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.

And the crowns {H5850} shall be to Helem {H2494}, and to Tobijah {H2900}, and to Jedaiah {H3048}, and to Hen {H2581} the son {H1121} of Zephaniah {H6846}, for a memorial {H2146} in the temple {H1964} of the LORD {H3068}.

The other crowns will be for Helem, Toviyah, Y'da'yah and Hen the son of Tz'fanyah; then [they are to be kept] as a memorial in the temple of ADONAI.

The crown will reside in the temple of the LORD as a memorial to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and the gracious son of Zephaniah.

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 Jehovah.

Zechariah 6:14 concludes a significant prophetic action in Zechariah's vision, detailing the disposition of the crowns crafted in the preceding verses. This verse specifies that these crowns, initially placed on the head of Joshua the High Priest as a symbol of the coming Messiah, were to be kept as a lasting memorial within the newly rebuilt Temple.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Zechariah was written during the post-exilic period, after the Jewish people had returned from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon. A primary focus of this era was the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. Zechariah, alongside Haggai, served as a prophet encouraging the people and their leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, in this vital task. The crowns mentioned here were made from gold and silver contributed by specific individuals—Helem (or Heldai, as in verse 10), Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah—who had come from Babylon. Their contributions underscore the community's involvement and dedication to the restoration of God's dwelling place.

Key Themes and Messages

  • A Lasting Memorial: The primary purpose of the crowns, once placed on Joshua, was to serve as a "memorial in the temple of the LORD." This signifies a perpetual reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His future plans. It wasn't just a temporary act but a permanent testimony to what God was doing and would do.
  • The Messianic "Branch": While Joshua the High Priest wore the crowns symbolically in Zechariah 6:11, the ultimate prophetic significance pointed to the coming Messianic figure, "the Branch" (Zechariah 6:12). This Branch would combine both royal (kingly) and priestly authority, building the spiritual temple and ruling in peace. The crowns, therefore, were a physical representation of this future reality, kept in the Temple as a constant hope.
  • Community Contribution and Recognition: The naming of Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen highlights the importance of individual and corporate contributions to God's work. Their actions were remembered and enshrined in the Temple, serving as an example of faithful stewardship and participation in God's redemptive plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "memorial" is zikkaron (זִכָּרוֹן), which denotes something that serves to bring to remembrance or to commemorate. It's often used for objects, events, or rituals that are meant to be a lasting sign or reminder of God's works or commands, such as the stones from the Jordan in Joshua 4:7 or the shewbread in Leviticus 24:7. Here, the crowns were to be a perpetual sign of the promised Branch and God's faithfulness.

Practical Application

Zechariah 6:14 reminds us of the enduring nature of God's promises. Just as the crowns were a tangible memorial of the coming Messiah for the post-exilic community, believers today are called to remember and live in light of Christ's finished work and His promised return. Our acts of worship, service, and contribution to God's kingdom are not forgotten; they become part of a larger testimony to His glory. This verse encourages us to value our participation in God's purposes and to maintain a steadfast hope in the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ, the true King and Priest, who has indeed built the spiritual temple of His church.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 26:13

    Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

  • Exodus 12:14

    And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

  • Mark 14:9

    Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:23

    ¶ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:

  • 1 Corinthians 11:26

    For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

  • Exodus 28:29

    And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy [place], for a memorial before the LORD continually.

  • Acts 10:4

    And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

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