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262 Structure and the Book ofZechariah
positions in the section 1.7-6.15. One is in the centre of the overall
chiasmus and one is at the very end of the series: usually both are significant
places. This emphasizes the importance of Joshua, at least, in the
thinking of the prophet and/or the editor of this stage in the tradition.
If we ask what part Zerubbabel plays in this pattern we run into
difficulties in giving a detailed and precise answer, and we meet with
conflicting theories. 1 However, from the point of view of the finished
text, certain statements may confidently be made.
1. Two figures are in focus in both 3.8 and 6.11-14: Joshua and
'Branch'.
2. The identification, in some sense, of Zerubbabel with 'Branch',
for he is the one who is to build the Temple (4.9; 6.12-13).
3. Both have some responsibility for ruling God's people, for:
Joshua is promised that he will 'rule my house.. .courts...'
in 3.7; the stone set before him seems to be connected specifically
with cleansing, but it implies some sort of special
authority in any case; ch. 4 features two important individuals
who act with Yahweh's authority; the use of olive trees
and branches (DTirn '^neO makes a further link with 'Branch'
(no*); at least one crown is placed on Joshua's head (6.11)
but 'Branch' will 'bear royal honour, and sit and rule on his
throne', either with a priest by his throne or with a priest on
another throne (KOU ^u ]m rrm) (6.13); there will be Dibtf
rm> between them (6.13).
4. The expected differentiation between priest and civic ruler is
maintained (3.8; 6.13).
The main objections to this would come from the difficulty of
knowing how to interpret the plural rmaD in vv. 11 and 14. Rudolph
interprets it as a singular form, 2 which most easily makes sense of the
singular verbs in v. 14, and many commentators emend the text to
agree with some LXX manuscripts and Syr. (LXX and Syr. in v. 14).
Some go on to suggest that the crown was originally put on the head
of Zerubbabel, 3 but for political reasons this was changed. For details
1. See, e.g., Rignell, Die Nachtgesichte, pp. 223-33.
2. Haggai, pp. 127-28; cf. Job 31.36.
3. E.g. Amsler et al., Agee, Zacharie, Malachi, pp. 105-109.