VideoBible

Give Now

VideoBible

Give Now

Zechariah 6– Expository Bible Preaching Sermon and Study Guide

Overview

Zechariah 6 concludes the prophet’s night visions with a powerful portrayal of God’s sovereign control over the nations and His unfolding redemptive plan. The chapter consists of two main sections:

  1. The Vision of Four Chariots (vv. 1-8) – Four chariots emerge from between two bronze mountains, representing the four winds of heaven, going out to execute God’s judgment and patrol the earth.

  2. The Crowning of Joshua the High Priest (vv. 9-15) – A prophetic symbolic act where Joshua is crowned, pointing to the future Messianic King-Priest, the Branch.

This chapter highlights God’s active rule over global affairs and offers a preview of the Messiah’s dual role as King and Priest. It reinforces the authority of Scripture by portraying history and future events as under God’s sovereign direction. God’s Word here is not speculative—it is declarative and final, resting on His inerrant truth.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

Zechariah prophesied to the post-exilic Jewish community around 520-518 B.C., during the early years of Persian rule after the return from Babylonian exile. The temple reconstruction had resumed, and there was a pressing need to restore national identity and trust in God’s promises.

The crowning of Joshua does not represent an actual coronation of a reigning king but a prophetic signpost toward the coming of the Messiah, who will fulfill both priestly and kingly roles.

Literary Structure

Zechariah 6 concludes a series of eight night visions (chapters 1-6), all given in one night. The visions progressively reveal God’s judgment on sin, purification of His people, restoration of leadership, and final peace. The vision of the chariots in 6:1-8 mirrors the first vision in 1:8-11 (patrol riders), forming a literary inclusio that frames God’s governance over the earth. The latter half of the chapter (vv. 9-15) is prose narrative and prophetic sign-action.

This blend of apocalyptic imagery and prophetic symbolism aligns with biblical prophetic literature, emphasizing divine revelation through visions that require theological interpretation.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty Over the Nations

The four chariots represent divine agents of judgment and administration over the earth, going “to the four winds of heaven” (v. 5). This shows God’s total control over all directions and domains of the world. The judgment against the north (Babylon) is emphasized, reminding the people that God remembers and deals justly with all nations.

Doctrinal Truth: God is sovereign over history. No empire, nation, or force is beyond His authority. This is essential to evangelical theology, where history unfolds under God’s divine decree.

2. The Messiah as King and Priest

Joshua’s crowning points to “the Branch” (v. 12), a messianic figure referenced in Zechariah 3:8 and Isaiah 11:1. He will build the temple of the Lord (not Zerubbabel’s physical temple but a spiritual one), and He will rule on His throne, serving as both priest and king—a role only Christ fulfills.

Doctrinal Truth: Jesus Christ is the true King-Priest who mediates between God and man (Hebrews 7) and reigns with authority (Revelation 19). This prophetic act prefigures Christ’s unified offices.

3. The Unity of God’s Plan and Worship

The crowns made from the offerings of exiles (vv. 10-11) and placed in the temple symbolize the unified worship of the returning remnant and the coming nations. Verse 15 prophesies that those “far away” will help build the Lord’s temple—a foreshadowing of Gentile inclusion in God’s redemptive plan.

Doctrinal Truth: God’s redemptive plan includes people from every nation (Ephesians 2:11-22). The Church, as the spiritual temple, is made up of Jews and Gentiles united in Christ.

4. The Reliability of God’s Word

The chapter ends with the condition: “This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God” (v. 15). Though God is sovereign, obedience to His Word remains the means through which believers experience His covenant blessings.

Doctrinal Truth: The inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture call believers to obedience. God’s promises are certain, but human response still matters (James 1:22).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Zechariah 6:1-3

“I looked up again, and there before me were four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second black, the third white, and the fourth dappled—all of them powerful.”

Explanation:
 These four chariots are symbolic representations of God’s angelic agents sent to execute His will across the earth. The bronze mountains may represent strength and permanence, possibly signifying the immovable purposes of God and perhaps even symbolic of God’s heavenly dwelling or judgment (cf. Daniel 2:45). The horses’ colors mirror those seen in Zechariah 1 and Revelation 6, suggesting varied purposes—war, death, judgment, or peace.

Cross-Reference:

Application:
 God sends His messengers to carry out His will throughout the world. We can trust that He is actively engaged, not passive, in the affairs of humanity.

Zechariah 6:4-5

“I asked the angel who was speaking to me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ The angel answered me, ‘These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.’”

Explanation:
 These chariots are identified as “the four spirits” (or winds) of heaven—divine agents proceeding from God’s presence. This phrase connects their mission with the sovereign rule of God over the entire earth, reinforcing God’s omnipresence and omnipotence.

Cross-Reference:

  • Jeremiah 49:36 – “I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven.”

  • Revelation 7:1 – angels holding back the four winds of the earth.

Doctrinal Insight:
 The angelic beings act at God’s command. His reign is universal—He is “the Lord of the whole world.” This supports the doctrine of providence—God not only creates but governs the world.

Zechariah 6:6-8

“The one with the black horses is going toward the north country, the white ones toward the west, and the dappled ones toward the south… ‘Look, those going toward the north country have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north.’”

Explanation:
 The focus on the north country—Babylon—emphasizes God’s judgment against past oppressors of Israel. The phrase “given My Spirit rest” suggests that God’s righteous anger has been satisfied.

Cross-Reference:

Application:
 God brings justice in His time. Even when it seems that evil prevails, God’s Spirit is not idle—He brings His plans to completion.

Zechariah 6:9-11

“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Take silver and gold from the exiles… Use it to make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jozadak.’”

Explanation:
 This is a symbolic coronation. High priests never wore crowns—kings did. Joshua is not being made king, but his crowning points forward to the coming Branch, who will hold both offices. The exiles’ offering signifies unity and shared hope for a restored kingdom.

Cross-Reference:

Zechariah 6:12-13

“‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord… he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne.’”

Explanation:
 This is a Messianic prophecy. The Branch (Hebrew: tsemach) refers to a descendant of David who will rule and build God’s true temple—the spiritual dwelling place of His people. The combination of King and Priest in one person clearly foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the only One to fulfill both roles eternally.

Cross-Reference:

Application:
 Only Jesus brings complete access to God and reigns as the rightful King. Our worship, prayer, and life must be centered on Him.

Zechariah 6:14-15

“The crown will be given to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen… as a memorial in the temple of the Lord… Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord.”

Explanation:
 The crown is preserved as a memorial, not a permanent adornment for Joshua. This prophecy also anticipates Gentile inclusion in building God’s spiritual temple—another glimpse of the global Church.

Cross-Reference:

Application:
 God invites all people—Jew and Gentile—to participate in His redemptive plan. The Church is to be a united people from every background under Christ.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Jesus as the Branch (v. 12)

Jesus fulfills the role of the Branch—a shoot from David’s line (Isaiah 11:1), who will rule and mediate. He builds the true temple of the Lord—not a physical building but the Church (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Christ: Priest and King (v. 13)

Only Jesus unites the offices of priest and king. This is seen most clearly in:

  • Hebrews 7-10, where Christ is shown as the High Priest in heaven, interceding once for all.

  • Revelation 5:10, declaring Jesus made His people “a kingdom and priests.”

Christ’s Universal Reign

The message to the north (Babylon) and the inclusion of those “far away” all point to Jesus‘ global mission. He reigns over all nations (Psalm 2), and His kingdom is not limited to Israel but includes all who call upon His name.

Connection to the Father

God the Father’s Sovereign Rule

  • The chariots come from the presence of “the Lord of the whole world” (v. 5). This underscores God the Father’s absolute sovereignty over creation and history.

  • He sends forth His Spirit (v. 8), delegates authority to angelic beings, and ordains justice across the earth.

The Father’s Redemptive Initiative

  • The crowning of Joshua and the reference to “the Branch” (v. 12) reveal God’s initiative in redemption—He is the architect of salvation, sending the Son in due time (Galatians 4:4-5).

  • The vision shows that salvation history begins and ends with the Father’s plan carried out through the Son, by the Spirit.

The Father’s Desire for Obedience

  • The closing reminder (v. 15): “This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.” God the Father desires a faithful, obedient people. The blessings of the coming kingdom are tied to responding to His Word.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

While Zechariah 6 does not explicitly mention the Holy Spirit by name, the chapter is deeply connected to the ministry and presence of the Spirit in at least three important ways:

1. The “Four Spirits of Heaven” (v. 5)

“These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.”

The Hebrew word for “spirits” (ruach) can also mean “winds,” and is often used to describe the Spirit of God in Scripture. Though here it likely refers to angelic agents, the imagery points to the activity of the Spirit sent from the presence of God to accomplish divine purposes. This echoes other biblical themes where God sends His Spirit to enact judgment, renew creation, or stir nations (Isaiah 11:2; Ezekiel 37:9-10).

2. The Spirit’s Role in Judgment and Sovereignty

The movement of the chariots illustrates God’s Spirit bringing order and justice to the earth—a foretaste of the Spirit’s future work through Christ. The idea of “giving My Spirit rest” (v. 8) implies a completion or satisfaction of divine justice, paralleling how the Spirit ultimately brings peace and righteousness through Christ’s redemptive work (Isaiah 32:15-18).

3. The Spirit’s Role in the Messianic Work of the Branch

The Branch, who is to build the true temple and rule as both priest and king, is filled with the Spirit (Isaiah 11:1-2). Jesus’ earthly ministry is empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18), and the Church He builds (the true temple) is a spiritual one, constructed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: “The Crown, the Chariots, and the Coming King”
 Text: Zechariah 6:1-15 (NIV)
 Theme: God is sovereign over history and is bringing His perfect King and Priest—Jesus—to build His eternal temple and rule in righteousness.
 Purpose: To strengthen the Church’s hope in Christ’s rule and inspire obedience in light of God’s sovereign plan.

I. God’s Sovereign Rule Over All the Earth (vv. 1-8)

Key Point: God governs every nation and movement in history through His heavenly agents.

  • Illustration: Think of air traffic control—planes fly in every direction, but nothing happens without coordination. God’s sovereign hand is even greater.

  • Application: Christians can rest, even in global chaos. God is not reacting—He is ruling.

“Look, those going toward the north country have given my Spirit rest…” (v. 8)

II. God’s Messianic Promise Through the Branch (vv. 9-13)

Key Point: God promises a King who is also a Priest—only Jesus fulfills this role perfectly.

  • Example: Imagine a judge and defense lawyer being the same person—only Jesus can do this without compromising justice or grace.

  • Cross-Reference: Hebrews 7:25 – “He always lives to intercede…”

  • Application: We don’t need to seek other saviors. Christ is sufficient.

III. God’s Global Plan and Our Obedience (vv. 14-15)

Key Point: God includes people from far-off nations in building His temple—the Church.

  • Modern Analogy: Like bricks from all over the world making one cathedral, God is building one Church from many nations.

  • Call to Action: Are we part of what God is building? Are we obeying His Word?

“This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.” (v. 15)

Conclusion: Christ Wears the Crown—Will You Bow?

  • God’s messengers go forth, Christ is crowned, and the temple is being built.

  • Our response is not passive observation but active obedience.

  • Call to Action:

    • Trust God’s rule over your life.

    • Follow Christ, your King and Priest.

    • Commit to building His temple—His Church—with your time, talents, and testimony.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Global Chaos vs. God’s Order (vv. 1-8)

Illustration: In air travel, even when turbulence shakes the plane, the cockpit crew has the instruments and control to navigate through it.
 Application: We often only see turbulence—God sees the whole flight plan. He is in control.

2. Jesus as Priest and King – The Ultimate Mediator (vv. 9-13)

Example: In court, the defense lawyer speaks for you, and the judge decides your fate. Christ does both: He advocates and reigns in righteousness. No conflict of interest because He has already paid for our sin.

3. Global Unity in Building the Temple (v. 15)

Analogy: Olympic torch relay—runners from many nations, each with a role, but all contributing to a greater goal.
 Application: Every believer has a role in the building of God’s temple, the Church.

Application for Today’s Christian

Zechariah 6 offers rich, practical implications for the believer who desires to live faithfully under the lordship of Christ. The prophetic vision and symbolic crowning of Joshua encourage modern Christians to align with God’s sovereign plan and serve Christ, the true Branch, as both King and Priest.

1. Live Confidently in God’s Sovereignty

“These are the four spirits of heaven… from the presence of the Lord of the whole world.” (v. 5)

  • Application: When the world seems chaotic—politically, socially, economically—Christians must remember that God rules over every nation and event.

  • Discipleship Practice: Teach others to interpret history and current events through a biblical lens that recognizes God’s rule rather than living in fear or confusion.

2. Worship Jesus as King and Priest

“He will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne.” (v. 13)

  • Application: Jesus is both Savior and Sovereign. Submit every area of your life—decisions, time, money, family, and work—to His authority.

  • Stewardship: Use resources to support the building of His kingdom, just as the exiles gave silver and gold for the crown. Give not just out of duty, but as part of God’s redemptive work in the world.

3. Build the Spiritual Temple Together

“Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord.” (v. 15)

  • Application: Christians are called to participate in the building of the Church—discipling others, serving, praying, and evangelizing.

  • Living the Faith: Recognize that you are part of a global body. Support missions. Encourage others. View your church not just as a meeting place but a living temple under construction.

4. Obey God’s Word Diligently

“This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.” (v. 15)

  • Application: God’s promises are sure, but He calls us to walk in obedience. Sanctification is not passive—it requires discipline and faith.

  • Discipleship Challenge: Encourage daily reading of Scripture, prayer, and accountability in Christian community.

Connection to God’s Love

While the tone of the vision includes judgment and authority, Zechariah 6 also reveals the deep love of God through the following truths:

1. God Sends Justice for the Oppressed

By sending chariots to the north—Babylon, the land of Israel’s captors—God demonstrates that He cares deeply for His people. He does not ignore injustice but acts on behalf of the oppressed.

  • Love Revealed: God’s judgment flows from His love for righteousness and His desire to protect His people (Isaiah 61:8).

2. God Provides a Perfect Mediator

The crowning of Joshua foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Branch, who is the loving gift of the Father for our salvation. Jesus brings peace between God and humanity, fulfilling both priestly intercession and kingly authority.

  • Love Revealed: God didn’t leave His people in their sin—He sent a Savior who builds a temple made not of stones but of hearts transformed by love (John 3:16, Romans 5:8).

3. God Welcomes the Nations

Verse 15 foretells that people “from far away” will help build the temple—an early glimpse of Gentile inclusion in God’s family. This reveals God’s inclusive, redemptive love, offering salvation to all.

Broader Biblical Themes

Zechariah 6 is a rich convergence point of several major biblical themes, helping believers see its place in the larger story of Scripture.

1. Creation and Sovereignty

  • God as the Lord of “the whole world” (v. 5) ties back to Genesis 1, where He creates and governs all. Zechariah affirms that history belongs to the Creator and is being directed toward His purposes.

2. Redemption and Messiah

  • The Branch (v. 12) is the prophesied Redeemer. He appears throughout the prophets (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5), is born in the Gospels, and fulfills His priest-king role in Hebrews and Revelation.

  • The crowning of Joshua prefigures Christ’s coronation after His resurrection and ascension (Philippians 2:9-11).

3. Covenant and Obedience

  • The call to obey (v. 15) echoes the covenant structure seen throughout the Old Testament: promise and responsibility. God’s love gives grace, but faith responds with obedience (Deuteronomy 28; Romans 6:17-18).

4. Temple and the People of God

  • The building of the temple (vv. 12, 15) finds its fulfillment in Jesus and His Church. Believers are now living stones (1 Peter 2:5), built into a spiritual house by Christ Himself.

Reflection Questions

On God’s Sovereignty and Rule (vv. 1-8):

  1. How does the vision of the four chariots encourage you to trust God in uncertain times?

  2. In what ways do you see God at work in the nations today, even when the world seems chaotic?

  3. What would change in your daily life if you truly believed God was in control of all world events?

On Jesus as King and Priest (vv. 9-13):

  1. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is both your High Priest and your King?

  2. How are you honoring Christ’s kingly rule in your choices, priorities, and relationships?

  3. How does the idea that Jesus is still interceding for you as High Priest affect your prayer life?

On Obedience and Discipleship (v. 15):

  1. The chapter closes with a call to obey God. In what areas of your life is the Lord calling you to deeper obedience?

  2. What daily practices help you remain obedient and sensitive to God’s Word?

  3. How are you using your time, gifts, and resources to build God’s spiritual temple—His Church?

On God’s Love and Redemptive Plan (vv. 12-15):

  1. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of God’s love for people from every nation?

  2. What role can you play in helping others come to know Christ and become part of His temple?

  3. How do the promises in Zechariah 6 inspire you to persevere in your faith today?

On the Broader Narrative of Scripture:

  1. How does this chapter connect to the overall story of the Bible from creation to redemption?

  2. What similarities do you see between the crown in Zechariah 6 and Christ’s exaltation in the New Testament?

  3. How does knowing you are a part of God’s eternal plan give you courage to live faithfully right now?

Related Videos