Zechariah 6

This act was meant to symbolize something very important. High priests did not wear crowns in Israel; they wore turbans (Exodus 28:4,27; Zechariah 3:5). Only kings wore crowns. In Israel, the kingly and priestly functions were kept separate. But the coming Messiah would be both King and Priest.

In verse 12, God announces the coming of this Messiah, whose name is the Branch (see Zechariah 3:8–9 and comment).The high priest Joshua with his crown is thus a forerunner, a “type,” of the coming Messiah.¹⁴ This Messiah will build the temple of the LORD (verse 13)–that is, the future millennial temple (Ezekiel Chapters 40–43). He will rule on his throne (see 2 Samuel 7:16; Luke 1:3233), and at the same time He will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between His kingly and priestly functions.

After the crowning of Joshua, the crown itself was to be kept as a memorial in the temple (verse 14); it would be a symbol of hope, a reminder that at the appointed time the long–awaited Messiah would indeed come.

15 Here the Lord continues looking ahead to the Messianic age. Those who are far away–that is, the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:13)–will join in building the millennial temple. They will share in the blessings of Christ’s millennial reign (see Revelation 20:1–6)–that is, if [they] diligently obey the Lord. There will be no place in the millennial kingdom for those who refuse to obey God, whether they be Jews or Gentiles.

The millennial reign of Christ will be ushered in at His second coming.¹⁵ Meanwhile, in a spiritual sense, Christ’s reign has already begun. Right now He is building His temple, the Church; right now He is reigning in the hearts of believers. And right now He is calling those who are “far away” to come and join Him, and He is using us to call them (Matthew 28:19–20). We are His witnesses, His ambassadors (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20). We are making the preparations for His return (Matthew 24:14).