Read & explore together
The Crown and the Temple
Zechariah 6:9–15 joins a commanded action with a spoken message about the Branch. The passage speaks of crowns, temple building, glory, rule, priesthood, peace, and ends with a clear call to obey Yahweh’s voice.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In this passage, Yahweh tells Zechariah to receive silver and gold from named people who have come from Babylon. Zechariah must make crowns, place them on Joshua the high priest, and then announce a message about “the Branch”, temple building, rule, priesthood, and obedience.
Zechariah 6:9–15Main takeaway
This passage uses crowns and temple language to teach that Yahweh speaks about the Branch, who will build the temple, bear glory, rule, and be a priest on his throne, while calling the people to diligent obedience.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Yahweh gives a precise instructionThe passage begins with Yahweh speaking to Zechariah and naming particular people: Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah.
Explanation
The passage begins with Yahweh speaking to Zechariah and naming particular people: Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah. They are connected with the captivity and with Babylon. The instruction is detailed and specific, showing that Yahweh is directing Zechariah in a definite action with identified people and a named place.
02Crowns are placed on JoshuaZechariah is told to take silver and gold, make crowns, and set them on Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
Explanation
Zechariah is told to take silver and gold, make crowns, and set them on Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. The passage identifies Joshua by his priestly role. It does not stop to explain the crowns here, but the action prepares for the message that Zechariah must speak next.
03The Branch will build Yahweh’s templeZechariah must speak about “the man whose name is the Branch”. The text says he will grow up out of his place and will build Yahweh’s temple.
Explanation
Zechariah must speak about “the man whose name is the Branch”. The text says he will grow up out of his place and will build Yahweh’s temple. This matters because the message now centres on the Branch and repeats temple building as his particular work.
04Glory, rule, priesthood, and peaceThe Branch is again named as the one who will build Yahweh’s temple. He will bear the glory, sit and rule on his throne, and be a priest on his throne.
Explanation
The Branch is again named as the one who will build Yahweh’s temple. He will bear the glory, sit and rule on his throne, and be a priest on his throne. The passage also says, “The counsel of peace will be between them both”, adding peace to the picture of rule and priesthood.
05A memorial and a promise with a conditionThe crowns will remain as a memorial in Yahweh’s temple, connected with named people. The passage then says those who are far off will come and build in Yahweh’s temple.
Explanation
The crowns will remain as a memorial in Yahweh’s temple, connected with named people. The passage then says those who are far off will come and build in Yahweh’s temple. This will show that Yahweh of Armies has sent Zechariah, and the verse ends with a call to diligently obey Yahweh’s voice.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does the making and placing of the crowns lead into in this passage?
Look at how the action in Zechariah 6:11 is followed by the spoken message about the Branch in Zechariah 6:12.
02Which repeated line shows the main work of the Branch?
Notice the statement repeated in both Zechariah 6:12 and Zechariah 6:13.
03How does the final verse connect future temple building with the people’s response to Yahweh?
Read the promise about those far off and the condition about obedience in Zechariah 6:15.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Zechariah 6:9–15
9Yahweh’s word came to me, saying,
10“Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon.
11Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;
12and speak to him, saying, ‘Yahweh of Armies says, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch! He will grow up out of his place; and he will build Yahweh’s temple.
13He will build Yahweh’s temple. He will bear the glory, and will sit and rule on his throne. He will be a priest on his throne. The counsel of peace will be between them both.
14The crowns shall be to Helem, to Tobijah, to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in Yahweh’s temple.
15Those who are far off shall come and build in Yahweh’s temple; and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen, if you will diligently obey Yahweh your God’s voice.” ’ ”