Zec 3:9 | TNotes | STEP | 3:9 The single stone signifies authority. It might refer to the final stone of the Temple laid by Zerubbabel (4:7 ), the “foundation stone” of the restored Jerusalem (Isa 28:16 ), or the precious stones on the ephod of the high priests (Exod 25:7 ; 35:9 ). • The seven facets (literally seven eyes ) of the stone imply perfection and completeness of knowledge and wisdom. They might relate to the seven lamps of the golden lampstand (Zech 4:2 ) or to God’s “sevenfold Spirit” (Rev 1:4 ). • The inscription is reminiscent of the names of the tribes inscribed on the stones of the high priest’s shoulder-pieces (Exod 39:6 ). • The removal of Israel’s sin in a single day alludes to the Day of Atonement (Lev 16 ). It foreshadows Christ’s crucifixion, when the Lamb of God would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29 ).

a3:9►

b4:7►

cIsa 28:16►

dExod 25:7►

e35:9►

fZech 4:2►

gRev 1:4►

hExod 39:6►

iLev 16►

jJohn 1:29►

‏ Zechariah 3:9

3:9 ^a The single stone signifies authority. It might refer to the final stone of the Temple laid by Zerubbabel (4:7 ^b), the “foundation stone” of the restored Jerusalem (Isa 28:16 ^c), or the precious stones on the ephod of the high priests (Exod 25:7 ^d; 35:9 ^e).

• The seven facets (literally seven eyes) of the stone imply perfection and completeness of knowledge and wisdom. They might relate to the seven lamps of the golden lampstand (Zech 4:2 ^f) or to God’s “sevenfold Spirit” (Rev 1:4 ^g).

• The inscription is reminiscent of the names of the tribes inscribed on the stones of the high priest’s shoulder-pieces (Exod 39:6 ^h).

• The removal of Israel’s sin in a single day alludes to the Day of Atonement (Lev 16 ⁱ). It foreshadows Christ’s crucifixion, when the Lamb of God would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29 ^j).