Zechariah 3:9

the stone that I have laid set, R. V. The primary and immediate reference is to the Temple, in re-building which Joshua was then engaged. The "stone," which was perhaps seen lying before him in the vision, is most probably not the foundation-stone, which had been laid years before, but the head-stone (Zechariah 4:7; Zechariah 4:9), which would complete the building, and which He, with whom to purpose is to accomplish, here announces that He has already laid; so certainly shall it be set in its place in due time. The ultimate reference is to Him, who as "the Branch" should hereafter "build the temple of the Lord" (Zechariah 6:12), of which He is not only the Foundation-stone (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:4-5), but also the chief corner-stone (Psalms 118:22; Matthew 21:42; Ephesians 2:20). The two fulfilments of the prophecy are intimately connected. The first is, in the purpose of God, the necessary preparation for the second.

upon one stone shall be seven eyes are, R. V. This may mean that seven eyes shall be, or are, sculptured upon the stone; though in that case it is difficult to understand the force of the word "one," or the significance of the prediction as regards the Temple then in progress. Typically, the seven eyes sculptured on the stone might be held to represent Him whom the stone symbolises, as "havingthe seven spirits of God" (Revelation 5:6). It is better, however, to understand the words to be a promise that the seven eyes (i.e. the perfect watchfulness and care seven being the number of perfection) of God shall be fixed upon this stone; that He will never, so to speak, take His eyes off either type or anti-type, till His purpose respecting them is accomplished. So Solomon prays, at the dedication of the first Temple, that God's "eyes may be open upon it night and day," to hear the prayers that are offered there. 1 Kings 8:29. This view is confirmed by Zechariah 4:10, where the eyes of Jehovah are said to rejoice when (fixed as we are here told in unwearying solicitude on the Temple) they see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel, as he busies himself in its restoration.

I will engrave the graving thereof Supposing the eyes to have been marked out for cutting upon the stone, some have thought that God in these words engages that He Himself will cut them there. This clause, however, is rather to be regarded as an additional promise. My eyes, I have said, are fixed upon the stone. My hand shall engrave upon it whatever is needed to beautify and fit it for the place of honour it is to hold. The word here used for "engrave" occurs three times in Exodus 28, in the expression "engravings of a signet;" twice of the jewels in the High Priest's dress (11, 21), once of the golden plate on his mitre (36). It is used, however, of a bolder kind of engraving, more like what would here be contemplated, of "cherubim, lions and palm trees," on the panels of the "bases," on which the lavers were set in Solomon's Temple. (1 Kings 7:36).

in one day It is possible that the renewal of the typical expiation of sin in "one day," the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:21; Leviticus 16:30; Leviticus 16:34), consequent upon the re-building of the Temple and the resumption of its services, is here glanced at. But the goal of the prophecy is "the day of Golgotha." "A Jewish writer confessed the mystery while he said, - One day, I know not what that day is." Ask any Christian child, -On what day was iniquity removed, not from the land only, but from all lands?" He would say, -On the day when Jesus died." " Pusey.