The eighth and final vision, which utilizes imagery similar to the first (1:7-17), brings the series of visions to a peaceful conclusion (6:1-8). Zechariah sees “four chariots” coming out from between two “mountains of bronze” (6:1). The four chariots are pulled by teams of strong horses of various colors—red, black, white, and dappled (6:2-3). When Zechariah inquiries about these four chariots, the angel who has been speaking with him says, “These are going out to the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth” (6:5). The chariot pulled by black horses, followed by the one with white horses, heads “toward the north country.” The chariot with the dappled horses heads south (6:6). We are not told where the chariot with the red horses goes. However, we are told these horses are “impatient to go and patrol the earth” (6:7). After being released by the angel, the chariots depart (6:7). The vision closes with the angel crying out, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have set my Spirit at rest in the north country” (6:8).
The precise meaning of the vision is not given, so we are left to interpret the symbols based on other biblical passages. In this case, we can go back to the very first vision which also features horses patrolling the earth (1:7-17). In both the first and final visions, the horses (and their riders or chariot drivers) are dispatched by the Lord to patrol the earth (1:10; 6:7). In both cases the riders (first vision) or chariot drivers (final vision) bring back a report of “rest.” In the first vision the riders report “all the earth remains at rest” (1:11). In the final vision, the chariots sent north (to Babylon, in biblical geography) return with a report that brings “rest” to the angel of the Lord (6:8).
The first vision reveals the Lord is “exceedingly angry with the nations that are at ease”, especially since these nations (Babylon, in particular) have “furthered the disaster” in Judah (1:15). In the final vision, the Lord dispatches the black horses, followed by white horses, towards the north country (6:6); in biblical visions, black horses often speak of death and white symbolize conquering or victory (Rev 6:1-6). So the final vision may refer to God’s judgment on Babylon through the conquering armies of Persia. This change of dynasties brings “rest” or “peace” to Lord’s people. The Persians treated the exiled Jews better than the Babylonians, allowing the willing to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1-6) and the city walls (Neh 1-6).
Beginning in verse 9, the mode of communication between the Lord and Zechariah changes. In the opening chapters, Zechariah records the visions he saw (“Again, I lifted my eyes and saw”—6:1); now he records the messages he hears (“And the word of the Lord came to me”—6:9). After a series of eight visions (chapters 1-6), we now have a series of summary messages (chapters 7-8).
In the first message, which may have been given at the same time as the eight visions, Zechariah is instructed to collect gold and silver from three men who had recently arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon (6:9-10). As soon as he receives the gold and silver (“the same day”), he is to take it to the “house of Josiah, the son of Zephaniah” (6:10). A crown is to be fashioned from the metals and Zechariah is to place it “on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest” (6:11). After crowing him, Zechariah is to proclaim to Joshua a message about “a man whose name is the Branch” (6:12; see also 3:8). This man, the Branch, “shall build the temple of the Lord” and “bear royal honor”, sitting on “his throne (6:13). Next, Zechariah speaks words that would have been surprising to Joshua and the Jews: “And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (6:13). In some unusual way, the priesthood will be united with the monarchy. For this reason, “the crown shall be in the Temple of the Lord as a reminder” to the Jews of this new arrangement (6:14).
Zechariah’s message concludes with several specific predictions (6:15): 1) those who are far off shall come to be part of the rebuilding work; 2) when this happens, everyone will know that the Lord has sent Zechariah to speak His word; and 3) for all of this to happen, Joshua and the Jews must “diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.”
Knowing God: Understanding His Person and Ways
The Lord of all the earth knows what is happening in all the earth. Four chariots are dispatched to patrol the “four winds” (all directions) of the earth. The Lord wants Zechariah (and us) to know that He is in the know. The events taking place in the “four winds” of the earth do not escape the notice of the Lord of all the earth.
The Lord will unite the priesthood and monarchy in the coming of the Branch. Zechariah is told to crown Joshua the high priest and to speak to him about the coming of one called The Branch (6:12-13). The Branch will rebuild the temple and receive “royal honor” (6:13). All this points to Zerubbabel, who leads the rebuilding project and serves as governor. However, in an unexpected twist, the Lord’s message to Zerubbabel explains that “there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (6:13). The priesthood and monarchy will be united in a peaceful, seamless way. While in the near-term, this plays out in the partnership between Joshua and Zerubbabel, the ultimate fulfillment this prophecy is fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah. In Jesus, the priesthood (of Melchizedek) and monarch (of David’s line) join in a single person.
Joining God: Moving with God on Mission
We can rest in the truth that God is aware and active in our world. Zechariah’s eighth vision reminds us that God actively monitors and oversees what happens on the earth. He is no distant, detached deity. He knows what goes on to the four winds and engages with earthly events. We can rest in the knowledge that, even though our knowledge of world events remains finite and limited, the Lord of all the earth knows all that is happening on the earth. His active oversight gives us reason to rest in His sovereignty.
Our diligent obedience is required to experience God’s desired future. The Lord of all the earth determines what will happen in the future: the coming of the Branch (6:12); the joining of the office of priest and king (6:13); the involvement of those who are “far off” in rebuilding the Temple (6:15). However, human choices are not irrelevant in the flow of history. In fact, diligent obedience is required by God to see His desired future become reality (6:15). God’s people must trust and obey to personally experience His future blessings.
Rick and Linda Reed 