Memorials in the Bible
A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars.
God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at six of them.
CROWNS
9 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,10 Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord:13 Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.14 And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the Lord.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. (Zechariah 6:9-15)
In Zechariah 6:9-15, the story of the memorial crown focuses on the high priest Joshua and the future Messiah, called “The Branch”. The chapter details how a crown is made from silver and gold, collected from those returned from exile, and placed on Joshua’s head. This act symbolizes the future restoration of the temple and the coming of the Branch, who will build the temple and rule as both priest and king. The crown is also a memorial in the temple, honoring those who contributed the materials.
The memorial crown in Zechariah 6 is not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of God’s promise to restore Jerusalem and bring forth a leader who will rebuild the temple and lead with both priestly and royal authority.
Joshua, the high priest, is depicted as a sign of the coming Branch. The crown placed on his head represents the authority and glory that will be bestowed upon the Branch, the Messiah, according to Ligonier Ministries.
The “Branch” is identified as the Messiah, who will emerge from his place and build the temple of the Lord. He will be a priest on his throne, ruling with peace and justice.
The text emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s voice. The fulfillment of the prophecy, including the building of the temple and the coming of the Branch, is conditional upon the people’s obedience.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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