Zechariah 6:13

Context

Zechariah 6:13 is part of a series of prophetic visions given to the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period, around 520-518 BC. The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (the High Priest). This verse comes after a symbolic act where Zechariah is commanded to make crowns and place them on Joshua's head, but then declare that a future figure, "The BRANCH," will build the Lord's temple.

While Zerubbabel was the contemporary builder of the physical temple, this prophecy looks beyond him to a greater, ultimate builder. The immediate historical setting helps us understand the forward-looking nature of this Messianic prophecy, pointing to a time when both spiritual and physical restoration would be complete.

Key Themes

• Messianic Prophecy: This verse is a powerful prophecy concerning the coming Messiah, identified here as "The BRANCH" (mentioned also in Zechariah 3:8). It clearly points to Jesus Christ, who fulfills these unique roles.
• Dual Role of King and Priest: The prophecy describes a single individual who will simultaneously hold the offices of King ("sit and rule upon his throne") and Priest ("be a priest upon his throne"). In Old Testament Israel, these roles were strictly separate – kings came from the tribe of Judah, and priests from the tribe of Levi. This combination in one person points uniquely to Christ, who is both our sovereign King and our High Priest.
• Building the Temple: While Zerubbabel built the physical Second Temple, the prophecy of "he shall build the temple of the LORD" refers to the Messiah building a spiritual temple. This is understood as the church, the community of believers, with Christ as its foundation and head (see Ephesians 2:20-22).
• Bearing Glory: The Messiah will not only accomplish this great work but will also receive all the honor and majesty associated with it. His work is for God's glory, and He Himself is glorified through it.
• Counsel of Peace: The phrase "the counsel of peace shall be between them both" refers to the perfect harmony and unity between these two offices (King and Priest) in the Messiah, resulting in ultimate peace. It signifies the perfect plan of salvation and reconciliation that Christ brings, as the true Prince of Peace.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the counsel of peace" comes from the Hebrew `etsat shalom` (עֲצַת שָׁלוֹם). `Etsat` means "counsel," "plan," or "purpose," and `shalom` is the rich Hebrew word for "peace," encompassing not just the absence of conflict but also wholeness, completeness, well-being, and prosperity. The combination signifies a divinely orchestrated plan for perfect harmony and reconciliation.

The unique combination of "priest upon his throne" is remarkable. This role is foreshadowed by Melchizedek (Genesis 14), who was both king and priest, and fully realized in Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and unchangeable.

Practical Application

Zechariah 6:13 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today:

• Christ's Supreme Authority: We can trust in Jesus Christ as our King, who rules with perfect justice, and our High Priest, who perfectly intercedes for us before God. His authority is complete and unified.
• Spiritual Building: As followers of Christ, we are living stones in the spiritual temple He is building. This calls us to participate in His work, growing together in faith and unity, reflecting His glory to the world.
• True Peace: The "counsel of peace" realized in Christ means that through His sacrifice and reign, true peace with God and inner peace are available. He brings reconciliation between God and humanity, and among people, through His kingdom.
• Hope for the Future: This prophecy reminds us that God's plans are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Even when circumstances seem dire, God is working out His perfect "counsel of peace" through His Son, who bears all glory.