Ambassadors of Experience
At this point the story line becomes a little clearer with Zechariah’s call for recognition for those who have returned from Babylon and for an open policy allowing others from afar to make their own contribution to the building of the temple. Despite some uncertainty over the names and responsibilities the overall sense seems to focus not so much on the transference of power (from the residents to the returnees) but on the recognition of the wider experience which not only the returnees but all who came from far away have to contribute.
‘Excellent’, you might say. But why is it excellent? And what do you think were Zechariah’s motives? There are several ways of reading these verses.
One possibility is that it was all a matter of power and authority. Was Zechariah afraid the newcomers would take over? This is not in the text but it may well have been in the background because he is careful to clarify that the ultimate authority will stay where it was, in that despite the honour being given to Joshua and the returnees (vv 12-13) he has already made Zerubbabel responsible for the rebuilding from start to finish (4:9). Is this an attempt to take advantage of the new experience of the returnees whilst at the same time retaining control?
A second possibility is a charitable, if slightly grudging, attitude to the stranger within the gates, as if to say, ‘We don’t really want these people but now they are here we must treat them with respect.’ Better to have them working with us than against us.
A third possibility is that he is offering an open-handed welcome to the possibility of a shared experience arising from a feeling that the returnees and their friends can not only supply knowledge and experience but also because, with their experience, they may help to resolve previously difficult situations, bringing a new fillip to an enterprise lacking in zeal or flagging with familiarity.
Which do you think it is, and in a similar situation what is likely to be yours? Your answers could be the first step towards understanding what it means to welcome Ambassadors of Experience.