Those Far Away Shall Come: An Analysis of Zechariah 6:15

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Obedient Participation in God’s Plan Will Be Rewarded

“And those who are far away will come and take part in building the temple of Jehovah, and you will know that Jehovah of armies has sent me to you. And it will occur—if you will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.” — Zechariah 6:15

Zechariah, the prophet and priest, was commissioned during the early days of the return from Babylonian captivity, around 520 B.C.E. Together with Haggai, he encouraged the returned exiles to finish rebuilding the temple, which had been stalled for nearly two decades. His prophetic book includes a series of night visions and direct proclamations from Jehovah. Zechariah 6 concludes these visions with a symbolic coronation ceremony and a prophecy that ties together the themes of leadership, temple restoration, obedience, and God’s sovereign purpose.

Zechariah 6:15 is the closing verse of this section and it stands as a summary promise and conditional exhortation. It is both a prophetic assurance and a call to responsibility. It foretells a time when those “far away” will come to assist in God’s work, but emphasizes that this promise will be realized only if the people diligently obey the voice of Jehovah.

“And those who are far away will come…”

The phrase “those who are far away” (Hebrew: ha-reḥōqîm) has a literal and specific historical meaning. It refers to Jews still in exile, especially in Babylon and surrounding regions, who had not yet returned. By 537 B.C.E., a portion of the exiles had come back under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, but the majority remained scattered. This verse promises that others would follow, moved by God to assist in the temple’s construction and participate in the restored worship of Jehovah.

This is not a mystical or typological allusion to Gentiles or to a spiritualized kingdom. It is a literal statement about geographically distant Israelites. Jehovah had not forgotten them. His plan was not limited to the remnant already in Jerusalem. In time, more exiles would return, fulfilling Isaiah’s earlier prophecy: “He will raise a signal for the nations and will gather the outcasts of Israel” (Isaiah 11:12).

There is a strong practical encouragement here: God’s work is not limited by present circumstances. What looks small and delayed now will expand in due time. Faithfulness today paves the way for greater participation tomorrow. Jehovah’s promise is not bound by human timelines.

“…and take part in building the temple of Jehovah…”

The Hebrew literally reads “they will build in the temple of Jehovah.” This means direct, physical contribution to the work. These returning Jews would bring resources, labor, and commitment to help complete the structure dedicated to Jehovah’s name. The temple was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly service. To assist in its construction was to be directly involved in God’s holy purpose.

This labor is not casual or symbolic. It is literal participation in a sacred task. God’s people were not spectators—they were workers. They did not merely pray for the temple; they built it. They sacrificed, laid stones, and organized materials. There is no room for passivity in Jehovah’s service.

This reminds us that true worship involves action. Reverence for God results in obedience and contribution. Those who value Jehovah’s presence will labor for His house, not in mystical abstraction, but in visible service, whether in rebuilding, teaching, giving, or leading. Today, while no physical temple exists for Christians, the principle remains: God’s people must actively build what He commands—His people, His truth, His kingdom purposes—through obedient labor.

“…and you will know that Jehovah of armies has sent me to you.”

This phrase affirms the divine authority of Zechariah’s prophecy. When the returning exiles from distant lands participate in the work, it will serve as confirmation that the prophet was truly sent by God. This is a recurring phrase in Zechariah’s visions (cf. 2:9, 4:9, 6:15). It assures the hearers that these are not the imaginations or aspirations of a man, but the revealed will of Jehovah of armies—YHWH tseva’oth, the sovereign Lord of angelic hosts and all earthly powers.

Fulfilled prophecy authenticates the prophet. When God’s words come to pass, His authority is vindicated, and unbelief is exposed. The participation of distant exiles in the temple’s construction would be a visible testimony that God’s word does not fail.

“And it will occur—if you will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.”

This closing clause delivers a conditional warning. The fulfillment of these promises is not automatic. God had declared what would happen—but He also made it clear that it was contingent on Israel’s obedience. The Hebrew construction here is emphatic: “if you will diligently obey” (Hebrew: im-shamoa tishme’u), a doubled verb structure that conveys intense responsibility—“if listening, you will listen.”

This condition echoes the repeated covenant warnings in the Law of Moses:

“If you will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God, being careful to do all His commandments… then Jehovah your God will set you high above all the nations.” — Deuteronomy 28:1

“But if you will not obey… then all these curses will come upon you.” — Deuteronomy 28:15

God’s faithfulness does not override human responsibility. His promises are sure—but they are given to those who walk in obedience. The rebuilding of the temple, the return of distant exiles, the vindication of the prophet—all these were guaranteed only if the people obeyed.

This underscores a crucial theological truth: obedience is the condition of blessing. Grace does not eliminate discipline. Restoration does not remove the need for reverence. The returning remnant had to demonstrate real devotion, not by emotion, but by action—through covenant loyalty, pure worship, rejection of sin, and diligence in their appointed task.

Application: God Honors Obedient Participation in His Work

God’s plans include people we have not yet seen
“Those far away” may not be present now, but God is working in places we cannot see. He will bring others into the work at the right time.
Labor in God’s house is a privilege, not a burden
Participation in sacred service is an honor. Building the temple was not merely a duty—it was the outward expression of loyalty to Jehovah.
Prophetic promises require personal obedience
God does not fulfill His word through disobedient people. He blesses those who fear Him, follow Him, and submit to His revealed will.
The future fruit of your labor may depend on your present faithfulness
What God will do tomorrow is often tied to what you choose today. If you walk in obedience now, the door opens for others to join and the work to advance.
Reverence is proven through action, not sentiment
To fear God is to obey Him. To expect His blessing is to walk in His Word. The condition “if you will diligently obey” still applies.

Conclusion: Obedience Secures God’s Promised Participation

Zechariah 6:15 reminds us that God will accomplish His plans, often through the faithful obedience of His people. The prophecy does not celebrate human initiative, but it emphasizes human responsibility in God’s unfolding work. Those who were far off would return, but only if those already in the land honored God through their obedience.

The promise was real. The participation was coming. But the fulfillment hinged on this one condition: “if you will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God.” That same standard remains today. God’s kingdom will be built, but only through those who fear Him and do what He says.

Let that be you. Obey diligently. Serve faithfully. And let the fulfillment of God’s plan include your hands, your labor, and your reverence.

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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).