Zechariah 6:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Zechariah 6:15
15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Chapter Context
Zechariah 6 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, judgment, truth. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 6:15
15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Analysis
And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you—The prophecy's scope expands: ūrəchōqīm yāḇō'ū ūḇānū bəhēyḵal Yahweh (וּרְחֹקִים יָבוֹאוּ וּבָנוּ בְהֵיכַל יְהוָה, 'and those far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD'). The 'far off' (rəchōqīm, רְחֹקִים) are distant peoples—Gentiles—who will participate in building God's temple. This echoes 2:11, 'many nations shall be joined to the LORD.' Ephesians 2:13, 17 quotes this: 'But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh... and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.'
Gentiles build the temple by becoming 'living stones' in God's spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Paul calls Gentile believers 'fellow citizens... built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord' (Ephesians 2:19-21). And ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me—when distant peoples build God's temple (the church), it proves Zechariah spoke by divine commission. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God—conditional: covenant blessing depends on obedience. The promises stand, but individual participation requires faithfulness.
Historical Context
In Zechariah's day, Gentile participation seemed unlikely—Israel was a tiny, struggling remnant. Yet Pentecost inaugurated mass Gentile inclusion (Acts 10-11, 15), and within decades the church was predominantly non-Jewish. Those 'far off' did come and build the temple—not Zerubbabel's physical structure but Christ's spiritual body. The Second Temple was destroyed in AD 70, but the Spirit-temple of believers continues growing, fulfilling this prophecy. Obedience remains the condition for participating in God's building project.
Reflection
- How did Gentile inclusion in the church fulfill 'they that are far off shall come and build in the temple'?
- What does 'building in the temple' mean for Christians today who are living stones in God's house?
- How does the conditional clause ('if ye will diligently obey') balance God's promises with human responsibility?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Zechariah 3:7, Isaiah 57:19
- References God: Acts 2:39, Romans 16:26
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 60:10