The Vision of Four Chariots
Study note
In this eighth and final night vision, four chariots pulled by different-colored horses come out from between two mountains of bronze. They represent the four spirits of heaven that God sends out across the earth. The chariot heading north brings God's Spirit rest in that region, meaning God's judgment against Babylon is complete. This final vision assures the people that God is in control of all nations.
1 I looked up one more time and saw four chariots rolling out from between two mountains — and the mountains were solid bronze. 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 The first chariot was pulled by red horses, the second by black horses. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 The third chariot had white horses, and the fourth had strong, dappled horses. And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
4 "What are these, my lord?" I asked the angel. Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
5 The angel answered, "These are the four spirits of heaven heading out after reporting to the Lord of the whole earth." 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 chariot with black horses headed north. The white horses followed behind them. The dappled horses headed south. 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 The powerful horses strained to go, eager to travel across the earth. He said, "Go — patrol the earth!" And off they went throughout the world. 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 he called out to me: "Look! The ones heading north have brought my Spirit rest in the northern lands." 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.
The Crowning of Joshua
Study note
God tells Zechariah to collect silver and gold from Jews who have returned from Babylon. He is to make a crown and place it on Joshua the high priest. This act points to the coming Messiah, called 'the Branch,' who will be both king and priest. In Israel's history, kings and priests were always separate roles. But the Messiah will hold both offices and bring perfect peace.
9 The LORD spoke to me: And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
10 "Gather silver and gold from the returning exiles — from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have just arrived from Babylon. Go to Josiah son of Zephaniah's house that very day." 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 "Take the silver and gold and make a crown. Place it on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest." Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
12 "Tell him: 'The LORD of Armies says: Here is the man called the Branch. He will grow up from where he is and build the LORD's temple.'" 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 "'He is the one who will build the LORD's temple. He will wear royal splendor and sit on his throne as ruler. He will also serve as a priest from his throne. Both roles will work together in perfect harmony.'" 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 "The crown will be placed in the LORD's temple as a lasting reminder. It will be dedicated to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen son of Zephaniah." 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 "People from distant lands will come and help build the LORD's temple. When that happens, you will know that the LORD of Armies truly sent me to you. All of this will happen if you wholeheartedly obey the LORD your God." 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.