Zechariah 6:13

Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Zechariah 6:13 (KJV)

Context

Zechariah delivered this prophecy after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. The immediate setting involves Joshua the high priest, who took part in reconstructing the physical temple. Yet the verse reaches beyond that restoration to a future figure who would build a greater temple and unite two offices normally kept separate in Israel.

Meaning

The declaration that “he shall build the temple of the LORD” points first to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple in Zechariah’s day. In its fuller sense, it describes the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who builds a spiritual temple—the Church—composed of believers. The phrase “he shall bear the glory” means the honor and majesty of this work rest upon him in a visible and weighty way.

The words “shall sit and rule upon his throne” establish the Messiah’s royal authority. The added phrase “he shall be a priest upon his throne” reveals the unprecedented union of kingly and priestly roles in one person. Jesus fulfills both offices, serving as King and High Priest, offering himself as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

The closing clause, “the counsel of peace shall be between them both,” signifies harmony between the kingly and priestly functions. In Christ, God’s justice and mercy are perfectly reconciled. Through his priestly sacrifice and kingly reign, believers experience peace with God.

Biblical connections

The dual role of Christ as King and Priest is central to his redemptive work. His priesthood is eternal, after the order of Melchizedek, and his throne is the throne of David established forever. The temple he builds is not made with hands but is the spiritual house of God, composed of all believers.

Application

This verse calls readers to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy and to trust in his dual role as King and Priest. Because he rules and intercedes for his people, believers can find peace in his authority and his ongoing priestly work. It also encourages participation in building his temple, the Church, through faithful service and obedience.

Reflection

The counsel of peace assures us that there is no conflict between God’s justice and mercy; both are perfectly harmonized in Christ. This text invites worship of the one who builds, rules, and intercedes for his people, and it grounds confidence in the unity of God’s plan of redemption.