1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass.
2 In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These [are] the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The black horses which [are] therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
8 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
9 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
10 Take of [them of] the captivity, [even] of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;
11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
14 And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD.
15 And they [that are] far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Overview of Zechariah Chapter 6
Zechariah Chapter 6 presents a vision that is rich in symbolism and prophetic significance. This chapter serves as a pivotal moment in the book, linking the themes of judgment, restoration, and the coming of the Messiah. The chapter is structured around a series of visions and concludes with a prophetic message regarding the future of the priesthood and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
Structure of the Chapter
- Vision of the Four Chariots (Verses 1-8)
- Symbolic Crowning of Joshua (Verses 9-15)
Vision of the Four Chariots (Verses 1-8)
In the first part of the chapter, Zechariah witnesses a vision of four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze. Each chariot is drawn by different colored horses, which symbolize various nations and divine judgment.
- Chariots and Horses: The four chariots represent God’s judgment and His authority over the nations. The different colored horses symbolize the various spirits or angels sent to execute God’s will.
- Mountains of Bronze: The mountains signify strength and stability, indicating that God’s judgment is firm and unyielding.
- Interpretation of the Horses: The horses are identified as representing the four winds of heaven, suggesting that God’s influence extends over all the earth.
- Divine Mission: The chariots are sent to patrol the earth, indicating that God is actively overseeing the nations and ensuring that justice is served.
Symbolic Crowning of Joshua (Verses 9-15)
The second part of the chapter shifts focus to the crowning of Joshua, the high priest, which has profound implications for the future of the priesthood and the coming Messiah.
- Instructions to Zechariah: Zechariah is commanded to take silver and gold from the exiles and make a crown for Joshua, symbolizing the unity of the priestly and kingly roles.
- Joshua as a Symbol: Joshua represents the faithful remnant of Israel and serves as a type of the future Messiah, who will build the temple of the Lord.
- Messianic Prophecy: The chapter concludes with a prophecy about the Branch, a reference to the Messiah, who will reign and bring peace. This emphasizes the hope of restoration and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
- Community and Restoration: The crowning of Joshua signifies the importance of community in God’s plan and the restoration of Israel after exile.
Theological Themes
- Divine Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God’s control over the nations and His ultimate authority in executing judgment.
- Hope and Restoration: The crowning of Joshua symbolizes hope for the future and God’s promise of restoration for His people.
- Messianic Expectation: The reference to the Branch points to the anticipation of a future leader who will fulfill God’s promises and establish His kingdom.
Conclusion
Zechariah Chapter 6 encapsulates key themes of divine judgment, restoration, and messianic hope. Through vivid imagery and prophetic symbolism, the chapter assures the people of Israel that God is actively working to fulfill His promises, culminating in the coming of the Messiah who will reign with justice and righteousness.
