). The mitre under the crown kept the plate from touching the head, on which the or diadem was put. "A plate of gold" supposedly was two fingers broad and reached from ear to ear.

For more on "crowns" see: . . . . . . . . . http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4778-crown

Crowns: (Ex.29:6; 39:30; Lev.8:9; 2 Sam.1:10; 12:30; 2 Ki.11:12; 1 Chron.20:2; 2 Chron.23:11; Est.1:11; 6:8; Ps.21:3; Eze.23:42; Mat.27:29; Rev.4:4,10; 6:2; . . . Job 19:9; 31:36; Pro.12:4; 14:24; 16:31; 17:6).
Crowns: spiritual, symbolic: (Ps.8:5; 21:3; 103:4; Pr.4:9; 12:4; 16:31;17:6; Isa.28:5; Lk.12:44; 1 Cor.9:25; 2 Tim.4:8; Jam.1:12; 1 Pet.5:4; Rev.2:10; 3:11; 4:4,10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1,3; 13:1; 14:14; 19:12).

The double crown is placed on Joshua's head, symbolizing that the true priesthood and the kingdom shall be conferred on the ONE Messiah. Compare Heb.6:20; 7:1-21, on Melchisedek, who similarly combined the kingdom and priesthood as a type of Messiah.

Zechariah 6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: (KJV)

And speak unto him, saying . . . meaning to Joshua the high priest, who has the crowns on his head.

Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, behold the man whose name is The BRANCH . . . this is NOT Zerubbabel, as some interpret it; for he was NOT "the Branch," by way of importance, much less that righteous Branch of David, called "the Lord our righteousness" (Jer.23:6). It is the Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, that is meant here. Messiah is His Name.

The idea in "a Branch," is that Christ's glory is growing, and has not yet fully manifested as a full-grown tree. So many people get discouraged and scoff at Jesus' Coming again (2 Pet.3:4). Because of this men reject Him, which is a horrible mistake, because He IS coming back (Ps.98:9; Dan.7:13-14; Zec.14:5; Mat.10:23; 16:27; 24:36,44; 25:32; 26:64; Mk.13:26,32-37; 14:62; Lk.9:26; 19:15; 21:27; Jn.14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor.11:26; 15:23; Phil.3:20-21; Col.3:4; 1 Thes.4:11-18; 5:2,23; 2 Thes.3:10-12; 1 Tim.6:14; 2 Tim.4:1; Tit.2:13; Heb.9:28; 10:37; 2 Pet.3:10; Jude 1:14-15; Rev.19:11-21; 22:20).

And he shall grow up out of his place . . . although some may think (or hope) that the root is dead, it certainly is NOT so! Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. (KJV) . . . The Branch shall spring up, Messiah, King and Priest, shall come when the time is exactly right!

"Out of His place" . . . out of David's root, tribe, and family. See, Messianic prophecies: http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_messianic_prophecies.htm

And he shall build the temple of the Lord . . . NOT a physical temple, but the spiritual temple, the Church. The promise of the future building of the spiritual temple by Messiah (Mat.16:18; 1 Cor.3:17; 2 Cor.6:16; Eph.2:20-22; Heb.3:3) is an earnest to assure the Jews, that the material temple will be built by Joshua and Zerubbabel, in spite of all the seeming obstacles. It also raises their hopes beyond the material to the spiritual temple, and also to the future glorious temple, to be reared in Israel under Messiah's guidance (Eze.40:1-43). By repeating this in (Zec.6:13), it emphasizes the Promise as to Messiah's work.

"The BRANCH" is not the name of Joshua. It is a prophetic name which is given to the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to this Earth over nineteen hundred years ago as the Branch, a root out of dry ground (Isa.53:2). The very fact that He came to humanity and came to a people at a time when they were subject to Rome is the most amazing thing in the world. He was called a root out of Jesse, the peasant, because by the time the Lord Jesus was born, the royal line of David had sunk back into poverty and obscurity. He was indeed the root out of a dry ground. Christ Jesus IS coming again, as the Branch, and this time the Branch is going to rule the world.

Both Haggai and Zechariah were trying to encourage these people. They were saying, "You are doing what God wants you to do, even if it looks small, it is in the plan and purpose of God. That makes it great and big and wonderful. It is all going to finalize in the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to this Earth to establish His Kingdom."

The 9th prophecy in Zechariah.

The Gospel records in the New Testament present the Lord Jesus in a fourfold way:

• #1. In the Gospel of Matthew He is the King, the Branch of David;
• #2. In the Gospel of Mark He is the Lord's Servant, the Branch;
• #3. In the Gospel of Luke He is presented as the perfect Man whose Name is the Branch;
• #4. And in the Gospel of John He is the Branch of the Lord, God the Son.

What a wonderful picture we have of Jesus as He was when He walked on this Earth as Man.

Zechariah 6:13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (KJV)

Even he shall build the temple of the Lord . . . this is repeated, to confirm.

And he shall bear the glory . . . in building the Temple; means that the glory of it shall be upon Him, and shall "hang upon him" (Isa.22:24), thus being visible, for He will have "many crowns" on His head (Rev.19:12), put there by all the saints (Rev.4:10), who everyone of them ascribe glory to Him (Deut.32:3; Job 36:3; Ps.29:1-2; 96:3,7,8; 138:5); that it would continue, and NOT pass away like the glory of this world; and that He, and He alone, should bear it; NOT Joshua, NOT Zerubbabel, NOT the ministers of the word, NOT members of churches, NOT any other, just Jesus; He, and He alone shall be exalted!

And shall sit and rule upon his throne . . . He rules over the whole world, and the kings of it in general, and in particular over His saints, by His Spirit, Word, and ordinates, feeding, protecting, and defending them.
Christ as King: (Ps.2:6; 45:1; Isa.9:7; 32:1; Jer.23:5; Eze.21:27; 37:25; Dan.7:14; Mic.5:2; Zec.6:13; 9:9; Mat.2:2; 16:28; 21:5; 25:34,40; 27:11,37; Mk.11:10; 15:2,26; Lk.1:33; 19:12,38; 23:3; Jn.1:49; 12:13; 18:33,37; 19:14,19; Acts 2:30; 17:7; Rom.15:12; 1 Cor.15:25; Eph.1:22; 1 Tim.6:15; Rev.3:7; 14:14; 19:15-16).

And he shall be a Prince upon his throne . . . Jesus is both Priest and King, and exercises both offices at the same time. Today He in in Heaven, at the right hand of Almighty God (Mat.26:64; Mk.14:62; 16:19; Lk.22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:30-31; 7:54-56; Rom.8:34; Eph.1:20; Col.3:1-4; Heb.1:3; 8:1; 10:11-12; 12:2; 1 Pet.3:22).

Having offered Himself as a Sacrifice on Earth, for the sins of the world (Jn.3:16; Gal.1:4; 1 Jn.2:2), He is set down upon His throne, as a King crowned with glory and honor; forever to be a Priest, to make intercession for them (Gal.3:19-20; 1 Tim.2:5; 1 Jn.2:1-2). He appears in the Presence of God for them; by presenting His precious Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19), Sacrifice (Jn.10:11), and righteousness (1 Cor.1:30) to His Father.

And the counsel of peace shall be between them both . . . does not mean between Joshua and Zerubbabel, who agree in the administration of government belonging to their distinct offices . . . this speaks of the priestly and kingly offices of Christ. The "council of peace" stands firm between the Father and the Son concerning the salvation of the elect; for that was planned in past eternity (Eph.1:4; 2 Tim.1:9; Tit.1:2); and He shall NOT change (Num.23:19; Deut.7:9; 1 Sam.15:29; Ps.33:11; 90:2; 102:12,27; 103:17; Isa.14:24; Eze.24:14; Mal.3:6; Rom.11:29; 2 Tim.2:19; Heb.1:12; 6:17; 7:21; 13:8; Jam.1:17).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel of peace, and is called the "counsel of God" (Lk.7:30; Acts 2:23; 20:27; Heb.6:17-18), which, in result of Christ being a Priest on His throne, was preached to both Jews and Gentiles; which brought the glad tidings of peace and salvation by Christ to both, and was the means of making peace between them both.

Zechariah 6:14 And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD. (KJV)

And the crowns shall be to Helem . . . Helem could be the same as Heldai (Zec.6:10).

And to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah . . . Jedaiah could be the same as Josiah (Zec.6:10). We know no more of these men than their names.

For a memorial in the temple of the Lord . . . the crowns, after they had been put upon the head of Joshua, were taken off, and laid in a special place in the Temple. Some say there were golden chains fixed to the beams of the porch of the temple, by which the young priests went up, and saw the crowns. These were laid up for a memorial of the generosity of those men, who had so freely and generously offered towards the building of the Temple, and too of a memorial of the Messiah's certain Coming.

Zechariah 6:15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God. (KJV)

I think this verse holds a double reference, one to the Jews of that day, and the building of the material Temple, which is literal and historical; and the other is spiritual, and refers to the bringing in of the Gentiles.

And they that are afar off shall come . . . the Jews that lived in Babylon and Persia, or other remote places. I think this also refers to the Gentiles (Acts 2:39; Eph.2:13,17).

Shall come and build in the temple . . . the Jews did so with their gifts, came to Jerusalem and built the Lord's Temple with their brethren. The Gentiles are come in and build the spiritual Temple.

Ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you . . . their accomplishing the building shall prove that the prophet's words to have come from God, and that they would know he was sent by the Lord.

And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God . . . the literal part shall come to pass in their day, IF they would obey the voice of the Lord their God, speaking by the prophet. The spiritual part shall also come to pass; IF they would believe and obey. The Gentiles shall come in and be their brethren, make up one church with them, and help to build the spiritual temple upon the foundation, Christ. BUT. . . IF they did NOT obey, they shall be cast out, and the Gentiles be taken in, to be God's people, and to build His Temple.

Summary

Some Jews from Babylon brought a gift offering to help with the completion of the House of God. Those who could not do the work themselves, were to help with their wealth. Crowns are to be made, and put upon the head of Joshua. The symbol looked forward to the Promise that God will, in "the fullness of time" (Gal.4:4), raise up a great High Priest, like Joshua, Who was then just the figure of the One that is to come. Christ is not only the Foundation of the spiritual Temple, but the Founder of this Temple, by His Spirit and grace. Glory is a burden, but not too heavy for Him to bear who upholds all things, because the cross was His glory, which He bore, so too is the crown an exceeding weight of glory (2 Cor.4:17), and He bears that. The "counsel of peace" is between the priest and the throne, between the priestly and kingly offices of Jesus Christ. The peace and welfare of all believers in the Gospel church, shall come about, NOT by two separate persons, but by two separate offices held by One Person, Christ Jesus, Who alone can purchase peace by His priesthood, and then maintain and defend it by His Kingdom. The crowns used in this solemn event would be kept in the temple, as evidence of this Promise of the Coming Messiah. We must never attempt to separate what God has joined in His counsel of peace. We CANNOT come to God by Christ as our Priest, IF we refuse to allow Him to rule over us as our King. We have absolutely NO ground to think we can ever have peace with God, unless we try to keep His commandments (Mat.22:36-40).

We now end the first major division of the Book of Zechariah. Because the visions of Zechariah are highly symbolic, do NOT come to the conclusion that they are just chaotic dreams of a prophet of long ago. Do not think that these visions as unrelated to each other, for that is not so. Each one has its place in time. No prophecy is of any private interpretation (2 Pet.1:20). It must be fitted into its proper place in the whole body of prophecy. All of the visions given to Zechariah are connected and related. They have meaning and also they give an outline of history. They picture the whole future of the nation Israel, including the destruction of her enemies, her cleansing and restoration to her high priestly witness. The section ends with the coming of Christ to the Earth as the great Priest and King to reign on the Earth.

Everything was given by God through Zechariah to encourage the discouraged remnant in his day who were struggling to build the Temple. Not only was the work going slow and with much difficulty, but the Temple seemed so small and insignificant compared to Solomon's temple and to the great heathen temples they had seen in Babylon. But, Israel was at peace, and it was time for them to build and to obey God.

Zechariah addressed the people of his day and their problems. He urged them not to be discouraged but to know that they are in the eternal plan and purpose of God. The little temple they were building looked forward to the great millennial temple which the Messiah Himself would build.

Maybe if you listen, you can hear the "still small voice of God" (1 Ki.19:12) in the visions of Zechariah. His visions are NOT weird and wild, they are warranted and wonderful. Each and every vision teaches us that God's plan and purpose shall prevail and that God is moving in history to accomplish His purpose.

History truly does flow through the channel of Bible prophecy. Zec.6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: (KJV) . . . The Branch is the Lord Jesus Christ, a root out of dry ground, who died on a horrendous cross for us. But my friend, He is coming again, and he shall rule with an iron hand! (Ps.2; 21:8-9; 89:23; 110:5-6; Isa.30:14; 60:12; Jer.19:11; Dan.2:44; Mat.21:44; Rev.:26-27; 12:5). Psalms 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (KJV)
Rev. 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (KJV) . . . Are you going to Heaven?

Zechariah wants us to see things from God's view point. This tremendous Passage of Scripture has a message for you and for me today.

Book of Zachariah

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