6:9 6:9

Zechariah 6:10

6:11 6:11

Bible Versions

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;
Take {H3947} of them of the captivity {H1473}, even of Heldai {H2469}, of Tobijah {H2900}, and of Jedaiah {H3048}, which are come {H935} from Babylon {H894}, and come {H935} thou the same day {H3117}, and go {H935} into the house {H1004} of Josiah {H2977} the son {H1121} of Zephaniah {H6846};
"Take [gifts] from the exiles of Heldai, Toviyah, and Y'da'yah, who have arrived from Bavel; then you, go to the house of Yoshiyah the son of Tz'fanyah.
“Take an offering from the exiles—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon—and go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah.
Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, whither they are come from Babylon;

Context

Zechariah 6:10 is a direct divine command given to the prophet Zechariah, interrupting a series of visions. This verse is situated in the post-exilic period, around 520 BC, when the Jewish people had returned to Judah after 70 years of Babylonian captivity. The primary focus of this era was the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a project strongly encouraged by prophets like Zechariah and Haggai. The command to Zechariah to meet Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who had "come from Babylon," highlights the importance of the diaspora community's contributions and continued connection to Jerusalem. These men likely brought financial contributions or materials for the temple work, or they were representatives crucial for a significant symbolic act to follow.

Key Themes

  • Divine Instruction and Obedience: The verse underscores God's direct and specific commands to His prophet, emphasizing the need for immediate obedience ("come thou the same day"). This highlights the importance of responding promptly to divine leading.
  • Significance of the Returnees: Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah represent the faithful remnant who endured exile and returned, playing an active role in God's redemptive plan for His people. Their presence signifies the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the return from captivity and the ongoing restoration of Israel.
  • Preparation for Symbolic Action: This verse is a crucial prelude to the crowning of Joshua the High Priest in the following verses (Zechariah 6:11-14). The gold and silver these men brought would be used to make crowns, an act that powerfully foreshadows the future reign of the Messianic "Branch", who would be both King and Priest.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned—Heldai (which may also appear as Helem in some texts, meaning "robust"), Tobijah ("Yahweh is good"), and Jedaiah ("Yahweh knows")—carry intrinsic meanings that reflect the hope, faith, and dependence of the returning exiles on God's providence and knowledge. The phrase "of the captivity" (Hebrew: hag-golah) simply refers to those who were exiled and have now returned, emphasizing their status as a remnant chosen by God to participate in the restoration of His people.

Practical Application

Zechariah 6:10 reminds us that God often uses specific individuals and their resources, even from seemingly distant places, to accomplish His divine purposes. It highlights the importance of immediate response to God's call, as Zechariah was commanded to act "the same day." For believers today, this verse encourages active participation in God's work, whether through financial contributions, practical service, or simply being available for His divine appointments. The preparation for the symbolic crowning of Joshua points to the ultimate hope in Christ, the true King and Priest, whose coming was foreshadowed by such Old Testament events and figures (Hebrews 7:1-3). It underscores that every faithful contribution, no matter how small, plays a part in God's grand redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezra 7:14

    Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which [is] in thine hand;

  • Ezra 7:16

    And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which [is] in Jerusalem:

  • Ezra 8:26

    I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, [and] of gold an hundred talents;

  • Ezra 8:30

    So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring [them] to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.

  • Romans 15:25

    But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

  • Romans 15:26

    For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

  • Jeremiah 28:6

    Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.
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