Zechariah 6:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Therefore, the Lord of all humanity instructs that gold and silver be taken from the treasures presented by the leaders of the exile, which were entrusted to Josiah for preservation. These precious metals are to be fashioned into crowns to adorn the head of Jesus, the son of Josedech, the high priest. He is to declare concerning Zerubbabel, “This man is called Vostok.” The term "east" is interpreted in the Hebrew as a word signifying “branch.” "And under him shall shine forth," meaning he will flourish from his roots.

God aids the city through His own resurrection and manifestation, granting it a dawn. It is declared, Behold the man whose name is the East (LXX; Zech. 6:12). Thus, in whom, following triumph over death in the dawn, during the third dispersal of the shadows of ignorance and deceit, the light of understanding will radiate, for him, the daybreak shall arrive. Since the Light entered the world so that those who walk in Him would not falter, His aid ushers in the dawn. Furthermore, considering that the resurrection of Jesus occurred in the early morning, the new day will be blessed by the hand of God who reigns over the day of resurrection.

The essence of a righteous life focuses on the age to come, which follows the present temporal existence defined by a week of seven days, often referred to as the eighth day. When this ephemeral and fleeting period concludes, and the transient nature of time comes to an end—since there will be no longer any force of creation and destruction—these seven days that measure time will also conclude, giving way to the eighth day, representing the future age composed entirely of one day.

Look, the man from the East is his name. This refers to Zerubbabel, who was honored and exalted by the Spirit in the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah. And from the depths shall radiate light. This suggests that Zerubbabel had not yet been granted complete authority by Darius at that moment, but would obtain it later, or that he would be elevated through the downfall of the tribe of Gog. He will rebuild the temple of the Lord using the treasures taken from the tribe of Gog.

The Prophet proclaims these truths regarding Zerubbabel, not as one yet to be conceived, but rather as one who has yet to receive divine authority; he refers to him as the East, for he illuminated the hearts of those in Jerusalem who faced hardship and the shadows of misfortune. The Prophet assures that he will finish constructing God's sanctuary, ascend the royal throne, honour the bishop in every aspect, and maintain such unity with him that he will never act without his consent.

The phrase "under Him" reveals the profound mystery of the Word's Incarnation, through which the salvation of all humanity was achieved.