A Vision of Four Chariots. Zechariah 6:1-15
INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH
The prophet Zechariah lived at the same time as Haggai and was interested in the same effort to induce the Jews to carry on the rebuilding of their neglected Temple. The prophecies are dated a few years later than those of Haggai. In contrast to the direct and simple language of Haggai, Zechariah employs many figures and symbols to enforce his message. He especially wished to give encouragement and help to the leader and governor of the people, Zerubbabel, and the priest Joshua.
In the latter part of the book there are many pictures of the glorious and happy future, which God had in store for His people and of the Deliverer, who was to come to rule over them. There will come a great day “when the Lord shall be King over all the earth.”
The Oracle of the Lord of Hosts
INTRODUCTION, Zec_1:1-6
EIGHT VISIONS CONCERNING ISRAEL, JUDAH, AND JERUSALEM, Zechariah 1:7-6:15
8. The Four Chariots, Zec_6:1-8
(The Coronation of Joshua), Zec_6:9-15
A VISION OF FOUR CHARIOTS
Now again I looked up, and four chariots were coming out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of [firm, immovable] bronze (divine judgment).
The first chariot had red horses (war, bloodshed), the second chariot had black horses (famine, death), [Rev_6:4-6]
the third chariot had white horses (victory), and the fourth chariot had strong dappled horses (death through judgment). [Rev_6:2, Rev_6:8]
Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”
The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go out after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth, [Psa_104:4; Mat_24:31]
with the chariot with the black horses going toward the north country; then the one with the white horses follows after them [because there are two northern powers to overcome], and the chariot with the dappled horses goes toward the south country.”
When the strong horses went out, they were eager to patrol the earth. And the LORD said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth [watching and protecting it].
Then He called out to me and said to me, “See, those who are going to the north country have quieted My Spirit [of wrath] in the north country.”
THE CROWN AND THE TEMPLE
The word of the LORD also came to me, saying,
“Take an offering from the exiles, from Heldai, from Tobijah, and from Jedaiah [as representatives]; and you go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have arrived from Babylon.
Take silver and gold [from them], and make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
Then say to Joshua, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Behold (look, keep in sight, watch), a Man (Messiah) whose name is Branch, for He shall branch out from His place (Israel, the Davidic line); and He shall build the [ultimate] temple of the LORD. [Isa_4:2; Jer_23:5; Jer_33:15; Zec_3:8]
Yes, [you are to build a temple of the LORD, but] it is He who shall build the [ultimate] temple of the LORD, and He shall bear the honor and majesty [as the only begotten of the Father] and sit and rule on His throne. And He shall be a Priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between the two offices [Priest and King].”‘ [Joh_1:14; Joh_17:5; Heb_2:9]
Now the crown shall become a reminder in the temple of the LORD to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah. [Mat_10:41]
And those who are far away will come and [help] build the temple of the LORD.” Then you shall know [without any doubt] that the LORD of hosts sent me (Zechariah) to you. And it will come about if you will diligently obey the [voice of the] LORD your God.
THE VISION OF THE CHARIOTS
This is a vision of protection and deliverance. Four chariots issue from the mountains around Jerusalem. The colors of the horses represent the commission that the drivers were to execute against the nations. Black denoted defeat and despair; the bay acted as a patrol of defence. Note the closing incident, which foreshadowed the union of the offices of priesthood and kingship in the person of our Lord.
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