The word coming to Zechariah opens a direct message from the Lord to him. It stands among a series of symbolic visions and messages meant to encourage God's people at a time when the rebuilding of the temple was under threat and the future looked uncertain. In that message he is directed to take silver and gold brought by the returning exiles and to make crowns for Joshua the high priest.
The message identifies the BRANCH as the one who will build the temple of the Lord, bear glory, sit and rule upon his throne, and serve as priest upon his throne. Peace is to unite the royal and priestly offices in him. The crowns made for the occasion are to be kept in the temple as a memorial, while those from far away will come and take part in building the temple of the Lord. The fulfillment of what is promised is made conditional on diligent obedience to the voice of God.
The word coming to Zechariah opens a direct message from the Lord to him. It stands among a series of symbolic visions and messages meant to encourage God's people at a time when the rebuilding of the temple was under threat and the future looked uncertain. In that message he is directed to take silver and gold brought by the returning exiles and to make crowns for Joshua the high priest.
The message identifies the BRANCH as the one who will build the temple of the Lord, bear glory, sit and rule upon his throne, and serve as priest upon his throne. Peace is to unite the royal and priestly offices in him. The crowns made for the occasion are to be kept in the temple as a memorial, while those from far away will come and take part in building the temple of the Lord. The fulfillment of what is promised is made conditional on diligent obedience to the voice of God.