Our God Reigns

Zechariah 6:1-15

February 9, 2003

 

The eight visions of Zechariah serve to give insight on both the immediate circumstances facing the returning exiles, and a look at the future unfolding of God's designs.  It was difficult to even imagine success in their present undertakings much less to believe that the future held promise.  But the visions seek to affirm the present and assure the future of God's people.

 

The final vision, that of our text, gives the most far ranging look and promise.  For it considers the culmination of redemptive history.  Israel in exile needed to see that God's purposes were not thwarted with their bondage in Babylon.  God's purposes were much bigger than one nation.  The whole compass of their worship and covenantal structure served to lay the groundwork - a foreshadowing - or a global and eternal work of God.  The centerpiece of this vision is the Branch that arose out of the obscurity of Israel to be the Redeemer of all who believe in Him.

 

I. Judgment is Certain   6:1-8

 

1. Because the Lord accomplishes His purposes

 

Four chariots emerge from an impregnable fortress (bronze mountains).  This is repetitious of the two previous vision themes.  Bronze and iron were used for defenses (Jeremiah 1:18-19).  The picture is that He who sends the chariots on their mission cannot be stopped or conquered.  How important is this picture for us?  The picture stresses that the Lord will accomplish whatever he purposes to do (Job 42:2).  (1) His Word (Isaiah 55:11), (2) Saving His elect (John 17:6-8, 12), and (3) Securing the redeemed (John 6:37-39, 10:27-30).

 

2. Because the Lord has the resources for judgment

 

Chariots are vehicles of war and triumph.  They are sent out to conquer, and they return to celebrate the victory.  The color of the horses pulling them have been assigned various meaning by virtue of apocalyptic language. 

 

Black - famine, grief and death

Red - martyrdom, bloodshed, warfare and carnage

White - victory

Dappled - mixtures of white and dark - pestilence, "points to overall death" (Kaiser 343, and Bentley 147).

 

The four, along with the four spirits (v. 8) refer to the four points of the compass.  It implies God's universal rule and reign.  Baldwin:  "chariots formed the storm troops in ancient warfare.  They symbolize therefore God's initiative in international affairs" (131).  The "four" points to the universality of the Lord's reign.  No nation or power operates outside His authority and rule (Psalm 139:7-12). 

 

3. Because God's justice must be satisfied    

 

Israel's enemies historically came from the south - Egypt and the north - Assyria and Babylon, thus the direction of judgment in the text.  The indication is that judgment will be complete:  "See, those who are going to the land of the north have appeased (rested) my wrath in the land of the north" (v. 8). 

 

God's righteous rule will be vindicated by judgment on the wickedness of the world even as it was vindicated in the death and resurrection of Christ on behalf of His people.  Scripture echoes this theme of divine justice being satisfied. (1)Adam and Eve expelled from Garden; death occurs, (2)Cain judged, (3)World destroyed by God, remnant left, (4)Israel and Judah judged, (5)Nations that assaulted God's people destroyed (Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptian Empire, etc., lesser powers such as Moab and Philistia), (6)All the nations - and individuals face judgment (John 3:36; Revelation 19:11-16, 20:11-15).     

 

The Biblical theme of judgment begins with the warning in Genesis 2:17, the consequences of the Fall in Genesis 3, and ultimately in its finality in Revelation 20.  In light of this certainty of judgment, the certainty of God's curse upon sinners, the certainty of man's helplessness before the wrath of God, what is your hope?  He gives an addendum to the visions to explain our hope.

 

II. Crown Him Lord of All   5:9-15

 

The new returnees from exile are now part of the command given to Zechariah.  They returned leaving silver and gold or at least substance to secure it.  They were evidently future leaders of the exiles who would need encouragement.  It came in the form of a crown of silver and gold, possibly intertwined rings of each metal woven into one crown. 

 

The unusual thing was the crown being placed on the priest's head.  It had major messianic signification.  The crown of ruling would be united with the priesthood in the rule of the "Branch," (3:8) for whom Joshua and Zerubbabel were symbols.  This points to Christ arising - humanly speaking - out of obscurity to combine in one man the offices of King in Davidic lineage and High Priest forever.  This sounds much like Hebrews.   

 

1. He will build the temple  vv. 12-13

 

Temple is used to refer to the dwelling of God.  Note the repetitions and exclamation.  The implication is not a building, since Zerubbabel is assured of rebuilding it (4:6-7), but the people of God - the church.  It is no accident that "temple" was a metaphor for the church in the New Testament (I Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:19-22, Matthew 16:18, allusions in Hebrews 10:19-25.

 

2. "Bear the (a) honor and (b) sit (the work is completed) and (c) rule on His throne" v. 13

 

Christ is "invested with royal splendor" (Baldwin 136), hence "honor" as expressed in the hymn of Revelation 5.  Christ is King - Philippians 2:9-11.

 

(a) "Honor" refers to royal splendor, signifying the majesty and dignity of Christ in His character and rule.  

      Revelation 5 depicts this regal scene in heaven.

(b) "Sit" points to completed work and the rest of peace accomplished (Hebrews 1:3, 10:11-13.

(c) "Rule on His throne" - He is the King (Philippians 2:9-11).

 

3.  "He will be a priest on His throne"  v. 13

 

While Joshua and Zerubbabel worked together in these functions, Christ alone will perfectly combine the work of Mediator and King.  The result for His subjects is peace."

 

(a) Hebrews 2:14-19  - A priest made like us who propitiates and comes to our aid.

(b) Hebrews 4:14-16 - A priest who sympathizes in our weakness and dispenses grace. 

(c) Hebrews 5:1-10 - A priest of an enduring order who therefore is the source of eternal salvation.

(d) Hebrews 7:23-28 - A priest who is able to save forever.

(e) Hebrews 9:23-28 - A priest who finished His work and will come again.

(f) Hebrews 10:11-25 - A priest who mediates a new covenant and all its blessings. 

 

The crown was a visible reminder of the hope before them that not only would Messiah combine the offices but he would be a universal Priest-King, bringing "those who are far off" to join in the building of His temple - the Church.  This has Ephesians 2:11 written all over it!

 

Here you have those far off brought near:  Jews and Gentiles united in Christ (Zechariah 6:15); Christ through His priestly and Kingly offices becoming "our peace" (Zechariah 6:14); Added in Ephesians 2:17 is the Prophetic office leading to peace and access with God; The church is pictured as "growing into a holy temple in the Lord" (v. 21) and "a dwelling of God in the Spirit" (v. 22).

 

Zechariah's confirmation is found in the work of Christ in the Church.  So he can exhort - "completely obey the Lord your God."  Obedience is always the right response to seeing Christ.  It is the proper response to all that believe the Lord will fulfill His purposes!

 

Conclusion

 

The hope for those who feel the condemnation by the law is found in Him who perfectly unites offices of Priest and King.  The continu9ty of Old Testament prophesies and New Testament revelation (1500 years apart) is evidences remarkably in this passage.  Is not the same exhortation due for us?  Since we are a dwelling of God in the Spirit, "completely obey the Lord your God," and "not by might nor by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."

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