Zechariah 6 Study Notes

6:9-15 This passage concludes the first section of Zechariah, presenting three prerequisites for rebuilding the temple. (1) There will need to be harmony between the civil and priestly leadership. (2) Israelites who have not returned from captivity should lend their support. (3) Everyone will need to be obedient to God’s law.

6:10-11 The naming of specific individuals suggests that these are envoys representing Israelites still in exile in Babylon. Dedicating a memorial to them (v. 14) functioned as encouragement to those who had not returned. It was important to remain loyal to the homeland and to see themselves as part of God’s chosen people.

6:12-13 On Zerubbabel as the Branch, see the fourth vision (see note at 3:8-10; cp. Hg 2:23). Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel were previously identified as the key leaders in the building of the temple (see note at Zch 4:11-14; cp. Hg 2:2). Some see a reference to a messianic figure in this passage (see note at Zch 3:8-10).

6:15 People who are far off refers to exiles who had not returned but should have done so. Strengthening the call to return, God’s authority will be validated if they come back. When you fully obey the Lord your God is nearly an exact quote from Dt 28:1, which emphasizes contingency in the covenant. It also recalls Zechariah’s introduction (Zch 1:3-6).