Zechariah 6
In Zechariah 6, the chapter is given after the prophet Zechariah's final vision, the fourth vision, and consists of the 'vision of the four chariots' and a symbolic act regarding kingship (the high priest Joshua's use of the turban). This chapter can be divided into two main parts: (1) the vision of the four chariots (verses 1-8), (2) the symbolic act of crowning Joshua with the turban (verses 9-15). Overall, it emphasizes God's sovereign rule and the hope of ultimate salvation.
1verseAgain I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of bronze.
2verseIn the first chariot were red horses. In the second chariot were black horses.
3verseIn the third chariot were white horses. In the fourth chariot were dappled horses, all of them powerful.
4verseThen I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5verseThe angel answered me, “These are the four winds of the sky, which go out from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6verseThe one with the black horses goes out toward the north country; and the white went out after them; and the dappled went out toward the south country.”
7verseThe strong went out, and sought to go that they might walk back and forth through the earth. He said, “Go around and through the earth!” So they walked back and forth through the earth.
8verseThen he called to me, and spoke to me, saying, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.”
9verseThe LORD’s word came to me, saying,
10verse“Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon.
11verseYes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;
12verseand speak to him, saying, ‘The LORD of Armies says, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch! He will grow up out of his place; and he will build the LORD’s temple.
13verseHe will build the LORD’s temple. He will bear the glory, and will sit and rule on his throne. He will be a priest on his throne. The counsel of peace will be between them both.
14verseThe crowns shall be to Helem, to Tobijah, to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the LORD’s temple.
15verseThose who are far off shall come and build in the LORD’s temple; and you shall know that the LORD of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen, if you will diligently obey the LORD your God’s voice.”’”
The Vision of the Four Chariots (Verses 1-8)
The first scene Zechariah sees is 'the four chariots coming out from between two mountains.' These chariots are driven by horses of different colors (red, black, white, and dappled/dark), which suggests that they are God's spiritual messengers sent to go in various directions (north, west, south, etc.). The four chariots represent the four winds of the world (angelic beings—God's messengers), moving out across the whole earth to carry out God's will. In particular, the scene of judging the land to the north is a message of hope related to Israel's restoration.
The Turban Placed on Joshua (Verses 9-15)
After this, God commands Zechariah to accept offerings from the Israelites who have returned from a distant Babylon and to place a turban upon the high priest Joshua. This scene is the part where the messianic symbolism is especially clear: through a figure called 'the Branch,' God's temple is established, and the union of kingship and the priestly office is foreshadowed. It symbolically shows that the vision joins royal and priestly themes in a symbolic act.
Overall Meaning and Theological Insight
In Zechariah 6, the people of Judah return from exile and are, in reality, weak, yet it shows that God will rule the world sovereignly and will bring about ultimate salvation through the future Branch. This chapter both comforts and gives hope to the people of Israel at the time, and at the same time proclaims that God's kingdom will be restored with a real and spiritual order.
Points to Ponder
- God's providence may sometimes seem slow in the eyes of humans, but we can consider that it will ultimately be accomplished at the exact time.
- We can trust the promise that God rules over the world and restores a just and peaceful order.
- Reflect on how the building and restoration of the temple are connected to God's eternal plan beyond simple construction.
Applying It to Myself
- I recognize that God's will is also being carried out in various ways in the midst of my life, and I reflect on my role and obedience.
- In difficult and confusing circumstances, I pray for an attitude that can trust God's sovereignty and plan, and patiently endure, believing in the peace that will ultimately be given.
- I commit myself to stay awake and dedicated so that I can take part in the restoration and change God brings about around me.
