Zechariah 6:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God speaks to the esteemed prophet Zechariah, or through him to those associated with Zerubbabel, a descendant of Judah and the leader of the Israelites, as he was called by the royal lineage. It is important to recall what was declared by God regarding him: “the hands of Zerubbabel have founded this temple, and his hands shall make it perfect” (Zech. 4:9). Alongside him, at the temple's foundation and its completion, was Jesus, the son of Josedec, the high priest.

The Lord's message came to me, instructing me to accept the offerings from the captives Heldai, Tobiah, and Jedi, and to proceed into the residence of Josiah, son of Sophonias, who has arrived from Babylon. You are to gather his silver and gold to forge a crown, which you will place upon the head of Josiah, son of Josedech, the high priest. The prophet once more turns his attention to the priesthood, honoring him with a golden crown bestowed by righteous individuals; this crown is intended to adorn Jesus, with the gold sourced from those noble men who returned from Babylon. Although the creation of this crown began in Josiah's house, those mentioned contributed both labor and materials to finalize it, aiming to both exalt the high priest and establish a lasting tribute for themselves within the Lord's temple.

And the Lord's word came to me, saying, Take what has been collected from the leaders, their attendants, and those who are acquainted with him: on this day, go to the house of Josiah, son of Sophonias, who returned from Babylon, and procure silver and gold to fashion crowns, placing them on the head of Joses, the high priest, and proclaim to him: Thus says the Lord of Hosts, Behold the Man, whose name is the East. He shall arise and establish the temple of the Lord; he shall receive authority and sit upon his throne; he shall perform the duties of a priest at his right hand, and there shall be harmony between the two.

And he called out to me and said, "Look, those who venture into the land of the north have found rest for My Spirit in that land." This refers to the just retribution I have enacted upon the Babylonians, a punishment they had long merited but had not yet experienced in My earthly existence. Following these visions, the Prophet receives the instruction to accept the offerings brought by the captives, specifically those brought by "the princes, and his keys, and those who understand him;" meaning, all who have felt the weight of the calamities, recognized the reasons for their exile, and understood its blessings are to present their gifts.