Page:Visions and Prophecies of Zechariah (Baron, David).djvu/203



HE series of eight visions is followed by a very significant symbolical transaction, which must be regarded as the crowning act the headstone of the rich symbolico-prophetical teaching which was unfolded to the prophet on that memorable night.

It shows us what will follow the banishment of evil from the land, and the overthrow of world-power in the earth, as set forth particularly in the last three visions namely, the crowning of the true King, the Mediator of Salvation, who shall be " a Priest upon His throne," and build the true temple of Jehovah, into which not only Israel, but " they that are far off" the Gentiles shall have access.

To indicate that the visions are now ended, the pro phet adopts the usual formula by which the prophets always authenticated that they spake, not of themselves, but as they were moved by the Holy Spirit: "And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying" The whole section divides itself into two parts the first (vers. 9-11) gives the ac count of the symbolical transaction; and the second (vers. 13 15) records the verbal prophecy.

The symbolical act was occasioned by the following circumstance: There arrived in Jerusalem, probably on the very morning after the vision, three prominent men as a deputation from the Haggolah, " the Captivity " that is, from those who were still settled in Babylon, whither they were originally carried " captive " bringing with them an offering of silver and gold for the Temple, which was then still in building. The sight of these men from " far-off"

Babylon, bearing their offering for the Lord's House, was