Zechariah 6:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Zechariah 6:11
11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
Chapter Context
Zechariah 6 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, righteousness. 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 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 6:11
11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
Analysis
Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest—Zechariah must use the Babylonian Jews' offering to fashion 'atārōt (עֲטָרוֹת, 'crowns,' plural) from silver and gold, then crown Joshua (Yehōshūa', יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, 'Yahweh saves') son of Jehozadak (Yəhōtsāḏāq, יְהוֹצָדָק, 'Yahweh is righteous'), the high priest. This is shocking: priests wore turbans, not crowns; kings wore crowns. The dual metals (silver and gold) may indicate composite crowns or two crowns, but the act symbolizes combining priestly and royal offices—forbidden in Israel's history.
When King Uzziah presumptuously usurped priestly functions, God struck him with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Saul's illicit sacrifice cost him his dynasty (1 Samuel 13:8-14). Priest and king were separate offices—until Messiah. Joshua the priest receiving royal crowns enacts prophecy: the coming Branch will unite both offices in one person. Psalm 110:4 prophesied this: 'Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek'—king and priest. Jesus alone fulfills this: greater than Aaron (priestly lineage), from Judah (royal tribe), crowned King of Kings yet our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:1-28). The crowned Joshua is a living prophecy, a walking billboard announcing the Priest-King's coming.
Historical Context
Joshua (Jeshua) served as high priest during the post-exilic restoration (Ezra 2:2; 3:2; Haggai 1:1). His crowning was prophetic theater, not actual kingship—Zerubbabel remained civil governor. The crowns weren't for Joshua to keep but to be memorialized in the temple (v. 14). The shocking image of a crowned priest burned into observers' minds, preparing them to recognize Messiah when He came claiming both offices. No other figure in Jewish history legitimately wore both crowns until Jesus.
Reflection
- Why was combining priestly and royal offices forbidden in Israel until Messiah?
- How does Jesus perfectly unite the roles that Joshua's crowning only symbolized?
- What does Christ's dual office as Priest-King provide that either office alone couldn't accomplish?
Word Studies
- Priest: כֹּהֵן (Kohen) H3548 - Priest
Cross-References
- Related: Song of Solomon 3:11
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 3:1, 3:5, Psalms 21:3, Haggai 1:1