Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zechariah 6:15
And they [that are] far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.
15. they that are far off ] Comp. Eph 2:13; Eph 2:17, where there is perhaps a reminiscence of the of the LXX. here. “The counsel of peace,” and the “building in the temple of the Lord,” may also have been in St Paul’s mind when he wrote that passage.
if ye will diligently obey ] The meaning is not, that the coming and work of Messiah, but that their share in it depended on their obedience. 2Ti 2:13; Mal 4:1-2; Heb 4:9; Heb 4:11.
The Deputation from Bethel. Chaps. 7, 8. After the lapse of nearly two years, Zechariah is again called to prophesy, the occasion of his doing so being the arrival at Jerusalem of a deputation, sent from Bethel to enquire whether they ought still to observe a national fast, which had been instituted in the time of the captivity, Zec 7:1-3. The answer of Almighty God by the prophet falls into four sections (marked by separate paragraphs in R. V.), each of which is introduced by the same formula, Zec 7:4; Zec 7:8; Zec 8:1; Zec 8:18. The return in the last of these sections (Zec 8:19) to the question out of which the whole arose, shews that the prophecy is really one. In the first section the people are reminded that their fasting and feasting had alike been observances terminating upon themselves and devoid of religious motive and spiritual aim, and consequently unacceptable to God; in accordance with the teaching of the earlier prophets, in the times of Jerusalem’s prosperity, Zec 7:4-7. In the next section the substance of this teaching, as insisting on moral reformation and not on outward observances, is given; and to the neglect of it are traced the rejection by God of His people, and the calamities that had come upon them in their captivity and dispersion, Zec 7:8-14. Passing now to a happier strain of hope and promise, the prophetic word tells of the bright days of holiness and prosperity in store for Jerusalem, in contrast with her earlier condition of distress and discord, and urges the people, on the strength of these promises, to holy obedience, Zec 8:1-17. The concluding section predicts that the question from Bethel shall be solved, by the transformation of the fasts of their captivity into joyful feasts, to which willing multitudes shall throng from all parts of the land; heathen nations joining also in their celebration, and counting it an honour and protection to be associated with a Jew, Zec 8:18-23.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And they who are far off shall come – They who came from Babylon with offerings to God, became types of the Gentiles, of whom the Apostle says, Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off have become nigh through the blood of Christ Eph 2:13; and, He came and preached peace to you which were far off and to them that were nigh Eph 2:17; and the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call Act 2:39.
And build in – or upon, the temple of the Lord (Neh 4:4, Neh 4:11 (Neh 4:10, Neh 4:17 in English).) Not build it for it was to be built by the Branch, but build on, labor on, it. It was a building, which should continually be enlarged; of which Paul says, I, as a wise master-builder, according to the grace given unto me, laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon; let every man take heed how, he buildeth thereupon 1Co 3:10. Cyril: What shall they build? Themselves, compacting themselves with the saints, and joining together in faith to oneness with those of Israel, Jesus Christ Himself being the head cornerstone and uniting together in harmony through Himself, what was of old divided. For He united the two peoples into one new man, making peace, and reconciling in His own body all things unto the Father Eph 2:15-16, which being accomplished, we shall own the truth of the holy prophets, and know clearly that it was God who spake in them and declared to us beforehand the mystery of Christ.
And this shall be – Not as though the coming of Christ depended upon their faithfulness, but their share in it. Ye shall know (he had said) that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you; but whether this knowledge should reach to individuals, depends upon their obedience and their willingness to know; it shall be, , if ye will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God. For none of the wicked, Daniel says, shall understand Dan 12:10; and Hosea, Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them and the transgressors shall stumble at them ; and the wise man, he that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof (Ecclesiasticus 21:11). So our Lord said, If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of Myself Joh 7:17; He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God: Joh 8:47 : Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice Joh 18:37. Osorius: Because he had said, And ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me unto you, he warns them, that the fruit of that coming will reach to those only, who should hear God and with ardent mind join themselves to His name. For as many as believed in Him were made sons of God; but the rest were cast into outer darkness. But they receive Christ, who hear His voice and do not refuse His rule. For He was made the cause of eternal salvation to tell who obey Him.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 15. And they that are far off shall come] The Gentiles shall come to the Saviour of the world; and build-become a part of this new temple; for they, as living stones, shall become a holy temple, a habitation of God through the Spirit.
Ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me] These predictions, relative to the regal and sacerdotal offices of the Messiah, shall be so circumstantially fulfilled, that ye, Jews, shall be obliged to acknowledge that the Lord of hosts hath sent me with this message.
And this shall come to pass] Your own temple shall be rebuilt, and God shall dwell among you now, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
This verse hath certainly a double reference, one to the Jews, and the building of the material temple, which is the literal and historical sense; the other mystical, and refers to the bringing in of the Gentiles.
They that are far off; such Jews as do now abide in Babylon and Persia, or other remote parts. It is also the character of the Gentiles, Act 2:39; Eph 2:13,17.
Shall come and build in the temple; the Jews did so with their gifts, came to Jerusalem and built with their brethren; the Gentiles are come in and build the spiritual temple.
Ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you; the accomplishment of this shall prove my words to be Gods word, and that I am sent of him.
This shall come to pass; the literal part shall come to pass in your day,
if ye will obey the voice of the Lord your God speaking by me. The mystical part shall come to pass also; and, if you will believe and obey, the Gentiles shall come in and be your brethren, make up one church with you, and help to build the temple, the spiritual temple; but if you obey not, you shall be cast out, and the Gentiles be taken in, to be Gods people, and to build his temple.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
15. they . . . far off shall . . .buildThe reason why the crowns were made of gold received fromafar, namely, from the Jews of Babylon, was to typify the conversionof the Gentiles to Messiah, King of Israel. This, too, was includedin the “peace” spoken of in Zec6:13 (Act 2:39; Eph 2:12-17).Primarily, however, the return of the dispersed Israelites “fromafar” (Isa 60:9) to theking of the Jews at Jerusalem is intended, to be followed, secondly,by the conversion of the Gentiles from “far off” (Zec 2:11;Zec 8:2-2; Zec 8:23;Isa 60:10; Isa 57:19).
build in the templeChrist”builds the temple” (Zec 6:12;Zec 6:13; Heb 3:3;Heb 3:4): His people “buildin the temple.” Compare Heb3:2, “Moses in His house.”
ye shall know, c.whenthe event corresponds to the prediction (Zec 2:9Zec 4:9).
this shall come to pass, ifye . . . obey, c.To the Jews of Zechariah’s day a stimulus isgiven to diligent prosecution of the temple building, the workwhich it was meanwhile their duty to fulfil, relying on the hope ofthe Messiah afterwards to glorify it. The completion of the templeshall “come to pass,” if ye diligently on your part “obeythe Lord.” It is not meant that their unbelief could set asideGod’s gracious purpose as to Messiah’s coming. But there is,secondarily, meant, that Messiah’s glory as priest-king of Israelshall not be manifested to the Jews till they turn to Him withobedient penitence. They meanwhile are cast away “branches”until they be grafted in again on the Branch and their own olive tree(Zec 3:8 Zec 12:10-12;Mat 23:39; Rom 11:16-24).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And they [that are] afar off shall come,….. Into the temple; not the material temple; nor is this a prophecy which was fulfilled in Herod, a stranger, repairing that, as Kimchi suggests; but into the spiritual temple, the church; and is a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles, who are said to be “afar off”, Eph 2:12, from God; from having his image on them; from subjection to his law; from the knowledge and fear of him; and from communion with him: from Christ; from the knowledge of his person, righteousness, and salvation by him; from love to him, faith in him, and fellowship with him; from the Spirit of God, and from the people of God, and from any solid hope of eternal life: now these being called by grace, and brought to Christ under the drawings of the Father’s love, shall come to his church, and join themselves to his people:
and build in the temple of the Lord; upon the foundation Christ; and be useful in building up others, either by private conversation, or by public preaching the word; it is not said, they shall “build the temple of the Lord”; that is Christ’s work; but “build in” it:
and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you; that is, the Prophet Zechariah, who was sent to the Jews to declare these things to them; or, as the Targum adds, “to prophesy unto you”: which they would fully know, and be assured of, when these things should have their accomplishment:
and [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God; not that the fulfilment of the above predictions depended upon their obedience; but when they should in the latter day obey the Gospel of Christ, or “the word of the Lord” their “God”, as the Targum paraphrases it; then this would come to pass, that they should know that the prophet had his mission from the Lord.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The Prophet also states, that men would come from remote lands to contribute labor or wealth towards the building of the temple; for the word building may refer to either of these two things. Come then shall those from far. Before this time gifts had been presented by Gentile nations, but the temple was not built but by Solomon and his people. God then promises here something more, and that is, that helpers would assist in building the temple, who had been till then wholly aliens. It is indeed certain, that in the age of Zechariah contributions had been made by Cyrus; but the Prophet refers to nothing of this kind: he promises something more. It hence follows that this prophecy must necessarily be referred to the promulgation of the gospel; for then it was that strangers began to contribute their labor and their wealth towards building a temple to God. Though then Cyrus gave a large sum of money towards the erection of the temple, yet the allusion here is not to his liberality. And after Cyrus no stranger had been so liberal: for Herod, who raised up a great and a very splendid building, was not from far; nay, he wished to be thought one of the people. We then see that this prophecy cannot be otherwise referred than to the building of the spiritual temple, when Gentiles, formerly remote from God’s people, joined them as friends, and brought their labor to the work of building the temple, not with stones or wood, or with other corruptible materials, but with the doctrine and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
He then adds, ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts has sent me to you. Of this kind of knowledge we have spoken elsewhere. It indeed behaved the Jews from the first to feel assured respecting the truth of this prophecy; but when the effect or experience itself was added, they then began to know more clearly. It is then the same as thought the Prophet had said, “God, who speaks by my mouth, will not disappoint you, as he will at length accomplish what I now declare; and experience itself will be a witness that I have been a true and faithful Prophet.” And he calls Him the God of hosts, that the Jews, hearing that what he had said proceeded from Him whose power is infinite, might be confirmed in their faith. There was then no reason for them to doubt as to the accomplishment, for there is nothing that can resist God, when it pleases him to unfold his power.
It follows, If by hearing ye will hear the voice of Jehovah your God. Zechariah promises to the Jews here conditionally — if they became obedient to God, and continued in obedience to his word and in his doctrine; for unbelief deprives men of all participation in God’s favor. It is indeed true that had all become unbelieving, Christ would have come; for God as he is true would not change his purpose were the whole world to become false. Since then the faithfulness of God depends not on men, we ought not so to take what the Prophet says here, If ye will hear the voice of Jehovah, as though they could, by being unfaithful to God, have rendered void the accomplishment of this prophecy. Their defection, then, yea, that of the whole nation, could not have prevented Christ from coming forth in his own appointed time. But the Prophet had another thing in view, even this — that the Jews would become partakers of this blessing, or would enjoy, so to speak, this favor, if they embraced God’s promise, and obediently submitted to his law. For though Christ has already come as the Redeemer of the world, yet we know that this benefit is not come to all, and why? Because many through unbelief close the door against God and his grace through Christ. Hence the faithful alone really know that God has spoken, and really partake of his favor, and for this reason, because they hear his voice; that is, they first by faith receive what God offers, and then they fall not away from his truth, but continue in the obedience of faith to the end.
What the Prophet then had in view, was to show to the Jews that those things were spoken in vain, as to them, if they did not attend to God. And he shows the way in which they were to be attentive, even by hearing the voice of God, that is, by renouncing their own thoughts, and by not esteeming God untrue, though he promised what seemed incredible. If then they denied themselves, banished their own imaginations, wholly attended to God’s word, and believed what he had said as a Prophet, he assures them that they would really find that which he taught them to be true to their own salvation, even this — that Christ would come to be a king and a priest, to secure perfect happiness to his people.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(15) And they that are far off.Hardly the Jews of the Dispersion only, but non-Jews also. (Comp. Hag. 2:7; Zec. 2:11.)
And build ini.e., work at building, as in Psa. 128:1. With regard to the fulfilment, see Notes on the passages cited.
And this shall come to pass.Better, And it shall come to pass, if our God. This must not be looked on as an abrupt aposiopesis, for the hearers could never have filled up the gap for themselves. Nor is the rendering of the English Version (although it has the support of Rashi and Kimchi) admissible. It only remains, therefore, to suppose that the remainder of the passage has been lost, though there is no tradition to that effect, as is the case in several instances.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
REFLECTIONS
O Lord! help thy servants now with open face, as in a glass, to behold thy glory, and while reading these accounts of thy grace, manifested to the Prophet, give to us a right understanding in all things. Chariots, and horses, and mountains, and hills, all minister to the promotion of thy glory; and all go forth to execute the sacred purposes of thy will, when going forth before the Lord of all the earth.
And do thou no less Almighty Lord Jesus, give us to see thee, is thy type Joshua, crowned with silver and with golden crowns. Yea, Lord, since redemption now is finished, and thou art returned to thy glory, and thy kingdom, cause all hearts to bend to the sceptre of thy grace. Oh, thou wonderful man, whose name is the Branch! carry on thy blessed purposes in building the temple of Jehovah; for thou alone art capable of building it, and of bearing all the glory. And, oh! Lord, while thou sittest and rulest on thy throne, do thou, Lord, in both thy priestly and thy kingly glories, bless and govern all thy redeemed below, as thou art glorifying thy Church above. Give us by faith to behold thee, in those sweet exercises of manifesting grace to thy family upon earth, as thou art blessing thy redeemed in heaven. Amen.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Zec 6:15 And they [that are] far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Ver. 15. And they that are far off ] This was fulfilled in the conversion of the Gentiles, who, together with the Christian Jews, grew up into a holy temple in the Lord, Eph 2:19 , &c. It was also in some sense fulfilled in Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes, Herod, who were at great charge for the temple work. See Ezr 7:15-16 , the king and his council, the Babylonians and Jews, make a contribution to the work.
And ye shall know
If you will diligently obey the voice
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
they. shall come: i.e. those future builders, of whom these were a type. Compare Isa 60:10.
And this, &c. = And it shall come to pass: i.e. the promise and prophecy in the former part of this verse.
if ye will, &c. This condition was not fulfilled; for the command to “repent” (the one condition of national restoration), given by John the Baptist (Mat 3:1, Mat 3:2); Messiah (Mat 4:17); and Peter (Act 2:38; Act 3:19), was not obeyed: and this promise therefore remains for an obedience that is yet future. The verse therefore is not “left unfinished” as alleged.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
they: Isa 56:6-8, Isa 57:19, Isa 60:10, Act 2:39, 1Co 3:10-15, Eph 2:13-22, 1Pe 2:4, 1Pe 2:5
and ye: Zec 6:12, Zec 2:8-11, Zec 4:8, Zec 4:9, Joh 17:20, Joh 17:21
And this: Zec 3:7, Isa 3:10, Isa 58:10-14, Rom 16:26, 2Pe 1:5-10
Reciprocal: Deu 4:30 – obedient 1Ki 6:1 – build Isa 19:19 – General Jer 11:4 – Obey Jer 17:24 – if Zec 2:9 – and ye Heb 5:9 – unto
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Zec 6:15. The term far off identifies the prediction as applying to the Gentiles who were to be included in the service under this Priest-King. (See Act 2:39 and Eph 2:13-19.) This great twofold office of Christ was to be for the benefit of all mankind regardless of race or nationality.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
6:15 And they [that are] {x} far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me to you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently {y} obey the voice of the LORD your God.
(x) That is, the Gentiles by the preaching of the Gospel, will help toward the building of the spiritual temple.
(y) If you will believe and remain in the obedience of faith.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
When the Branch appeared, Gentiles from afar would come and help build the temple of Yahweh (cf. Zec 2:11; Zec 8:22; Isa 2:2-4; Isa 56:6-7; Isa 60:1-7). The donors mentioned earlier (Zec 6:10; Zec 6:14) were typical of Gentiles who would come from afar in the last days to help build the Lord’s house (cf. Isa 60:4; Isa 60:6; Isa 60:9). When this happened, the people would know that Yahweh had sent Messiah to His people (cf. Zec 2:8-11; Zec 4:9). Another view is that the fulfillment would vindicate Zechariah as the Lord’s messenger. All these people could participate in the building of the future temple, by bringing gifts (Isa 56:7), if they were faithful to obey the Lord by doing all that He commanded (cf. Deu 28:1-2; Deu 28:15; Deu 30:1-10).
"In the new covenant (Jer 31:33-34; Eze 36:26-27), God personally guarantees that the people will ultimately obey; his Spirit will enable them to do so." [Note: Barker, p. 641.]
What is the temple that the Branch will build? It appears to be a literal building in Jerusalem during the Millennium where God will reside that will bring great glory to Him (cf. Ezekiel 40-46). There will be no temple in the New Jerusalem in the eternal state (Rev 21:22). Whereas the church is now the temple of God (i.e., Christians corporately and local congregations of believers; 1Co 3:16; 1Pe 2:5), the church is not in view here. The equality of Jewish and Gentile believers in one body (i.e., the church) was a mystery that was unknown until God revealed it later (Mat 16:18; Eph 2:11 to Eph 3:11).
"Here we have the end and consummation of all the prophetic Scriptures: the crowning of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only after the dark night of world judgment and punishment is passed, that the glorious light of Christ’s coronation day will follow. This is one of the sublimest passages in the Scriptures on the Person and work of the Messiah." [Note: Feinberg, God Remembers, p. 100.]
The sequence of events in the eight night visions and the crowning of Joshua argues for the traditional dispensational interpretation that Jesus will begin reigning as the Davidic king when He returns to the earth at His second coming. The progressive dispensational view, on the other hand, as well as the covenant premillennial and amillennial views, are that Jesus began ruling as the Davidic king at His first advent.
"The fulness [sic] of this Messianic prophecy can better be seen if we but marshal the distinctive features in order: 1. The humanity of the Branch. 2. The place of His birth. 3. The building of the millennial temple by Him. 4. His fitness to bear the glory of God. 5. His reign on the throne of David. 6. His priestly ministry. 7. The issue of His blessed ministry-peace." [Note: Ibid., p. 106.]
This is the end of the apocalyptic visionary section of the book. Chapters 7-14 contain regular prophetic messages. Some scholars have tried to correlate the last eight chapters of Zechariah and the eight night visions, but these attempts seem strained.