Jesus Is King and Priest!

⁹ Then I (Zechariah) received another message (word) from the LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah): ¹⁰ “Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah will bring gifts (donations) of silver and gold from the Jews exiled in Babylon…. ¹¹ Accept their gifts (donations) and make a crown (crowns) from the silver and gold. Then put the crown on the head of Jeshua (Joshua) son of Jehozadak, the high priest. ¹² Tell him, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Here is the Man (Messiah) called the BRANCH (Semah, Shoot). He will branch out from where He is and build the Temple of the LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah). ¹³ Yes, He will build the Temple of the LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah). Then He will receive royal honor (glory) and will rule as King from His throne. He will also serve as Priest from His throne, and there will be perfect harmony (peace) between His two roles.’ ¹⁴ The crown will be a memorial in the Temple of the LORD to honor those who gave it — Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah. ¹⁵ People will come from distant lands to rebuild the Temple of the LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah) …. All this will happen if you carefully obey what the LORD your God says.” Zechariah 6:9-15, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

In the climax of the first six chapters, Zechariah received another message from the true and living LORD God – Yahweh (also known as Jehovah) (see Zechariah 6:9-15). Some biblical scholars have referred to Zechariah 6:9-15 as one of the most significant Messianic passages in the Old Testament. In this section, the prophet Zechariah sees the glory and crowning of the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) as both the Davidic King and Priest (see also 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 110:4; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 1:1, 16; Mark 15:2; John 1:49; John 12:13; Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 5:5-6, 10). Amazingly, the prophet Jeremiah also saw the coming Messiah as both the Davidic King and Priest (see Jeremiah 33:15-18).

Throughout his prophecy, Zechariah received divine messages from the true and living LORD God about Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, and most importantly about the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Zechariah 1:1; Zechariah 4:8; Zechariah 5:1; Zechariah 7:1; Zechariah 8:1). Other true prophets have also had the privilege of being called by the true and living LORD God (Yahweh), access into His Throne Room of heaven (also called the heavenly court or heavenly council), and visions of the Messiah (Jesus) (e.g., see 1 Kings 22:19-22; 2 Kings 2:11-12;; Amos 3:7). For example, Moses was called by the living LORD, went into the Throne Room, and saw the coming Messiah (e.g., see Exodus 3:4; Exodus 24:9-18; Hebrews 11:26). Additionally, the living LORD God gave Daniel direct access to Him and His Throne Room of heaven, as well as knowledge of His Kingdom (see Daniel 7:1, 9-10, 13-14). Other genuine prophets include father Abraham (see Genesis 12:1-3; John 8:56); Samuel (see 1 Samuel 3:4); Isaiah (see 6:1-4, 8; John 12:41); Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 1:4-5; Jeremiah 23:16-22); Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 1:26-28; Ezekiel 2:1-8); Hosea (see Hosea 1:2); Amos (see Amos 7:15); and Jonah (see Jonah 1:1-2). The Holy Scriptures teaches that our father Abraham, the prophet Moses, and many other great prophets and righteous servants of the Old Testament saw in the distance the coming Messiah (e.g., see Matthew 13:17; Luke 10:24; John 8:56; Hebrews 11:26; 1 Peter 1:10-12).

A prophet’s job is to speak the living LORD God’s word as His messenger or mouthpiece on His behalf to the people (e.g., see Exodus 4:15-16). Long ago the LORD God, again and again, spoke through His faithful prophets (messengers) in many and various ways, including visions, dreams, and even face to face (Hebrews 1:1; see also see Numbers 12:6, 8; 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Jeremiah 7:3, 13; Jeremiah 25:4; Jeremiah 26:5; Jeremiah 29:19; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 18:30; Hebrews 1:1). The living LORD God gave the prophets His plans, warnings of repentance, divine will, and purposes for all people (Hebrews 1:1; see also 2 Kings 17:13; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 18:31; Amos 3:7). Now, the book of Hebrews opens with an important announcement: “In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets …. now in these last days God has spoken to us through His Son” (see Hebrews 1:1-2, NCV). The theme of the New Testament book of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and greatness of the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) not only as our Redeemer, Savior, and Son of God but also the living LORD God’s mouthpiece as the Prophet! 

In chapter 6, the living LORD God instructed Zechariah to receive offerings and donations from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah (see Zechariah 6:10, 14). The offerings or contributions were gifts of silver and gold from some Jewish exiles returning from Babylon for the living LORD God’s use and purpose and not the prophet’s personal gain (see also Ezra 7:12-17; Ezra 8:26-30; Jeremiah 28:6). Some biblical scholars have argued the offering was a community-wide collection from the returned exiles to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple previously destroyed by Babylonians in 586 BC (see 2 Kings 25). ALL belongs to the living LORD God, including the silver and gold, to build His glorious Temple (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 29:2, 14-16; Haggai 2:6-8). Then, the living LORD God instructed Zechariah to meet Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah at the home of Josiah son of Zephaniah (see Zechariah 6:10). In some biblical translations, Heldai is also called “Helem,” and Josiah is called “Hen.” Interestingly, both Jedaiah and Josiah were descendants of the priests (see 2 Kings 25:18; Nehemiah 7:39).

The gifts of Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah were from the Jews exiled in Babylon (see Zechariah 6:10). For background, the living LORD God allowed the Assyrians to destroy Israel and then the Babylonians to destroy Judah Jerusalem because of His people’s repeated idolatry, evil deeds, and unfaithfulness against Him and His covenant (commandments) (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:7-23; 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 5:7-8; Isaiah 57:17). Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem became filled with murder, rebellion, thief, adultery, bribery, prostitution, witchcraft, drinking, pride, greed, idolatry, unfaithfulness, and lies as well as mistreatment of aliens, widows, and the poor (e.g., see Isaiah 1:21-23; Isaiah 5:11-12, 20-23; Hosea 1:2; Habakkuk 1:2-4; Zephaniah 1:4-6). Even worse, the religious leaders and judges were corrupted, disregarded God’s instructions, and only sought personal gain for themselves (e.g., see Zephaniah 3:1-4, 7).

The living LORD God loved His people! Because of His love, the living LORD God Almighty repeatedly sent His servants (prophets) to warn Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem to REPENT of their wicked sins, turn from their evil ways, and obey Him and His covenant because He loved His people (Zechariah 1:4; see also e.g., Exodus 20:1-23:9; 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 24:19; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Isaiah 1:15-20, 23-24; Isaiah 45:22; Jeremiah 7:25; Jeremiah 11:7-8; Jeremiah 25:4-6; Jeremiah 35:15-16; Ezekiel 33:10-11; Hosea 10:12; Hosea 14:1-2). Despite the holy prophet’s repeated message to REPENT and turn from evil-doing, Israel and Judah scorned and refused to listen to the living LORD God’s prophets and ignored God’s requirements for righteousness (Zechariah 1:4; Zechariah 7:11-12; see also e.g., 2 Kings 17:13-15; 2 Chronicles 36:16).

Therefore, the living LORD God shattered His people and sent them into Assyrian and Babylonian captivity (e.g., see 2 Kings 24:8-17; 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Ezra 3:1-3; Haggai 1:12-15; Haggai 2:4; Jeremiah 52:4-27). Israel and Judah’s repeated sinfulness and evil-doing brought the living LORD God’s punishment and removal from His Promised Land (e.g., see Ezekiel 24:14; Ezekiel 36:16-19; Zechariah 8:14). For a moment, the living LORD God turned away from His people – the Jews – because of their wickedness and rebellion and experienced the living LORD God’s wrath during the Exile (see Zechariah 1:5-6).

However now the prophet Zechariah revealed the living LORD God was returning to Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem with His grace, mercy, and Presence (Zechariah 1:3, 5-6, 16; Zechariah 2:5, 8, 10-12; see also Isaiah 47:6; Isaiah 54:7-8). During the Exile, God’s people realized their rebellion, REPENTED and CONFESSED their sins and evil against the living LORD God and His covenant (Zechariah 1:6; see also e.g., Lamentations 2:17; Daniel 9:4-24). The living LORD God heard His people’s genuine and wholehearted prayers of repentance and forgave their sins (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 32:5-7; Psalm 51:1-4; Proverbs 28:13). Psalm 126 records the joy and laughter of God’s restored people after the Exile.

Returning to chapter 6, the living LORD God commanded Zechariah to accept Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah’s gifts and make a glorious crown from the silver and gold (see Zechariah 6:11). Some biblical translations say “crowns” (plural) instead of “crown” (singular). In the Hebrew text, the word for “crown” (‘ataroth) is plural. Thus, some biblical scholars have argued that Zechariah envisioned two crowns instead of one. One crown will be placed on Joshua as a representative for the coming Branch (see Zechariah 3:8) and the other crown for Zerubbabel as the earthly builder of the Second Temple (see Zechariah 4:6-9).

Then, the living LORD God commanded Zechariah to place the crown on the head of Joshua (Jeshua), son of Jehozadak, the high priest (Zechariah 6:11; see also Zechariah 3:1, 5). Importantly, the living LORD God instructed Zechariah to announce to Joshua to be alert because he represented and symbolized the Man who will come, whose Name is the “BRANCH” (Zechariah 6:12; see also Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 52:13; Isaiah 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15-16; Ezekiel 17:22-24; Zechariah 3:8). Some biblical translations state: “Behold the Man whose Name is the BRANCH” (e.g., see Zechariah 6:12, King James Version). In the Hebrew text, the prophecy begins “Behold, the Man,” which are the very same Pontius Pilate used to present the Lord Jesus, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, just before His crucifixion for humanities’ sins (e.g., see John 19:5, 14).

Afterward, the BRANCH will shoot or sprout up out of Himself, and He will build the true Temple of the LORD, which is now known as the Church (Zechariah 6:12-13; see also Zechariah 4:6-9; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:20-22; Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 3:3). The central role of the Branch is to rebuild the Temple of the LORD!

The Church is God’s spiritual Temple (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Believers of Jesus are God’s spiritual Temple with Jesus as the Capstone (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16-17). The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s Temple (some translations say “Tabernacle”) where the living LORD God’s holiness indwells (e.g., see John 1:14; John 2:19-22; John 4:21-24; Hebrews 3:6). The Holy Scriptures instruct believers of Jesus to represent and follow Jesus’ example of holy living and service for others in need (e.g., see Acts 10:38; 1 Peter 2:5, 9-12; Revelation 3:12).

The BRANCH will receive authority, glory, and sovereign power as He rules and reigns as King from His throne as the LORD God’s only begotten Son (Zechariah 6:13; see also e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 49:5-6; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 2:2; Matthew 27:11, 37; Luke 23:38; John 1:14, 18, 49; John 17:5; Hebrews 2:9). In addition, the BRANCH will also serve and rule as Priest from His throne (Zechariah 6:13; see also Psalm 110:1, 4). There will be perfect peace and harmony between the BRANCH’s two roles as both King and Priest (see Zechariah 6:13). Indeed, the BRANCH will combine the offices of priest and king in one Person forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Zechariah 6:12-13; see also Zechariah 3:8; Hebrews 3:1).

All nations and peoples of every language will worship the BRANCH as His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed (e.g., see Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:9-14; Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 1:1-4; Revelation 11:15). Even more, one day EVERYONE will see the BRANCH – Jesus Christ (Messiah) – appear as He comes in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory at His Second Coming (e.g., see Mathew 16:27; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 25:31). Then, at the Name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (see Philippians 2:10-11).

References to the high priest Joshua also appear throughout the post-exilic books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai along with Zechariah (e.g., see Ezra 2:2; Ezra 3:1-2; Ezra 5:2; Ezra 10:18; Nehemiah 12:1, 8; Haggai 1:1-2, 12; Haggai 2:4; Zechariah 3:1-10; Zechariah 6:9-15). The living LORD God used Joshua along with Zerubbabel to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple after the Babylonian invasions of the land from 605 BC, then 597 BC, and finally 586 BC (e.g., see 2 Kings 24:8-17; 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Ezra 3:1-3; Haggai 1:12-15; Haggai 2:4; Jeremiah 52:4-27). Both Joshua and Zerubbabel were instrumental leaders in rebuilding and restoring Judah, Jerusalem, and the Temple after the Exile (e.g., see also Haggai 1:13-15; Zechariah 4:6-10).

Joshua the high priest and all other priests were illustrations and signs of the good things to come (see Zechariah 3:8). Joshua and his fellow priests represented the LORD’s Righteous Servant – the Branch (Semah) whom He would send (Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12-13; see also Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1-2; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15-16; Ezekiel 17:22-24; Zechariah 6:12). That predicted Branch is the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah, also means the Anointed One) (e.g., see Isaiah 4:2; Acts 4:10-12). The living LORD God (Father) sent His Son Jesus as a Servant, High Priest, and King into the world (e.g., see Matthew 2:2; Mark 10:45; Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:14). Through our REPENTANCE and FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ’s Name, the living LORD God (Father) removes our sins in a single day and bring our salvation (Zechariah 3:9; see also Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Many biblical scholars have noted that Zechariah 6:9-15 is the prophet Zechariah’s climactic vision is about the Messiah (Christ), who will reign as both King and Priest in peaceful harmony. The Lord Jesus’s Priesthood belongs to the order of Melchizedek (see Hebrews 5:10). The Lord Jesus became a Priest the living God in the order of Melchizedek (e.g., see Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:16-17).

Who is Melchizedek? This mysterious person named Melchizedek is mentioned in only two places in the entire Old Testament — Genesis 14:17-24 and Psalm 110:4. Melchizedek appeared one day in the life of Abraham (then Abram), and Melchizedek worshipped the true and living LORD God. There is no record of Melchizedek’s father or mother or any of his ancestors (see Hebrews 7:3). The book of Hebrews notes that Melchizedek has no beginning nor end to his life (see Hebrews 7:3). The Old Testament teaches that Melchizedek met Abraham (Abram) and blessed him when Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings (Hebrews 7:1, 6-7; see also Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham took a tenth of all he captured in battle and gave an offering to Melchizedek (see Hebrews 7:2, 4, 6).

Many biblical scholars believe Melchizedek’s kingship and priesthood were a type of Jesus’s Kingship and Priesthood (Hebrews 5:6, 10; see also Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:3). The book of Hebrews called Melchizedek both king of the Salem (now called Jerusalem) and priest of the God Most High (Hebrews 5:6, 10; see also Genesis 14:18; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 7:1, 17). The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace” (see Hebrews 7:2). Another translation defines Melchizedek as the “king of righteousness” (see Hebrews 7:2, NIV2011). One of the key roles of the coming Davidic King is to do what is just and right throughout the land as the He will be called “The LORD Is Our Righteousness” (e.g., see Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:5; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15-16; Acts 3:14). Importantly, the living LORD God through His prophet Zechariah instructs God’s people to follow the Messiah’s example: to do what is just and right throughout the land and turning from our selfish ways (Zechariah 6:15; see also Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 6:33; Mark 8:34-35). 

Accordingly, Melchizedek becomes a picture of our Lord Jesus who is both Priest and King forever (see Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:20). Like Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus is “King of Righteousness” and “King of Peace” (Hebrews 7:2; see also Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:5-9). Melchizedek was both a priest and a king – a dual office. Only the Lord Jesus and Melchizedek held BOTH offices of king and priest (e.g., see Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:5-9; Zechariah 6:12-13; Matthew 2:2; Matthew 27:11, 37; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14-16). Even better, the Lord Jesus is also our great Prophet powerful in both word and deed (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; Luke 24:19; Hebrews 1:1-3). Therefore, the Lord Jesus holds all three roles – King, Priest, and Prophet. Truly, the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) – who is the Hope of Israel – is our TOTAL LEADER: a PERFECT King governing justly, a PERFECT Prophet revealing God’s truth, and a PERFECT Priest bring God and people together!

Returning to chapter 6, the living LORD God instructed Zechariah to place the [other] crown in the Temple of the LORD as a memorial or reminder to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah (see Zechariah 6:10, 14). Other translations that accept the singular translation for “crown” says “for now” the crown shall be memorial in the Temple of LORD for Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah.

Finally, the living LORD God announced to Zechariah that people will come from faraway places to pitch in and rebuild the Temple of GOD (Zechariah 6:15; see also Ephesians 2:19).  Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, who have come from so far away, represented many others who will someday come from distant lands to rebuild the Temple of the LORD (Zechariah 6:15; see also Isaiah 43:6; Isaiah 60:4, 9-10). Some scholars believe these people from faraway places rebuilding the Temple are Gentile Christians who are believers of Jesus the Messiah.

And when this happens, Zechariah will know the messages he has received is from the true and living LORD God (Zechariah 6:15; see also Zechariah 2:9-11; Zechariah 4:9). However, none of these blessings will happen unless Zechariah carefully obeys the voice and commandments of the living LORD God (Zechariah 6:15; see also Deuteronomy 28:1-2; Jeremiah 7:23; Zechariah 3:7). The rebuilding of the Temple required careful obedience. Casual or occasional obedience, the result of a halfhearted or divided commitment to the living LORD God, would not lead to blessing. The living LORD God’s blessings come as a result of diligent obedience and faithfulness to Him and His Word! Just as represented and symbolized the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) we as believers of Jesus represent and symbolize Jesus to the watching world (Zechariah 6:12; see also 2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

The book of Zechariah along with the other Old Testament books – the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms – all point to the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-17; Luke 24:27, 44-45; John 1:45; John 5:46).[1] Messiah is a transliteration of Hebrew word meaning, “Anointed One” that was translated into Greek as Christos or English as Christ (e.g., see John 1:41-42; John 4:25-26, 29). Later, the expression “Son of David” was a synonym for “Messiah” (e.g., see Matthew 21:9; Mark 10:47-48).

In the New Testament, the Messiah is “the Christ” (e.g., see Luke 2:10-11)! The essential features of the Old Testament picture of the Messiah are in the Personhood of Jesus. During His public ministry on earth, Jesus accepted and declared He is “the Messiah, the Son of God” (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; Matthew 26:63-64; Mark 14:61; Luke 22:67-70; John 4:25-26; John 9:35-37; Matthew 27:17, 22). Even more, Jesus is the great “I AM” – the LORD God Almighty (Yahweh, Jehovah, El-Shaddai) incarnate (human flesh) (e.g., see Exodus 3:6, 14-15; Exodus 6:2-3; John 6:35; John 8:12, 58; John 9:5; John 10:7, 11, 14; John 11:25; John 14:6; John 15:1, 5). Jesus is One with His Father, the living LORD God Almighty (e.g., see John 10:30). Importantly, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (e.g., see Hebrews 1:12; Hebrews 13:8).

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets: Volume 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2006).

Douglas, J.D. and Tenney, Merrill. NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan, 1989).

Rogland, Max. Haggai and Zechariah 1-8: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2016).

---

[1] E.g., see Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18; Numbers 21:9; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 8:8, 10; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 40:10-11; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 9:25; Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9; Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 2:6-9; Psalm 2:6-9; Psalm 16:10; Psalm 22:1-8; Psalm 34:20; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 69:1-9, 20-21, 26; Psalm 110:1-7; Psalm 118:22-26.