Zechariah 3:9
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Zechariah 3:9
9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
Chapter Context
Zechariah 3 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, obedience, judgment. Written during the early post-exilic period (c. 520-480 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Persian support for temple rebuilding came with continued imperial control.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Zechariah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Zechariah 3:9
9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
Analysis
For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes—Mysterious symbolism debated by scholars. The eḇen (אֶבֶן, 'stone') laid before the high priest may be:
- a foundation stone for the temple (connecting to 4:7-10)
- the high priest's breastplate stone; or
- most likely, a messianic symbol.
The 'seven eyes' (shiḇ'āh 'ēynayim, שִׁבְעָה עֵינָיִם) represent complete divine knowledge and providential oversight (Revelation 5:6 identifies them as 'the seven Spirits of God'). The stone simultaneously represents Christ (the foundation stone, Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6) and God's omniscient watch over His redemptive purposes.
Behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day—Mephattēach pittūchāh (מְפַתֵּחַ פִּתֻּחָהּ, 'I will engrave its engraving') depicts God carving an inscription on the stone—perhaps like the 'HOLINESS TO THE LORD' plate (Exodus 28:36) or the law written on stone tablets, but here accomplished by God Himself. The promise I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day points to decisive atonement. Beyōm echāḏ (בְּיוֹם אֶחָד, 'in one day') prophesies Christ's crucifixion—the day when 'God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself' (2 Corinthians 5:19). On one Friday afternoon, the guilt of 'that land' (Israel) and the world was borne by the stone the builders rejected (Psalm 118:22; Acts 4:11).
Historical Context
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) occurred yearly (Leviticus 16), but this prophecy promises permanent, once-for-all atonement 'in one day.' Hebrews 9:12, 26 declares that Christ 'by his own blood entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.' The 'one day' of Zechariah 3:9 is the 'one sacrifice for sins forever' of Hebrews 10:12.
Reflection
- How does the 'stone with seven eyes' combine Christ's role as foundation with God's omniscient governance?
- Why is the 'one day' removal of iniquity so significant compared to annual sacrifices?
- What does God 'engraving the stone' Himself (not human engraving) reveal about salvation's source?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- References Lord: Zechariah 4:10, Isaiah 28:16
- Sin: Jeremiah 31:34, 50:20, 2 Timothy 2:19, Hebrews 7:27
- Parallel theme: Psalms 118:22, Romans 9:33, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Revelation 5:6