In Zechariah we find in chapter 3 and 6 a reference to the “Branch.” This alludes to none other than Isaiah 11:1-5, there we find that from Jesse comes David, but also from David we know that his throne was promised to be established forever, and that the Lion of Judah would sit and reign. The book has so many symbols and illustrations it would be difficult to address each one in this forum. In chapter 3, we have the High Priest Joshua in filthy clothes, this illusion could be to the corrupted priesthood before the Fall of Jerusalem. Yet we are told that Joshua was to put on new clean clothes, referring to the cleansing of sins by the LORD. Interesting enough also is that Satan is accusing before God the sins of the people. Rev. 12:20 informs us of the accuser – Satan how that night and day he brings accusations against believers. The problem is that they are true, however, God has forgiven us in Christ Jesus. Satan does this to us as well, too many times we listen to the lies of Satan and let his lies defeat us in our spirit. We must rebuke him in the name of Jesus, for our sins have been dealt with at Calvary!
Some information on the Branch helps us understand the prophecy about Jesus. “The BRANCH” is an important messianic title, signifying our Lord’s coming from the stock of David (Isa. 11:1). As Branch, He is King (Jer. 23:5; 33:15), God’s Servant (Zech. 3:8), “the Man whose name is the BRANCH” (Zech. 6:12), and “the Branch of the LORD” (Isa. 4:2). Some see in these four titles a parallel to the four Gospels. Matthew presents the Branch of David, the King; Mark, the Servant; Luke, the Man; and John, “the Branch of the Lord” who is God come in human flesh (John 20:30–31). [Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Zec 5:1.] I though it was interesting that the king and priest are combined in Christ. He is a priest after the Order of Melchizedek [ Hebrews 5] This is significant for Jesus is not a priest after the Order of Levi; before the Law, was Abraham. Jesus can be the High Priest without being a Levite, He is superior to Levi, therefore no conflict being from the tribe of Judah.
In chapter 4, we have the images of the lamp stand and bowls filled with oil that keep the lamp lite. Zechariah always asks, “What are these?” there is a great dualism with this book, for it applies to the restoration and building of the Temple again, but also is referencing the Reign of Jesus.
I found it quite reassuring that several times God has his emissaries watching and roaming the Earth. Truly, we know that earthly rulers will influence this world, but ultimately, God is in control. This ia a message we all need to remember in light of the Americans recent election. Zerubbabel will be the first to return to the waste land of Judah. I can’t imagine what it was like to see the Holy City laying in ashes and rubble. Scripture tells us that Zerubbabel didn’t finish the building of the Temple – that wouldn’t be completed until Ezra. I am sure it was exiting to see the labor forces coming together to measure the foundation and trying to set the stones back in place. Again I couldn’t help but think of 1 Peter 2:4-8 of how Jesus being the Chief corner-stone would be rejected by the very people He came to save.
In chapter 5 I was somewhat confused about the Ephah, a bushel of grain. Other than it represents the sins of the nation. For the woman and basket are thrown down. Wickedness is viewed as being feminine, which is why a woman was used in the illustration. We see that wickedness is confined, condemned, controlled and conquered. The Crown of God on Joshua as King-Priest is the prophetic allusion to Jesus.
In chapter 6 we have the horses and chariots, this we are told is those which have been given authority to guard the earth, specifically North and South.
preachbetweenthelines 