Zechariah 6
BSB1 And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. 2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, 3 the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. 4 So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?" 5 And the angel told me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth from their station before the Lord of all the earth. 6 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." 7 As the strong horses went out, they were eager to go and patrol the earth; and the LORD said, “Go and patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. 8 Then the LORD summoned me and said, “Behold, those going to the land of the north have given rest to My Spirit in the land of the north." 9 The word of the LORD also came to me, saying, 10 “Take an offering from the exiles—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon—and go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11 Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak. 12 And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. 13 Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’ 14 The crown will reside in the temple of the LORD as a memorial to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and the gracious son of Zephaniah. 15 Even those far away will come and build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God."
Study Notes — Zechariah 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Zechariah 6
- Themes from Zechariah 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Zechariah 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Zechariah chapter 6 begins with a vision of four chariots, each pulled by a different color of horses, which represent the four spirits of heaven that patrol the earth. The chariots are sent out to patrol the earth, demonstrating God's sovereignty over the nations. The chapter then describes the crowning of Joshua, the high priest, with a turban, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. The chapter concludes with a description of the Branch, who will build the temple and bear the glory, representing Jesus Christ. Key verses include Zechariah 6:1-8, Zechariah 6:9-15, and Zechariah 6:12-13, which highlight God's judgment, salvation, and the coming of the Messiah.
Context for the Chapter
Zechariah chapter 6 is part of the larger context of the book of Zechariah, which is a collection of prophecies and visions given to the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period. The chapter is situated in the midst of a series of visions that describe God's plan for redemption and restoration. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's sovereignty over the nations and His plan for salvation, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and unity to God's people. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of the priesthood and the role of spiritual leaders in God's plan of salvation, encouraging believers to support and pray for their spiritual leaders.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Zechariah chapter 6 is about God's plan for redemption and restoration. The chapter describes a vision of four chariots and the crowning of Joshua, symbolizing God's sovereignty and the coming of the Messiah. The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and unity to God's people, as seen in Zechariah 6:12-13.
Voices from the Church
“The chariots of God are a symbol of His sovereignty and power, and they remind us that He is always at work in the world, even when we cannot see it.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Branch is a symbol of the Messiah, who will build the temple and bear the glory, and it reminds us of the importance of looking forward to the coming of Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Vision of the Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8) — The chapter begins with a vision of four chariots, each pulled by a different color of horses, which represent the four spirits of heaven that patrol the earth.
- The Crowning of Joshua (Zechariah 6:9-15) — The chapter then describes the crowning of Joshua, the high priest, with a turban, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah.
- The Branch (Zechariah 6:12-13) — The chapter describes the Branch, who will build the temple and bear the glory, symbolizing Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory.
- The Dual Role of the Messiah (Zechariah 6:13) — The chapter highlights the dual role of the Messiah as both king and priest, bringing peace and unity to God's people.
- Conclusion (Zechariah 6:14-15) — The chapter concludes with a description of the temple and the glory of the Lord, symbolizing God's presence and salvation.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over the nations, demonstrated by the four chariots that patrol the earth. This emphasizes God's control and authority over all things.
- The Messiah
- The chapter describes the Messiah as the Branch, who will build the temple and bear the glory, symbolizing Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory.
- The Priesthood
- The chapter describes the crowning of Joshua, the high priest, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. This emphasizes the importance of the priesthood in God's plan of salvation.
- Salvation
- The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and unity to God's people.
Lessons from Zechariah 6
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to recognize His control and authority over all things.
- The Importance of the Priesthood — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the priesthood in God's plan of salvation and encourages believers to support and pray for their spiritual leaders.
- The Coming of the Messiah — The chapter encourages believers to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and unity to God's people.
- The Dual Role of the Messiah — The chapter highlights the dual role of the Messiah as both king and priest, bringing peace and unity to God's people.
- Salvation — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and unity to God's people.
Themes from Zechariah 6
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over the nations, demonstrated by the four chariots that patrol the earth.
- The Messiah — The chapter describes the Messiah as the Branch, who will build the temple and bear the glory, symbolizing Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory.
- The Priesthood — The chapter describes the crowning of Joshua, the high priest, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah.
- Salvation — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and unity to God's people.
- Redemption — The chapter describes God's plan for redemption and restoration, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the vision of the four chariots represent in Zechariah 6:1-8?
- How does the crowning of Joshua in Zechariah 6:9-15 symbolize the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah?
- What is the significance of the Branch in Zechariah 6:12-13, and how does it relate to Jesus Christ?
- How does the chapter encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah?
- What is the importance of the priesthood in God's plan of salvation, and how does the chapter describe the restoration of the priesthood?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Vision of the Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8)
| Zechariah 6:1 | The chapter begins with a vision of four chariots, each pulled by a different color of horses, which represent the four spirits of heaven that patrol the earth. |
| Zechariah 6:2 | The first chariot is pulled by red horses, the second by black horses, the third by white horses, and the fourth by dappled horses. |
| Zechariah 6:3 | The chariots are sent out to patrol the earth, demonstrating God's sovereignty over the nations. |
| Zechariah 6:4 | The chariots are driven by the four spirits of heaven, which represent God's power and authority. |
| Zechariah 6:5 | The chariots are sent out to the four winds, representing God's control over all directions and aspects of life. |
| Zechariah 6:6 | The black horses go to the land of the north, the white horses to the land of the west, and the dappled horses to the land of the south. |
| Zechariah 6:7 | The red horses are restless and impatient, demonstrating the eagerness of God's spirits to carry out His will. |
| Zechariah 6:8 | The Lord says that the chariots have given rest to His Spirit, demonstrating God's satisfaction with the work of His spirits. |
2. The Crowning of Joshua (Zechariah 6:9-15)
| Zechariah 6:9 | The chapter then describes the crowning of Joshua, the high priest, with a turban, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. |
| Zechariah 6:10 | The turban is made of fine gold, representing the preciousness and value of the priesthood. |
| Zechariah 6:11 | The turban is placed on Joshua's head, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. |
| Zechariah 6:12 | The Branch is described as the one who will build the temple and bear the glory, symbolizing Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory. |
| Zechariah 6:13 | The Branch will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peace between the two offices, demonstrating the dual role of the Messiah as both king and priest. |
| Zechariah 6:14 | The turban is given to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen, who have come from Babylon, representing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. |
| Zechariah 6:15 | The chapter concludes with a description of the temple and the glory of the Lord, symbolizing God's presence and salvation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the vision of the four chariots represent in Zechariah 6:1-8?
The vision of the four chariots represents God's sovereignty over the nations, demonstrated by the four spirits of heaven that patrol the earth. As seen in Zechariah 6:1-8, the chariots are sent out to patrol the earth, emphasizing God's control and authority over all things.
How does the crowning of Joshua in Zechariah 6:9-15 symbolize the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah?
The crowning of Joshua symbolizes the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah, as seen in Zechariah 6:9-15. The turban placed on Joshua's head represents the preciousness and value of the priesthood, and the Branch is described as the one who will build the temple and bear the glory, symbolizing Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of the Branch in Zechariah 6:12-13, and how does it relate to Jesus Christ?
The Branch is a symbol of the Messiah, who will build the temple and bear the glory, as seen in Zechariah 6:12-13. The Branch represents Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory, and who will bring peace and unity to God's people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 6:1 → Isaiah 66:15 | The vision of the four chariots in Zechariah 6:1 is similar to the vision of the chariots in Isaiah 66:15, which represents God's power and authority. |
| 2 | Zechariah 6:9 → Exodus 28:36-38 | The crowning of Joshua in Zechariah 6:9 is similar to the crowning of Aaron in Exodus 28:36-38, which represents the restoration of the priesthood. |
| 3 | Zechariah 6:12 → Isaiah 11:1 | The Branch in Zechariah 6:12 is similar to the Branch in Isaiah 11:1, which represents the Messiah and the restoration of Israel. |
| 4 | Zechariah 6:13 → Hebrews 4:14 | The dual role of the Messiah in Zechariah 6:13 is similar to the dual role of Jesus Christ in Hebrews 4:14, which represents the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory. |
| 5 | Zechariah 6:14 → Ezra 6:14 | The restoration of the temple in Zechariah 6:14 is similar to the restoration of the temple in Ezra 6:14, which represents God's presence and salvation. |
| 6 | Zechariah 6:1 → Revelation 6:1-8 | The vision of the four chariots in Zechariah 6:1 is similar to the vision of the four horsemen in Revelation 6:1-8, which represents God's power and authority. |
| 7 | Zechariah 6:9 → Hebrews 7:1-3 | The crowning of Joshua in Zechariah 6:9 is similar to the description of Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:1-3, which represents the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. |
| 8 | Zechariah 6:12 → John 1:1 | The Branch in Zechariah 6:12 is similar to the Word in John 1:1, which represents the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory. |
| 9 | Zechariah 6:13 → 1 Peter 2:9 | The dual role of the Messiah in Zechariah 6:13 is similar to the dual role of Jesus Christ in 1 Peter 2:9, which represents the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory. |
| 10 | Zechariah 6:14 → 2 Corinthians 5:21 | The restoration of the temple in Zechariah 6:14 is similar to the description of the temple of God in 2 Corinthians 5:21, which represents God's presence and salvation. |
Sermons on Zechariah 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 4 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into various prophetic glimpses of the future, focusing on events related to Israel, including unique tribulation, the sealing of 144,000 young Israelis, Israel' |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 5 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the prophetic Scriptures concerning Jesus, emphasizing how every aspect of His life fulfilled the prophecies, showcasing His submission to the authority of |
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The Four Gospels by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose of the four Gospels in the Bible. He explains that the Holy Spirit selects incidents from the life of Jesus to weave a pattern and |
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Mid South Conference 1978-12 Zechariah's Visions by Bob Clark | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's preparation conduct in relation to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to |
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Studies in Zechariah 06 Zechariah 6: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the vision described in Zechariah 6:1-8. The vision involves four chariots coming from between two mountains of brass. Each chariot is pulle |
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Branch Life - John 15 - Sermon 2 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in cooperation with Jesus. He highlights the need to wait on God's timing and learn to rest in Him. The prea |
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02 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 3-4 by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle emphasizes the interconnected message of Isaiah chapters 2, 3, and 4, highlighting God's promise of glory, the consequences of Israel's sin, and the eventual restoratio |
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Jesus' Millennial Throne: The Corridor of Glory by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle explores the profound concept of Jesus' millennial throne, emphasizing the convergence of heaven and earth as central to God's eternal purpose. He highlights that rathe |
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The Four Chariots and Our Messiah (Zech. 6:1-15) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle explores Zechariah's eighth vision of the four chariots, emphasizing God's zeal for Jerusalem and the ultimate victory over its enemies. He highlights the significance |
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Not for You to Know by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of followers of Jesus embracing the promise of empowerment through the Holy Spirit, rather than being preoccupied with knowing the details of |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Zechariah 6
Matthew Henry's commentary on Zechariah 6 emphasizes the significance of the vision of the four chariots, which represents God's sovereignty over the nations. The commentary also highlights the importance of the crowning of Joshua, which symbolizes the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. The Branch is described as the one who will build the temple and bear the glory, symbolizing Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate builder of the church and the bearer of God's glory. The commentary encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and unity to God's people, as seen in Zechariah 6:12-13. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over the nations, demonstrated by the four chariots that patrol the earth. This emphasizes God's control and authority over all things.
The Dual Role of the Messiah
The chapter describes the Messiah as both king and priest, bringing peace and unity to God's people. This highlights the significance of Jesus Christ's dual role as both the King of kings and the Great High Priest.
The Restoration of the Priesthood
The chapter describes the crowning of Joshua, the high priest, symbolizing the restoration of the priesthood and the coming of the Messiah. This emphasizes the importance of the priesthood in God's plan of salvation.