Zechariah’s night visions (Zechariah 1:7–6:8) center on two Messianic symbols. Together they describe a coming Priest-King who removes sin decisively and restores God’s people.
The Branch (Zemach): A prophetic title for the Messiah.
- Rooted in David’s line. Isaiah pictures a shoot from a dead stump (Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 4:2). Jeremiah strengthens the hope with a “righteous Branch” who will reign wisely (Jeremiah 23:5; Jeremiah 33:15).
- Priest and King in one person. Zechariah says the Branch will build God’s true temple, sit on the throne, and unite the two offices in a “counsel of peace” (Zechariah 6:12–13). Psalm 110 anticipates the same union: a King on David’s throne who is also a priest “forever” (Psalm 110:1–4).
- The Servant who removes sin. God calls Him “My Servant the Branch” (Zechariah 3:8). This echoes Isaiah’s Servant who bears sin and justifies many (Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 53:4–6,11).
The Stone with Seven Eyes: A symbol of Messiah’s perfect authority, insight, and saving work (Zechariah 3:9).
- Seven eyes = full divine knowledge. Seven signals completeness (Genesis 2:2–3). Isaiah speaks of the “sevenfold Spirit” resting on the Messiah: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2–3).
- New Testament links. John identifies the seven eyes with the “seven Spirits of God” and applies them to the Lamb (Revelation 5:6). Peter identifies Christ as the Living Stone and Chief Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4–7; cf. Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16).
- Removal of sin in one day. God will “engrave” this stone and remove iniquity “in a single day” (Zechariah 3:9). This anticipates the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:12, 26; Hebrews 10:10–14; John 19:30).
“Seven Facets” or “Seven Springs”: Some propose the phrase may refer to facets or fountains, presenting Messiah as:
- A precious, perfectly cut cornerstone (cf. Isaiah 54:11–12).
- A source of living water for His people (cf. Zechariah 13:1; Zechariah 14:8; John 4:14; John 7:37–38).
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