Zechariah 6
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1Again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. 2In the first chariot were red horses; in the second chariot black horses; 3in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot dappled horses, all of them powerful. 4Then I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” 5The angel answered me, “These are the four winds of the sky, which go out from standing before the Lord of all the earth. 6The one with the black horses goes out toward the north country; and the white went out after them; and the dappled went out toward the south country.” 7The strong went out, and sought to go that they might walk back and forth through the earth: and he said, “Go around and through the earth!” So they walked back and forth through the earth. 8Then he called to me, and spoke to me, saying, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.” 9Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, 10“Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon. 11Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest; 12and speak to him, saying, ‘Yahweh of Armies says, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build Yahweh’s temple; 13even he shall build Yahweh’s temple; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. 14The crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in Yahweh’s temple. 15Those who are far off shall come and build in Yahweh’s temple; and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen, if you will diligently obey Yahweh your God’s voice.”’”
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Take from them silver and gold, and make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest."”
Zechariah 6:11
Summary
Zechariah chapter 6 features the prophet's vision of four chariots emerging from two mountains of bronze, symbolizing God's judgment upon the nations. These chariots are drawn by different colored horses, each representing various divine actions taken at God's command. This is followed by a significant event where the prophet is instructed to crown Joshua, the high priest, marking a symbolic act foreshadowing the arrival of the Messiah, who is both king and priest. This gesture emphasizes the union of priestly and royal offices in the coming ruler, underscoring themes of peace and restoration. The chapter concludes with a charge that those far off will contribute to building the temple, signifying inclusion and hope for all nations under the messianic reign.
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Chapter outline
How Zechariah 6 unfolds
Zechariah 6:1–8 Vision of the Four Chariots
The prophet sees four chariots with colored horses emerging from two bronze mountains, representing God's judgment. The horses are sent out to patrol the earth, indicating divine control over the nations.
Zechariah 6:9–11 Instructions for Crowning Joshua
Yahweh commands the prophet to take silver and gold and crown Joshua, the high priest, emphasizing the significance of this act. This crowning connects to the themes of leadership and divine appointment.
Zechariah 6:12–15 The Branch and Restoration
The chapter reveals that Joshua symbolizes the coming Branch, who will unite priestly and royal roles. It concludes with a promise of restoration and inclusion for those far off who will build the temple.
Key verses
Zechariah 6:11The key verse encapsulates the chapter's focus on divine appointment and the significance of Joshua's role in restoration.
Main themes in Zechariah 6
Judgment and Deliverance
Judgment and Deliverance is prominent in the vision of the four chariots found in verses 1-8. These chariots, sent forth to execute God's judgment on the nations, illustrate His ultimate control and authority over all creation. This theme not only emphasizes God's righteousness in judgment but also paves the way for the anticipated deliverance of His people from oppression and strife.
Messianic Hope
Messianic Hope emerges strongly in verses 12-13, where Joshua is identified with the future Branch. This prophetic reference presents Joshua as a dual figure, embodying both kingship and priesthood, which signifies the restoration of Israel's fortunes. The chapter thus highlights the expectation of a divine leader who will fulfill God's covenant promises and bring about a new era of hope for His people.
Priestly and Royal Unity
Priestly and Royal Unity is illustrated through the crowning of Joshua in verses 10-11, which signifies a significant merging of the roles of king and priest. This act symbolizes the future fulfillment of these roles in the Branch, emphasizing the need for their unity in achieving God's purposes. The establishment of this unity is critical for fostering peace and restoring the community among God's people.
Inclusion of the Nations
Inclusion of the Nations is articulated in verse 15, where contributions from those far off are welcomed for the temple's construction. This promise signifies God's intention to expand His restorative work beyond Israel, embracing all nations in His redemptive plan. The chapter thus underscores that God's grace and purposes are inclusive, inviting diverse peoples into His covenant community.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Zechariah 6
- Revelation 6This passage connects through the imagery of horses and judgments, echoing divine authority over the earth.
- Zechariah 1This earlier chapter develops the theme of God's concern for Jerusalem, introducing the idea of restoration seen in this chapter.
- Zechariah 3This chapter connects through the portrayal of Joshua, emphasizing his significant role in the restoration of the priesthood.
- Isaiah 11Isaiah's prophecy of a righteous ruler echoes in the Branch imagery, linking messianic expectations to Zechariah's vision.
- Zechariah 4This passage connects with the themes of divine empowerment and the rebuilding of the temple, reinforcing the restoration message.
- Daniel 7Daniel's vision of a sovereign ruler complements the messianic hope presented in Zechariah, highlighting God's eternal kingdom.
Study questions
Questions for studying Zechariah 6
- What do the four chariots symbolize in Zechariah 6?
- Who is Joshua and why is he crowned?
- What role does the Branch play in the chapter's vision?
- How do the colored horses relate to God's judgment?
- What does the promise of restoration imply for the nations?
- What is the significance of the two mountains of brass?
- How does this chapter connect the roles of king and priest?
Zechariah 6: frequently asked questions
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