Zechariah 6:13
It is he who shall build the temple of the LORD and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easily missed is that this prophecy isn't just about a future king and priest, but about the unity of those roles. The "counsel of peace" existing "between them both" signifies that these two powerful offices, once separate, are now perfectly harmonized in one person, Jesus, who achieves peace for us through His priestly sacrifice and secures it through His kingly rule. This union means He not only earns our peace with God but actively maintains it in our lives.
This passage continues Zechariah's vision where a symbolic crowning of the high priest Joshua takes place. The crowns represent a future fulfillment where both kingly and priestly authority will be united in one glorious figure, the Messiah, who will build the true temple of God and bring lasting peace. This divine union of offices in the Messiah is the ultimate fulfillment of the hopes and promises given to Israel.
The verse starts with a powerful affirmation: 'Even HE shall build the temple of the Lord.' What makes this building project so special, and why is it reserved for one person?
This isn't just about bricks and mortar. Zechariah is pointing to a future reality far grander than the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. The true 'temple of the Lord' is God's people, and ultimately, Christ himself.
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The verse speaks of bearing 'royal honor' and being 'a priest upon his throne.' How can one person hold such seemingly distinct roles, and what does this duality mean for us?
This is the heart of the prophecy: the Messiah will embody both kingly and priestly authority, a combination that was strictly separated in Old Testament Israel.
Understand the original words
hod · Hebrew Noun
The exercise of absolute authority and sovereignty, typically associated with kingship. It refers to the majesty and glory inherent in royal office.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
The state of completeness, well-being, and reconciliation with God. Biblically, it is the fundamental blessing of God’s kingdom, achieved through the Messiah's atonement.
Zechariah's prophecy points beyond the immediate rebuilding of the Second Temple by Zerubbabel and Joshua. It looks forward to a future Messiah who will fulfill both kingly and priestly roles, bringing ultimate peace and establishing a perfected temple.
c. 520 BC— this verse
Rebuilding of the Second Temple Begins
After returning from Babylonian exile, the Jewish people, under the leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (high priest), began rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This effort faced significant opposition and delays.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple was finally completed and rededicated. While a significant achievement, it was a more modest structure compared to Solomon's Temple and lacked some of the former glory.
c. 458-430 BC
Ministries of Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra, a scribe, focused on religious reform and re-establishing the Law, while Nehemiah, a governor, led efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. These figures addressed the spiritual and physical restoration of the community.
c. 167-141 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A period of armed conflict arose when the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Second Temple. The revolt led to a period of Jewish independence and the rededication of the Temple.
c. 63 BC
Roman Intervention in Judea
Roman general Pompey intervened in a dispute between two Hasmonean brothers, leading to Roman dominance over Judea and the appointment of client kings.
c. 40 BC - AD 10
Reign of Herod the Great
Herod the Great, a Roman client king, undertook a massive renovation and expansion of the Second Temple, making it a magnificent structure. However, his reign was marked by political intrigue and brutality.
This Psalm directly parallels Zechariah's prophecy by declaring that God has sworn to establish a perpetual priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, a concept echoed in Zechariah where the Messiah is both king and priest.
Isaiah 9:6-7This well-known passage describes the coming child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and whose government will have no end. It directly supports Zechariah's vision of a ruler bringing peace and establishing an everlasting kingdom.
Hebrews 7:24-25The author of Hebrews explicitly connects Jesus to the Melchizedekian priesthood mentioned in Psalms and implied in Zechariah, emphasizing Jesus' eternal priesthood and his ability to save completely because he lives to intercede.
Matthew 28:18Jesus himself proclaims that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, directly fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy of a king who will rule on his throne with supreme authority.
Ephesians 2:14-18This passage highlights Jesus as our peace, who broke down the dividing wall and made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and between humanity and God. This aligns with Zechariah's 'counsel of peace' that originates from the Messiah's unified kingly and priestly work.
wesleyZechariah 6:13: "Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both."
6:13 The glory - Of both kingly and priestly office; the glory of both those crowns shall abide on him. Shall sit - Which speaks both his royal magnificence, and the perpetuity of it. A priest - The great high - priest, to offer the great sacrifice to God, to make reconcil…
pulpitZechariah 6:13: "Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both."
Verse 13. - Even he shall build. A forcible repetition of the preceding statement, laying stress on the Person, "He, and no one else, shall build." The clause is omitted by the Septuagint. He shall bear the glory. The word rendered "glory" is used to denote royal honours h…
What's easily missed is that this prophecy isn't just about a future king and priest, but about the unity of those roles. The "counsel of peace" existing "between them both" signifies that these two powerful offices, once separate, are now perfectly harmonized in one person, Jesus, who achieves peace for us through His priestly sacrifice and secures it through His kingly rule. This union means He not only earns our peace with God but actively maintains it in our lives.
This passage continues Zechariah's vision where a symbolic crowning of the high priest Joshua takes place. The crowns represent a future fulfillment where both kingly and priestly authority will be united in one glorious figure, the Messiah, who will build the true temple of God and bring lasting peace. This divine union of offices in the Messiah is the ultimate fulfillment of the hopes and promises given to Israel.
This passage continues Zechariah's vision where a symbolic crowning of the high priest Joshua takes place. The crowns represent a future fulfillment where both kingly and priestly authority will be united in one glorious figure, the Messiah, who will build the true temple of God and bring lasting peace. This divine union of offices in the Messiah is the ultimate fulfillment of the hopes and promises given to Israel.
"It is he who shall build the temple of the LORD and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’" — What's easily missed is that this prophecy isn't just about a future king and priest, but about the unity of those roles. The "counsel of peace" existing "between them both" signifies that these tw…
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