Building the Temple: A Call to Obedience and Promise
"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 6:15
The world around us often feels chaotic and disordered, with many searching for stability and purpose. As we navigate through life’s complexities, the promise embedded in Zechariah 6:15 serves as both a reminder and a directive: "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" (KJV).
This verse encapsulates a profound truth regarding the nature of God’s presence and the role of His followers. At its core, the passage speaks to the inclusiveness of God’s kingdom—"they that are far off shall come"—illustrating that regardless of our distance from God caused by sin, disobedience, or life’s challenges, there is an open invitation to return.
In the historical context, Zechariah was communicating to the Jewish people during a time of restoration after Babylonian captivity. Many were indeed far off—not only in the geographical sense but spiritually and emotionally separated from this new chapter of God’s work among them. In this divine promise, God assures His people that those who were distant would return to participate in the rebuilding of the temple, the very heart of worship and God’s presence in their midst. The temple was not just a physical structure but a symbol of God’s dwelling with His people, a place of encounter and communion. This reflects God’s eagerness for relationship, revealing His intention to bring the wayward back into fellowship.
The construction of the temple is a powerful metaphor for the work God does in our lives and communities. As believers, we are also called to build—perhaps not a physical temple of stone and timber, but a spiritual edifice of faith, hope, and love. Each of us plays a critical role in this endeavor. Whether it be in our interactions with our neighbors, the kindness we show strangers, or our commitment to sharing the Gospel, we engage in this holy task of building up the temple of God collectively. The verse emphasizes that the effort of building does not rest solely on those physically present; even those still searching for their place in the faith community are invited to come and contribute to God’s work.
However, the promise comes with a condition: "if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God." Obedience is an often overlooked aspect of our faith journey. It means more than mere compliance; it’s an active listening and a heartfelt response to God’s Word. Diligently obeying the Lord requires us to be attuned to His voice, to seek out His guidance in daily challenges and decisions. It compels us to make choices that honor His will over our desires. This obedience does not erase the struggles we face; rather, it empowers us to turn our trials into testimonies as we trust in His plan.
The latter part of the verse, "And this shall come to pass," provides an assurance that what God promises is not just a possibility but a certainty, given our obedience. We serve a God who is faithful to His Word. The rebuilding of the temple, both then and now, signifies the activation of God’s purpose in our lives. When we commit ourselves to obedience, we’re not just recipients of His promises but active participants in His unfolding story.
As we meditate on this promise from Zechariah 6:15, let it encourage us in our walk with God. Those who feel far off need to know they have a place in His house. Each act of obedience contributes to a greater work of construction for His kingdom. So, let us heed the call to build faithfully with joy, knowing we are not alone; the LORD of hosts is with us, guiding and empowering our endeavors as we strive to build His temple in our hearts and communities.
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Zechariah 6:15 - "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."
"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 6:15
Zechariah 1:1-6
Zechariah 4:6 (NLT)
Zechariah 3:6 - "And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,"
Zechariah 6:9 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Zechariah 6:14 - "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."
Zechariah 11:15 - "¶ And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd."
1 Chronicles 15:20 - "And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;"
Zechariah 14:15 - "And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague."
Zechariah 6:2 - "In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;"
Zechariah 14:6 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:"
Zechariah 6:3 - "And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses."
Zechariah 9:6 - "And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines."
Zechariah 6:4 - "Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?"
Zechariah 1:15 - "And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction."
Zechariah 8:15 - "So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not."
Zechariah 6:6 - "The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country."
Zechariah 3: 6 Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 3: 6 Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 6:11 - "Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;"
Zechariah 7:6 - "And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?"
"And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying," - Zechariah 3:6
"¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Zechariah 6:9
Zechariah 5:6 - "And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth."
Zechariah 6:10 - "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;"
Zechariah 8:6 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts."
Zechariah 6:5 - "And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV) Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 9:15 - "The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar."