The book of Zechariah details a number of visions and my previous blogs I detail some of those visions and their interpretation e.g. the flying scroll, the woman in the flying basket etc. This time I have chosen Zechariah 6:11, which is about the vision of the 2 crowns.
Zech 6:11 “Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.”
What an interesting start, but wait there is so much more to unpack. Firstly, we see the command to make a crown made of two metals. Scholars say the crown were like two strands being intertwined to form it. It was also the only crown that was to be made in this form. In other words, there is one crown and only one wearer of the crown.
Interestingly, gold in the Bible generally symbolises wisdom, goodness, even wealth and power. If we examine the root Hebrew word in this text it literally means to shimmer or shine. I conclude that wisdom and goodness can “shine” rather than wealth and power.
The silver in the crown symbolises truth. So when we view the crown as an intertwined rings of silver and gold (like a wreath) we know it symbolises three things and these are:
GOLD: Wisdom and goodness
SILVER: Truth
A CROWN shaped as a WREATH: Points to the symbolism of the wreath (crown of thorns) that was placed on Jesus before his crucifixion
In terms of history and the Levitical priesthood the combining of a crown was not known. Usually the King wore one crown and the high priest another. A person wearing both at the same time was not known prior to Joshua.
You see Joshua in these verses represents the Jesus to come. The Jesus, who will be both our King and High Priest simultaneously . He will be King of the Universe (and king of this world that incidentally Satan claims to be) and the High Priest who is the atonement (the action of making amends for a wrong) for our sin. Jesus has the right to wear the crown that is in the shape of a wreath, which symbolises in part the “crown of thorns”that Jesus was to wear on the cross. The wreath symbolises the fact that He is both wisdom and goodness (gold) and truth (silver).
Verse 12 Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is [f]Branch, for He will [g]branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord. 13 Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two [h]offices.”’
This verse points us to the the verse in John 2:9 where Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Where the Branch (Jesus) who is the Temple will raise it again after it has been destroyed by the people when they place Jesus on the Cross. As predicted in three days the Temple (Jesus) was rebuilt but this time Jesus is both the High Priest because of His sacrifice and the King because Satan was defeated and He is claim of King of this kingdom was established.
14 Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the Lord to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah and [i]Hen the son of Zephaniah.15 Those who are far off will come and [j]build the temple of the Lord.” Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And it will take place if you completely obey the Lord your God.
This verse tells us that the Crown (wreath) that Jesus wears has a twofold dignity. That Jesus should wear at the same time the crown of a king and that of a high priest (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:10). His kingship will be revealed to all when He restores the kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:6) Equally importantly the crown made of gold and silver represents Wisdom, goodness and truth.
It also illustrates the parallel of Joshua who is commissioned to rebuild the Temple to its original purpose and glory. To also right the wrong that other rulers, in this case Babylon, have no right to their claim on the land or the Temple. Just as much that Satan has no right to claim the world as his own.
You see the destruction and rebuilding of the Temple is a metaphor for the destruction and rebuilding of Christ at the time of his death and resurrection. Where he also demonstrates through love his right to this world and His created beings. Christ wants us to come to Him because of His demonstrable love as opposed by Satan.s through deception and use of pride.
Praise God that He is Love.
My Biblical Thoughts 