Zechariah 6:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Zechariah 6:13
13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
Chapter Context
Zechariah 6 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, mercy, worship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 6:13
13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
Analysis
Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both—The prophecy intensifies with emphatic repetition: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD confirms verse 12. And he shall bear the glory (vəhū' yissā' hōḏ, וְהוּא יִשָּׂא הוֹד)—hōḏ (הוֹד) means splendor, majesty, royal dignity. The Branch will carry divine glory, as Jesus revealed: 'we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father' (John 1:14).
And shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne—Two offices, one throne. Vəyāshaḇ ūmāshal 'al-kis'ō vəhāyāh khōhēn 'al-kis'ō (וְיָשַׁב וּמָשַׁל עַל־כִּסְאוֹ וְהָיָה כֹהֵן עַל־כִּסְאוֹ, 'and he shall sit and rule on his throne, and he shall be a priest on his throne'). Kings rule from thrones; priests serve at altars. The Branch does both simultaneously from one throne—royal authority and priestly mediation united. And the counsel of peace shall be between them both—'atsath shālōm tihyeh bēyn shənēhem (עֲצַת שָׁלוֹם תִּהְיֶה בֵּין שְׁנֵיהֶם, 'and counsel of peace shall be between the two'). The 'two' are the priestly and royal offices, harmoniously united in the Branch. Or it may refer to the Branch and Yahweh working in perfect agreement. Jesus is both our King and High Priest, making peace between God and humanity (Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 2:17).
Historical Context
In Israel's history, priesthood (Levi) and kingship (Judah) were separate tribes and functions. Any attempt to combine them met divine judgment. The Branch's uniqueness is that He legitimately holds both offices without usurpation. Jesus descended from Judah (royalty) yet is 'a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek' (Hebrews 7:14-17), the ancient priest-king who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20). The 'counsel of peace' between the offices culminates in Christ reconciling God and sinners.
Reflection
- How does Jesus bearing 'the glory' fulfill divine majesty in human form?
- Why is it essential that Christ be both King (ruling) and Priest (mediating) on one throne?
- What practical difference does Christ's dual priest-king office make in your relationship with God?
Word Studies
- Priest: כֹּהֵן (Kohen) H3548 - Priest
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 110:4
- Glory: Psalms 21:5, Isaiah 11:10, 22:24
- Peace: Isaiah 9:6
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 3:1