Zekharya 6 | There is a Man; Tzemach is His Name"

This chapter contains two prophecies:

The Vision of the Chariots: This final vision concludes the series of prophetic visions in Zekharya, and in keeping with the structure we discussed previously, it corresponds to Zekharya’s very first vision, where he saw horses of different colors emerging from God to rove the earth. Here, in our chapter, the horses are harnessed to chariots, suggesting a heightened revelation of God’s glory as the prophetic sequence unfolds. Also In Chapter 1, Zekharya observed the horses returning from their mission. After reporting on the state of the world, God expressed anger at the nations who dwelt in complacent ease. Here, however, Zekharya sees the horses setting out on their mission, and suddenly, midway through their departure, God calls out and declares that His spirit has come to set upon the Northland. Commentators understand this setting of the spirit to imply calamity — just as evil was set to rest in the land of Shinar in the previous chapter, here too, God’s spirit refers to the fury of His wrath, now directed against the northern land. The message seems to be that in this case, God will not wait for the mission’s results, but declares he will set His spirit swiftly and unexpectedly.

The Prophecy of the Crowns: Zekharya is commanded to make crowns, place them upon the head of the High Priest, and prepare him for the coming of 'Tzemach' — the political leader who will establish the Temple of the Lord. This prophecy articulates the ideal relationship between the priesthood and kingship – each one upon his rightful throne, and peace between them: “Lo, he shall build the Sanctuary of the Lord. He will wear majesty; he will sit and rule on his throne. The priest, also, will sit on his own throne, and between them will be peaceful counsel.” (6:13) The sequence of the series of visions closes with an optimistic vision — two glorious leaders, proper governance, and internal peace. But the final note is crucial: “That is what will be if you indeed heed to the voice of the Lord your God.” (6:15)

Throughout the Tanakh, messianic prophecies hinge upon the people of Israel. The Messiah and redemption are not the reward at the end of the process, but they are the task itself. Time and again, the opportunity has been missed: Chizkiyahu did not sing a song of praise, Yoshiyahu began his reforms too late and fell at Megiddo, and even during the return to Zion, not enough of the people returned, societal injustices were not sufficiently corrected, internal divisions intensified, and eventually, this rebuilt kingdom too was destroyed. If we listen to the voice of God, the prophecies will be fulfilled. And if not — they will wait for the next generation.

The Davidic Messiah is referred to in this chapter, and in others, as 'Tzemach' (See also Yirmiyahu 23, Yirmiyahu 33, Zekharya 3, and a similar image in Yeshayahu 4.) The rule of the House of David is eternal, but not continuous. There may be times when no worthy Davidic king arises, but there is always hope for one. Just as a tree, even when its trunk is cut down, can still produce new growth from its roots, so too with redemption: always moving forward, always waiting in hope. And in the end, with God’s help, we will merit to see the fulfillment of the prayer: “May the offspring (Tzemach=צמח) of Your servant David speedily cause to flourish, and enhance his pride through Your salvation.”