Zechariah 6: The Priest and King
IN THE OLD Testament priests offered sacrifices and represented the people before God, and kings were divinely appointed leaders and shepherds over Israel. In Zechariah 6 the Lord combines the offices of priest and king. The symbolic crowning of Joshua, the high priest, foreshadows the coming of the ultimate Priest and King—the Messiah himself.
Warming Up to God
Like the people in Zechariah's day, we still look forward to the coming of the Messiah—although we anticipate his Second Coming. What do you long for most about the Lord's return? Express your longings to God.
Read Zechariah 6. »
Discovering the Word
- In Zechariah's eighth and final vision he sees four chariots drawn by various colored horses (vv. 1-8). How does this vision compare with the one in Zechariah 1:7-11 (see also Rev 6:1-8)?
- The horses and chariots represent divine judgment. How do these chariots give the Lord's Spirit rest (v. 8), especially in the land of the north (Babylon)?
- What does the Lord command Zechariah to do and to say to Joshua the high priest (vv. 9-13)?
- Based on Zechariah 3:8 and other Old Testament passages such as Isaiah 11 and Jeremiah 23:5-6 and 33:14-16, we know that "the Branch" (v. 12) is ultimately the Messiah himself. Why is it significant that he will combine the offices of priest and king?
- Why do you think the promises about the rebuilding of the temple are conditional on the people's obedience (vv. 14-15)?
Applying the Word
- Why do we need Jesus Christ, our High Priest, to represent us before God?
- The Lord is also our ruler and king. In what areas do you need to "diligently obey" him this week?
Responding in Prayer
Thank the Lord for his loving leadership in your life and for faithfully representing you before the Father. Ask him for the grace and strength to obey him diligently.
For Further Study
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews & Mark Chavalas