Zechariah 6:13
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This verse highlights a profound unity: the Messiah will hold both kingly and priestly authority, not just in separate capacities, but as a unified "counsel of peace." This means that the very plans and actions stemming from His reign and His sacrifice are intrinsically linked to bringing peace to His people.
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)
This vision is a continuation of God's message to Zechariah, building on the symbolic crowning of Joshua, the high priest. The prophecy points forward to a future ruler who will not only rebuild the temple but also embody both kingly and priestly authority. This Messianic figure will unite these roles in himself, bringing about a perfect "counsel of peace" between them.
Zechariah speaks of building a temple, but not just any building. It's about a divine structure where God dwells.
The verse declares 'he shall build the temple of the LORD.' This isn't just about bricks and mortar. While Zerubbabel was rebuilding the physical temple in Zechariah's day, this prophecy points to a greater builder. Jesus Christ is the one who truly builds God's spiritual temple – the church, made up of believers. He lays the foundation, He adds to its structure, and He is its cornerstone.
This building work is unique. No one else has the authority or the ability to create this dwelling place for God. It's a work initiated and completed by Him alone.
Imagine wearing two crowns at once – one for royalty, the other for sacred service. Zechariah reveals someone who does exactly that.
The verse states 'he shall bear royal honor... and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest upon his throne.' This points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, holding both kingly and priestly offices simultaneously.
Historically, these roles were distinct, often held by different people. But in Christ, they are perfectly united. As King, He rules with authority and power, establishing His kingdom. As Priest, He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice and intercedes for us before God. This dual role is crucial for our salvation and peace.
What does it mean for 'the counsel of peace' to exist between two offices? It’s the secret to how God’s justice and mercy meet.
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The concluding phrase, 'and the counsel of peace shall be between them both,' speaks to the perfect harmony and unified purpose of Christ's kingly and priestly roles. It signifies that the plan for bringing peace – reconciliation between God and humanity – originates from this divine union.
As King, Jesus secures peace by conquering sin and death. As Priest, He procures peace by offering His atoning sacrifice. The 'counsel of peace' means that the very plan of salvation, the wisdom behind how peace is achieved, flows from this integrated work of the Messiah. It’s God’s perfect strategy, executed by His Son, to bring lasting peace to His people.
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.
This prophecy in Zechariah speaks directly to a community rebuilding their Temple after exile, offering a vision of a future, far grander fulfillment through a divinely appointed Messiah who will uniquely combine kingly and priestly roles.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
After decades in exile, many Judeans, led by figures like Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (high priest), return to Jerusalem to rebuild their community and the Temple.
c. 520 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Work on the Second Temple begins but faces significant opposition and delays, leading to discouragement among the returnees.
c. 520 BC— this verse
Zechariah's Visions
Zechariah receives a series of visions from God encouraging the people to persevere in rebuilding the Temple and promising future glory and a coming Messiah.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple is finally dedicated, though it lacks the full splendor of Solomon's Temple, leaving a sense of incompleteness.
c. 5th-4th Century BC
Persian Rule over Judea
Judea exists as a province within the vast Persian Empire, with local governance under the Persian authorities. The high priest holds significant religious and civil authority.
This Psalm directly speaks of a future king who is also a priest, echoing Zechariah's vision of a priest on a throne and the 'counsel of peace' between these roles.
Isaiah 9:6This foundational prophecy describes the Messiah as the 'Prince of Peace' and a ruler who will establish justice and righteousness, aligning with the kingly and peaceful aspects of the figure in Zechariah.
Hebrews 5:6The New Testament letter to the Hebrews explicitly connects Jesus to the order of Melchizedek, a king-priest, explaining how Christ fulfills the combined kingly and priestly roles mentioned in Zechariah.
Luke 1:32-33The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary foretells Jesus's eternal reign on the throne of David, directly correlating with Zechariah's vision of a king on his throne who will rule forever.
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…
This verse highlights a profound unity: the Messiah will hold both kingly and priestly authority, not just in separate capacities, but as a unified "counsel of peace." This means that the very plans and actions stemming from His reign and His sacrifice are intrinsically linked to bringing peace to His people.
This vision is a continuation of God's message to Zechariah, building on the symbolic crowning of Joshua, the high priest. The prophecy points forward to a future ruler who will not only rebuild the temple but also embody both kingly and priestly authority. This Messianic figure will unite these roles in himself, bringing about a perfect "counsel of peace" between them.
This vision is a continuation of God's message to Zechariah, building on the symbolic crowning of Joshua, the high priest. The prophecy points forward to a future ruler who will not only rebuild the temple but also embody both kingly and priestly authority. This Messianic figure will unite these roles in himself, bringing about a perfect "counsel of peace" between them.
"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.”’" — This verse highlights a profound unity: the Messiah will hold both kingly and priestly authority, not just in separate capacities, but as a unified "counsel of peace." This means that the very plans…
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Last reviewed October 2026
