What is the meaning of Zechariah 6:15? Even those far away will come • The phrase points beyond the immediate returnees from Babylon to people scattered “far away,” echoing Isaiah 56:8 and Acts 2:39. • God’s plan always included drawing outsiders in: Isaiah 60:4 says, “Your sons will come from afar,” and Ephesians 2:13 affirms, “You who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” • Historically, exiles who were still dispersed sent resources and returned to help (Ezra 6:8-10). Prophetically, Gentile believers join Israel in God’s household (Ephesians 2:19-22), foreshadowing the ultimate ingathering at Christ’s return (Matthew 8:11). and build the temple of the LORD • In Zechariah’s day, this pointed to the physical Second Temple (Ezra 6:14-15). • Yet Scripture layers meaning: 1 Peter 2:5 calls believers “living stones” being built into a spiritual house, while Revelation 21:22 reveals the final temple is the Lord Himself and the Lamb. • Haggai 2:7 assures, “I will fill this house with glory,” fulfilled first in Zerubbabel’s project, then in Christ’s bodily presence (John 2:21), and ultimately in the New Jerusalem. and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you • Fulfillment confirms the divine sender: compare Zechariah 2:9,11 where similar wording authenticates the Messenger. • The “Me” ultimately points to Messiah; Jesus applied this validation language to Himself (John 17:21, 25). • As promises come true—return, rebuilding, worldwide inclusion—Israel recognizes God’s hand, and believers today see the same proof in the church’s growth and Christ’s resurrection (Romans 1:4). This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God • God’s promises invite cooperation. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 teaches that obedience unlocks blessing, while disobedience withholds it. • Zerubbabel’s generation responded (Haggai 1:12-14), so they experienced favor from Persia and supply from distant Jews. • For us, James 1:22 urges, “Be doers of the word,” tying active faith to realized promise. True obedience flows from love (John 14:23) and is empowered by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). summary Zechariah 6:15 assures that God will draw people from distant places to participate in His dwelling place, first in Jerusalem’s rebuilt temple and ultimately in the worldwide, Christ-centered temple of living stones. Each fulfilled layer verifies that the LORD truly sent His Anointed. Yet the promise is experienced only as God’s people heed His voice, a timeless call to trust and obey. |
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