UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Monday, May 26, 2025

Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

Priest and King: A Devotional on Zechariah 6:13

The Glorious Future of the Messianic Branch

The book of Zechariah presents one of the most theologically rich visions of post-exilic prophecy, pointing the remnant of Israel forward to the hope of full restoration under the reign of Jehovah’s anointed. Written around 520–518 B.C.E., this prophetic message was given during a period when the second temple was still under construction, and the people were discouraged by external opposition and internal spiritual lethargy. Yet, Zechariah’s words did not merely speak to temple stones and earthly labor—they looked far beyond the immediate context, projecting a vision of Messianic rule, where one figure would serve as both king and priest, uniting roles never joined under the Law.

This is clearly revealed in Zechariah 6:13, where the prophet is instructed to describe the coming “Branch”—a title for the Messiah—saying:
“And he will build the temple of Jehovah. Yes, he will build the temple of Jehovah, and he will be clothed with majesty, and he will sit and rule on his throne; and he will also serve as a priest on his throne, and there will be a counsel of peace between the two.”

This single verse contains some of the most profound prophetic insight in all of Scripture concerning the identity and future ministry of the Messiah. It presents a ruler who will combine kingly dominion with priestly intercession, something no man under the Mosaic covenant was permitted to do.

“And he will build the temple of Jehovah…”

The immediate background involves a symbolic act: Zechariah is instructed to take silver and gold from returning exiles and fashion a crown to place on the head of Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 6:11). However, the language quickly moves beyond Joshua. Verse 12 identifies a man called “Branch” (צֶמַח, tsemach), a Messianic title used earlier in Zechariah 3:8 and found in Isaiah 4:2 and Jeremiah 23:5.

This “Branch” will “grow up from his own place” and “build the temple of Jehovah.” While Joshua helped build the physical temple, the emphasis here is on the Messiah building a spiritual temple—not with stones, but with people. The reference points ultimately to Christ’s role in building the true dwelling place of God, which is the church (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:20–22), and finally the millennial temple during his future reign on earth (Ezekiel 40–48).

It is critical to interpret this literally in its prophetic trajectory. The Messiah is not a spiritualized idea or general leader—he is a person, descended from David, who will build, rule, and serve in the temple of Jehovah in the age to come.

“And he will be clothed with majesty…”

The word “majesty” (הֹד, hōd) refers to splendor, honor, and regal dignity. This is the visible glory of rulership. In Israel’s history, kings such as Solomon wore physical robes of glory, but the future Messianic ruler will be clothed with divine majesty, signifying not only his royal office but his absolute worthiness to reign.

The use of the word “clothed” implies that majesty is not merely his inherent right but also a visible expression of his office. He will be recognized, exalted, and acknowledged as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16), fulfilling the Davidic covenant without failure (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

This glory will not be shared with political allies or religious collaborators. It will belong exclusively to the Messiah who reigns not by human appointment, but by divine ordination.

“And he will sit and rule on his throne…”

This line affirms the kingship of the Branch. He is not merely an administrator or religious leader—he is a sovereign ruler, seated upon his throne, not David’s in metaphor only, but in actual fulfillment of prophecy. This directly fulfills the promise made in Psalm 110:1:
“Jehovah says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.’”

This throne is not symbolic of heavenly rule alone. It refers to the Messiah’s future earthly dominion during the millennial reign. Revelation 20:4 affirms that Christ will rule for a thousand years with resurrected saints seated as co-rulers. During this reign, the Messiah will execute justice, establish peace, and crush rebellion.

This throne is not occupied yet. Christ is at the right hand of God in heaven (Hebrews 10:12–13), awaiting the time appointed for his return and enthronement on earth.

“And he will also serve as a priest on his throne…”

This statement is unique and theologically groundbreaking. Under the Mosaic Law, the roles of king and priest were strictly separated. Kings came from the tribe of Judah; priests from Levi. Any attempt to blend the two was forbidden. King Uzziah was struck with leprosy for entering the temple to burn incense, a task reserved for priests (2 Chronicles 26:16–21).

Yet here, Jehovah declares that the coming Branch will combine both roles: he will sit on a throne as priest. That is, his reign will not be merely political—it will be mediatorial. He will rule in righteousness and intercede in mercy. No human king ever served this way. Only one who holds a higher priesthood—after the order of Melchizedek—can rightly fulfill this role (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6–10; 7:11–28).

In Christ, this priestly kingship is already inaugurated in part, as he intercedes for his people in heaven (Hebrews 7:25), but Zechariah speaks of a time when this dual role will be visible and active on earth, during his reign.

“And there will be a counsel of peace between the two”

The final phrase emphasizes the perfect harmony between Christ’s priesthood and kingship. The “two” likely refer to the two offices—priest and king—not two people. Unlike Israel’s divided authorities and civil conflicts between throne and temple, in the Messiah, there will be no tension between spiritual and civil leadership. His rule will be just and merciful, authoritative and compassionate.

This “counsel of peace” (עֲצַת שָׁלוֹם, ʿaṣat shālôm) speaks of perfect agreement, unity of purpose, and settled peace. Under Christ’s reign, there will be no war between holiness and justice, no compromise between righteousness and mercy. Every act of governance will reflect the character of God in balance.

This is the peace longed for by Israel and by all nations—a government that is uncorrupted, pure, and benevolent, flowing from a heart that serves both as shepherd and sovereign, as mediator and monarch.

Conclusion: Worshiping the King-Priest to Come

Zechariah 6:13 is a cornerstone text for understanding the future Messianic reign of Christ. It points to a coming day when Christ will:

Build a temple that displays God’s glory,
Sit on a throne in majestic splendor,
Reign in justice while interceding in mercy,
And establish perfect peace between every aspect of divine rule.

For now, Christ intercedes as high priest in heaven. But the time is coming when he will return, take up his royal scepter, and fulfill every word of this prophecy—literally and gloriously. The faithful look forward not merely to personal salvation but to the day when the whole earth will see the Branch ruling from Zion, and the knowledge of Jehovah will fill the earth like the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).

Let every believer prepare for that reign by submitting to him now—not just as Savior, but as both King and Priest, the one in whom mercy and truth meet, and righteousness and peace kiss (Psalm 85:10).

You May Also Benefit From

Love That Surpasses Knowledge

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).