The Crowning of Our Priest

Zechariah 6:9-15 presents the symbolic crowning of Joshua, the priest of Israel. Joshua was one of those Israelites that returned from the land of Babylon, with Zerubbabel, after the captivity. Zerubbabel was the builder of the work, the leader of the people, but it was the priest who was crowned. There is immense symbolic significance in this coronation of the priest – it pointed to the Kingly Priesthood of the Messiah and the peace that would come between these two offices (Vs. 13).

Notice first His Meekness; he is a BRANCH; he did not come in regal pomp and circumstance. Second, and following on from this is the miracle of Messiah; He was a sprout out of a dead stump (Isaiah 11:1; 52:2). Martin Luther said that “Christ did not come till the trunk had died and was altogether in a hopeless condition.” Third, the ministry of Messiah; he came as a priest to deal with sin – it was the priest who was crowned, not one of the tribe of Judah, but Levi! Fourth, the majesty of Messiah; he came as King. This double office seen first in Christ, not only brings God to us, but brings us to God – the true Mediator. Notice lastly in this prophecy the manifestation of Messiah which is best verified by the spiritual temple that He is building; “ye now see and hear” (Acts 2:33). He shall build His temple and in this “He shall not fail nor be discouraged.” (Isaiah 42:4). While Israel failed to finish their temple in Zechariah’s day; Christ will not fail to build His. The BRANCH is still growing.