6:5 6:5

Zechariah 6:6

6:7 6:7

Bible Versions

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.
The black {H7838} horses {H5483} which are therein go forth {H3318} into the north {H6828} country {H776}; and the white {H3836} go forth {H3318} after {H310} them; and the grisled {H1261} go forth {H3318} toward the south {H8486} country {H776}.
The one with the black horses is going out toward the land in the north, the white [horses] have gone out after them, and the spotted have gone out toward the land in the south."
The 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.”
The chariot wherein are the black horses goeth forth toward the north country; and the white went forth after them; and the grizzled went forth toward the south country.

Zechariah 6:6 is part of the fourth and final vision given to the prophet Zechariah, detailing four chariots pulled by horses of various colors that emerge from between two mountains of brass. This verse specifically describes the destinations of three sets of these horses, symbolizing divine agents dispatched throughout the earth.

Context of Zechariah 6:6

The book of Zechariah was written after the Babylonian exile, during a critical period when the Jewish people were rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. The visions in chapters 1-6 are highly symbolic, designed to encourage the discouraged community and assure them of God's continued presence, power, and ultimate plan for restoration and judgment. The vision of the four chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8) immediately follows the vision of the flying scroll and the ephah, reinforcing the theme of God's active governance and judgment over the earth. These chariots are identified in Zechariah 6:5 as "the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The primary message is God's absolute control over all earthly affairs. The chariots and horses are His agents, sent to execute His will and patrol the world. This emphasizes that God is actively engaged in human history, not distant or detached.
  • Geographical Administration: The specific directions—the "north country" and the "south country"—indicate the universal scope of God's dominion. The "north country" often represented powerful empires like Babylon or Persia, from which Israel had experienced both oppression and and judgment (e.g., Jeremiah 1:14). The "south country" typically referred to Egypt, another historical adversary. The movement signifies God's oversight and judgment extending to all nations.
  • Symbolism of Horse Colors:
    • Black Horses: In prophetic literature, black often symbolizes famine, mourning, or severe judgment (compare with the black horse of Revelation 6:5). Their mission to the north suggests a specific, perhaps somber, divine action in that region.
    • White Horses: White typically represents victory, purity, or conquest (similar to the white horse of Revelation 6:2). Their following the black horses might imply a subsequent phase of God's plan, perhaps a triumph or vindication after judgment.
    • Grisled Horses: The term "grisled" (KJV) or "dappled" (NIV/ESV) comes from the Hebrew word barad, which can mean 'hail' or 'spotted'. This suggests a mixed or varied mission, possibly combining aspects of both judgment and mercy, or a multifaceted divine operation. Their destination to the south implies God's comprehensive reach.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "grisled" is barad (בָּרָד). While it literally refers to 'hail' in some contexts, here it denotes a speckled or spotted appearance, like a mixture of colors. This nuance suggests that the mission of these horses is not singular but complex, perhaps encompassing various aspects of God's judgment or administration.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 6:6 offers profound reassurance: God is sovereign over all nations and events. Even amidst political turmoil, natural disasters, or personal challenges, God's divine agents are at work, executing His perfect will. This vision encourages trust in His overarching plan and reminds us that no power on earth operates outside of His ultimate control. It calls us to live in confident reliance on His justice and mercy, knowing that He oversees the entire world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 1:4

    ¶ And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness [was] about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

  • Jeremiah 4:6

    Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

  • Jeremiah 1:14

    Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.

  • Jeremiah 1:15

    For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

  • Jeremiah 51:48

    Then the heaven and the earth, and all that [is] therein, shall sing for Babylon: for the spoilers shall come unto her from the north, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 6:1

    ¶ O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

  • Daniel 11:3

    And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.
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