Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryZechariah 6

The Vision of the Four Chariots. Zechariah was eager for God’s next message, so he looked up, expecting another vision. This was the seventh vision he received, showing that when we learn about God, we should always want to know more. In this vision, Zechariah saw four chariots pulled by horses of different colors. The meaning of these chariots is debated, but most agree they represent God’s power and control over world events. The different colored horses show that God’s actions in history can be times of war, peace, or a mix of both. God uses angels as His messengers to carry out His plans, and everything happens according to His unchangeable will.v. 1-3: Zechariah saw four chariots coming out from between two bronze mountains. Each chariot was pulled by horses of a different color: red, black, white, and dappled (spotted or mixed color). These horses and chariots symbolize different kinds of events and judgments that God sends into the world. Red stands for war and bloodshed, black for sorrow and disaster, white for peace and victory, and the mixed ones for times that have both good and bad in them (Revelation 6:2,4,5,8 ).

v. 4-5: Zechariah asked the angel what the chariots meant. The angel replied that they are the four spirits of heaven who stand before the Lord and go out to serve Him in all the earth. These could be angels or powers that carry out God’s will everywhere. The two bronze mountains show God’s plans are strong and cannot be changed (Psalm 68:17 ).

v. 6-7: The angel explained where the chariots and horses were sent. The black horses went toward the north country (Babylon), and the white horses followed them. The dappled horses went toward the south. The mixed color horses wanted to travel everywhere on earth, and God told them to go. This shows that God’s judgments and blessings reach everywhere, and nothing happens outside His control.

v. 8: God said that His Spirit was now at rest in the north country because His judgments had been carried out there. God was satisfied that His will had been done, especially against nations that had hurt His people. This vision reminds us that God rules over all nations and always brings about justice and mercy in the right way and at the right time (Isaiah 1:24 ).

The Coronation of Joshua; Prediction of the Messiah This section describes a symbolic act commanded by God in which Joshua, the high priest, is crowned. This act serves as a sign or illustration predicting the coming Messiah, who will be both a priest and a king. The vision points to the future unity of the priesthood and the kingship in Christ, and the ultimate peace and glory that He will bring to God’s people. v. 9: The word of the Lord

v. 10: Zechariah is told to take gifts from three men who had returned from Babylon—Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah. He is to go on the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah, where these returned exiles are staying. Their gifts of silver and gold will be used for something special.

v. 11: Zechariah is commanded to make crowns from the silver and gold, and put them on the head of Joshua the high priest. This is unusual because crowns are normally for kings, not priests. Crowning Joshua shows that God will one day unite the offices of king and priest in one person—the Messiah.

v. 12: Zechariah is to announce that the man called “the Branch” will come. “The Branch” is a title for the Messiah. He will grow up in his place and will build the temple of the Lord

v. 13: The passage explains that “the Branch” will build the temple, bear royal honor, and sit and rule on his throne. He will also be a priest on his throne, and there will be harmony between the two roles. This means the Messiah will be both King and Priest, bringing peace between God and His people.

v. 14: The crowns made for Joshua are to be kept in the temple as a reminder to the people. They will be a memorial for Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah, who gave the offerings. The crowns are a sign of God’s promise and a reminder of the hope in the coming Messiah.

v. 15: People who are far away (Gentiles and Jews still in exile) will come and help build the temple of the Lord