What is the meaning of Zechariah 6:11? Take silver and gold God tells Zechariah, “Take silver and gold” (Zechariah 6:11). • The wealth comes from the recently returned exiles (Zechariah 6:10), showing that restored worship involves personal sacrifice, just as Israel had once brought offerings for the tabernacle (“gold, silver, and bronze,” Exodus 25:3). • Precious metals stress value and permanence; nothing cheap is suitable for what God is about to illustrate (cf. Haggai 2:8, “The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine, declares the LORD of Hosts”). • The materials point forward to a costlier redemption: “you were redeemed…not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). make an ornate crown With the metals a “beautiful crown” is to be crafted. • Crowns usually mark royal authority (2 Samuel 12:30; Revelation 19:12); here that splendor is intentionally lavish—no simple priestly turban (contrast Exodus 29:6). • God visually unites royalty and priesthood, echoing the promised “Branch” who will “reign as King and act as Priest” (Zechariah 6:13). • The crown’s beauty speaks of Messiah’s glory (Psalm 45:2-4), foreshadowing the many crowns on Christ’s head at His return. and set it on the head The command moves from creation to coronation: place the crown, do not merely admire it. • A physical act seals a spiritual truth (Leviticus 8:9: “He set the turban on his head”). • God wants the people to witness a public crowning, stirring hope that the coming King-Priest will rule from a real throne (Psalm 132:18). • It also reassures the remnant that the LORD has accepted their offerings and their high priest. of the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak The crown rests on Joshua, the current high priest (cf. Ezra 3:2; Zechariah 3:1-5). • Joshua stands cleansed and clothed in fresh garments (Zechariah 3:4), so he can picture the sinless Priest to come (Hebrews 7:26-27). • Crowning a priest is unheard-of under the old covenant; the act preaches that Messiah will combine both offices forever (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5-6). • Joshua, whose name matches the Hebrew form of “Jesus,” embodies the promise that the LORD saves (Matthew 1:21). summary Zechariah 6:11 stages a living prophecy. Precious metals from grateful hearts become a magnificent crown, laid on the cleansed head of Joshua to show Israel—and us—that God will raise up a perfect King-Priest. The scene affirms that worship costs, redemption is priceless, and the coming Messiah will unite priestly mediation with royal authority forever. |
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