Zechariah 6:9
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר
And the word
H1697
דְבַר
And the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 5
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Zechariah 8:1Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,Zechariah 7:1And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;Zechariah 1:1In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
Historical Context
The transition occurs after the eight night visions (chapters 1-6) which occurred February 15, 519 BC. This symbolic action likely occurred soon after, still during Darius I's reign and the temple rebuilding. The action-prophecy would have been witnessed by the returned exiles, providing tangible hope that God's promises would materialize. Prophets frequently performed symbolic acts (Isaiah walked naked, Jeremiah wore a yoke, Ezekiel enacted the siege of Jerusalem) to dramatize God's word.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God use multiple communication modes—words, visions, and symbolic actions—to reveal truth?
- How does the transition from private vision to public action move prophecy from revelation to proclamation?
- What 'symbolic actions' might God call you to perform that visibly demonstrate His word?
Analysis & Commentary
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying—Transition from visions (chapters 1-6:8) to symbolic action and prophecy (6:9-15). The formula vayəhī dəḇar-Yahweh 'ēlay lē'mōr (וַיְהִי דְּבַר־יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹר, 'and the word of the LORD came to me saying') marks authoritative revelation, used over 100 times in the prophets. This introduces one of Zechariah's most important messianic prophecies—the crowning of Joshua the high priest as a prophetic sign pointing to the Branch, the coming Priest-King.
The shift from vision to action-prophecy is significant. Visions revealed spiritual realities invisible to human eyes; now Zechariah must perform a visible, public symbolic act—making crowns and enacting a coronation ceremony (vv. 10-15). The combination of word, vision, and enacted sign reinforces the message through multiple modes. God doesn't merely speak but demonstrates, dramatizes, and visualizes His promises. This pedagogical diversity ensures the message penetrates: some learn by hearing, some by seeing, some by participating. The coming prophecy will unveil the Branch's identity and dual office as both priest and king, uniquely fulfilled in Jesus Christ.