Zechariah6

Zechariah beholds a vision of four chariots emerging from between two mountains of brass, representing the four spirits of the heavens sent forth by the Lord to patrol the earth. Following this, the prophet is commanded to take silver and gold from exiles to make crowns for Joshua the high priest. This act symbolizes the coming of 'The BRANCH,' who will build the Lord's temple and rule as both king and priest, establishing peace.
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The Eighth Vision: The Four Chariots

1
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. ​
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In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; ​
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And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
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Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
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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. ​
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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. ​
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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.
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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 Symbolic Crowning of Joshua

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And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
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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; ​
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Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest; ​
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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: ​
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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. ​
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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. ​
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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. ​

Study Notes for Zechariah 6

Verse 1

This final vision concludes the cycle of eight night visions (1:7–6:8). The mountains of brass (bronze) likely represent the divine stronghold or the steadfast, powerful boundary from which God’s judgments are launched.

Verse 2

The colors of the horses (red, black, white, mixed) recall the horses in the first vision (1:8), symbolizing divine agents assigned to different global tasks. They represent the swiftness and variety of God's sovereign control over the earth.

Verse 5

The chariots are identified as 'the four spirits (or winds) of the heavens,' which are divine, angelic emissaries standing ready before the 'Lord of all the earth' to execute his will across the globe.

Verse 6

The 'north country' traditionally refers to Babylon and the great empires that afflicted Israel. The movement of the black horses toward the north indicates the execution of judgment upon Israel’s former oppressors.

Verse 8

To have 'quieted my spirit' means God's wrath or righteous indignation against the oppressors has been satisfied and fully executed, ensuring Israel's security and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Verse 10

Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah were recent returnees from Babylonian exile, bringing gifts (silver and gold). This act anchors the following prophetic oracle in the immediate historical context of the returning community.

Verse 11

Zechariah is commanded to fashion crowns (plural, possibly a composite crown) and set them upon the head of Joshua, the high priest. This act is highly symbolic, merging the royal and priestly offices, which was forbidden under Mosaic Law.

Verse 12

The 'BRANCH' (Heb. *Tzemach*) is a significant messianic title, identifying the coming ideal ruler who will restore Israel. While the immediate audience may have considered Zerubbabel, the ultimate fulfillment points to Christ, the unique King-Priest.

Verse 13

This verse is central to the prophecy, describing the Branch as both King ('sit and rule upon his throne') and Priest ('a priest upon his throne'). The 'counsel of peace' refers to the harmonious cooperation between the two divinely appointed roles in the Messiah.

Verse 14

The crowns are not permanent regalia for Joshua but are placed in the Temple as a 'memorial' (a reminder or witness) of the prophecy and the generosity of the exiles who provided the materials.

Verse 15

The prophecy expands to include 'they that are far off,' anticipating the inclusion of Gentiles in the future temple and kingdom. This promise of universal worship is conditional upon the diligent obedience of the returned exiles.

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