Question 1

Who are Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah in this passage?

Accepted Answer

These men are part of the group who had come back from Babylon after the exile. They brought silver and gold for God’s work. God tells Zechariah to go to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah and take from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah to make crowns. They seem to have been respected men among the Jews, but they also struggled with doubts about how and when God’s kingdom and priesthood would be restored. The crowns made from their gifts would later stand in the temple as a reminder of both God’s promise and human weakness.

Question 2

Why is Joshua the high priest crowned with silver and gold?

Accepted Answer

Joshua is crowned to act as a sign. Under the law, priest and king were different offices, so this special act could not belong to an ordinary priest. By placing silver and gold crowns on Joshua’s head, God shows that Joshua is pointing to someone greater. He represents the coming Messiah who would be both priest and king in one person. The different metals highlight glory and honor, and the whole scene teaches that the one to come will carry both rule and priestly work perfectly, not just in a symbolic way but in reality.

Question 3

Who is “the Branch” mentioned in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“The Branch” is a title for the coming Messiah. God tells Zechariah to say, “Behold the man whose name is the Branch.” Joshua is a picture, but the Branch is the real fulfillment. The image of a branch speaks of new growth and quiet beginnings. He will “grow up out of his place,” rising from humble origins, and He will build the true temple of the Lord. This points to Christ, who comes from among His people, brings new life, and gathers a spiritual house made of people, not stones, where God dwells by His presence.

Question 4

What does it mean that the Branch will build the temple of the Lord?

Accepted Answer

The words are repeated for emphasis: “Even he shall build the temple of the Lord.” The people were rebuilding a physical temple, but this points beyond that to a greater, spiritual temple. The Branch will grow up “out of his place,” not by human plan, and He Himself will build this temple. This means He will form and complete God’s true dwelling among His people. In the New Testament, this is seen as the church, made up of Jews and Gentiles who trust in Him. So the verse looks to Christ’s work of gathering and shaping His people into God’s house.

Question 5

What is the meaning of “he shall bear the glory” and sit as priest on his throne?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the Branch will “bear the glory,” sit and rule on His throne, and be “a priest upon his throne.” This shows that all the honor of God’s house and kingdom rests on Him alone. In earlier days, the king and priest had separate roles, but in the Messiah they are united. He rules as king and at the same time serves as priest, bringing people to God. The “counsel of peace” between both offices means there is no clash between His rule and His mercy. His kingship and His priestly work agree together to bring lasting peace between God and His people.

Question 6

What is the “counsel of peace” between them both?

Accepted Answer

The “counsel of peace” speaks of harmony between the two roles named in this passage, the king and the priest. In the Branch, these are not two different people but two offices perfectly joined. His rule is not harsh, and His priestly care is not weak. As king, He has authority; as priest, He brings forgiveness and access to God. The plan of peace is carried out through both together. This shows that God’s purpose is not war with His people, but reconciliation, as the Messiah rules and intercedes in perfect agreement, bringing real peace that human leaders could never secure.

Question 7

Why are the crowns kept in the temple as a memorial?

Accepted Answer

After the crowning, the passage says the crowns will be for Heldai (called Helem), Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen son of Zephaniah as a memorial in the temple. This means the crowns would stay there as a lasting reminder. They recalled the gifts of those who returned from far away to support God’s work, but they also reminded the people of their own doubts and impatience about God’s kingdom. The memorial showed that restoration would come in God’s time, through His chosen Branch, not by human plans. Seeing the crowns in the temple would keep God’s promise and their past unbelief before their eyes.

Question 8

Who are “they that are far off” who will come and build in the temple of the Lord?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “they that are far off” points to people who are not yet near, both Jews still scattered and, in a fuller sense, Gentiles. The promise is that these distant ones will come and help build in the temple of the Lord. This looks beyond the local rebuilding to the wider gathering of people into God’s spiritual house. As the good news of the Messiah goes out, people from many nations are brought in and take part in building up the church. Their coming would also prove that God had truly sent this message and was carrying out His plan.

Question 9

What condition is attached to the promise in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage ends with, “And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.” God’s promises about the temple, the coming help from those far off, and the confirmation of His word are set before the people together with a call to obedience. This does not mean they earn the Messiah’s coming, but it does show that enjoying His blessings and seeing His work among them is tied to hearing and obeying God. They are urged to respond in faith, to keep trusting and following His voice rather than doubting or turning aside.

Question 10

How can this passage about Joshua and the Branch apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage turns our eyes to Christ as the Branch who is both priest and king. It reminds us that God’s true temple is His people, which He Himself is building. For believers today, this calls for trust that Jesus carries all the glory and that we do not have to hold up God’s house in our own strength. It also invites us to join His building work, as those who were “far off” now brought near, using what we have for His kingdom. Finally, the call to “diligently obey” still matters, urging us to listen to His voice with steady, humble faith.

Zechariah 6:9

¶ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

The Crown and the Temple

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Zechariah 6:9

¶ And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

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The Crown and the Temple

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