The Vision of the Four Chariots
In Zechariah’s first and last visions, God sends...
In Zechariah’s first and last visions, God sends horses to patrol the earth. Both visions show God’s sovereignty and his concern for the nations, a vital component of Zechariah’s message of comfort and encouragement to postexilic Judah.
1And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze.
red... black... white... dappled-gray horses: Zechariah attaches no...
red . . . black . . . white . . . dappled-gray horses: Zechariah attaches no particular significance to the colors of the horses in his vision (cp. Rev 6:1–8).
2The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, 3the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong.
4So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5And the angel told me, “These are the four spirits† of heaven, going forth from their station before the Lord of all the earth. 6The one with the black horses is going toward the land of the north, the one with the white horses toward the west,† and the one with the dappled horses toward the south.”
7As the strong horses went out, they were eager to go and patrol the earth; and the LORD said, “Go and patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth.
8Then the LORD summoned me and said, “Behold, those going to the land of the north have given rest to My Spirit in the land of the north.”
The Crown and the Temple
This authoritative message accompanies Zechariah’s eighth vision (6:1–8)....
This authoritative message accompanies Zechariah’s eighth vision (6:1–8). Jeshua’s symbolic coronation as both king and priest was not an actual political arrangement for Judah; it probably symbolizes the coming of the Messiah, the Branch (6:12; cp. 3:8).
9The word of the LORD also came to me, saying, 10“Take an offering from the exiles—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon—and go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak.†
The Branch is a title for the Messiah...
- The Branch is a title for the Messiah (see 3:8), whom Jeshua represents.
- he will build the Temple of the Lord: Just as Jeshua the high priest helped to build the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 3:1–2, 8–9; 5:2), Jesus the Messiah would build the eternal heavenly Temple through his death, burial, and resurrection (John 2:19–22; 4:23–24; Eph 2:19–22; Heb 8:1–2).
- The Messiah would rule as king, a role associated with David and the tribe of Judah (2 Sam 7:12–16).
- He will also serve as priest from his throne: The Messiah’s priestly role is associated with Aaron and the tribe of Levi (Exod 29:44).
- Jeshua’s crown represents his two roles. Melchizedek also fulfilled the double functions of priest and king (Gen 14:17–20), as does the Messiah (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:1–3, 15–17).
12And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. 13Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne,† and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’
14The crown will reside in the temple of the LORD as a memorial to Helem,† Tobijah, Jedaiah, and the gracious† son of Zephaniah. 15Even those far away will come and build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”