The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

KING AND PRIEST

In mercy, the Lord continued to reveal his purposes and plans. The word of the Lord came to Zechariah, instructing him to get silver and gold from a few of the exiles for the purpose of making a crown.

Typically, a crown was reserved for a king. However, the Lord told Zechariah in this text to place it upon the high priest’s head. Joshua took on some kingly symbolism in this vision, showing his significant role in the rebuilding of the temple (v. 12). As the passage continues, it details a certain harmony between these two offices (v. 13). The people needed governance to build the temple; yet the temple needed priests to offer sacrifices.

The degree of unity between these offices depicted in Zechariah foreshadowed a perfect harmony to come. While Zerubbabel and Joshua served individually, Jesus — the Branch of Jesse (Isa 11:1) — would come to unite the offices; he would rule as King and intercede as Priest. He now sits at the right hand of God and governs perfectly while also interceding for the imperfect.

God instructed the people to store this crown as a reminder that God acted on their behalf (v. 14). The people of God must not forget his gracious actions toward them.

Jesus, my King and Priest, thank you for acting on my behalf. Don’t ever let me forget all that you’ve done for me. Amen.