Zechariah 6
BBCZechariah 6:1
H. The Four Chariots (6:1-8)Meaning: God’s patrols indicate Israel’s enemies have been put down. 6:1-4 Zechariah next sees four sets of horses and chariots . . . coming out from between two mountains of bronze. The horses are red, black, white, and dappled or grisledall strong steeds. 6:5-7 The interpreting angel identifies the four sets of horses and chariots as the four spirits of heaven, God’s agents to bring the Gentile world into subjection to the Messiah. The black horses go to the north, and the dappled ones, to the south. These two directions in the prophetic Scriptures are commonly associated with enemies of Israel (for example, King of the North and King of the South). The white horses go forth after the black ones and apparently the red horses patrol in undesignated areas. 6:8 The interpreting angel points out that the horses which went toward the north country had given rest to His Spirit. This may imply the destruction of the northern army (Babylon) which was a constant source of danger to the land of Israel. Taking the vision as a whole, it seems to indicate the destruction of Israel’s enemies by messengers of the Lord. Once again, this is an event that will precede Christ’s kingdom on earth.
Zechariah 6:9
III. JOSHUA CROWNED AS HIGH PRIEST (6:9-15)Meaning: A picture of Christ coming as King and High Priest, the ideal combination of church and state. 6:9-13 Now that the visions of judgment are ended, a highly symbolic act takes place. Zechariah was commanded to get gold and silver . . . from three of the returned exilesfrom Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiahand to make an elaborate crown for Joshua . . . the high priest, in the house of Josiah. Ordinarily, a crown is made for a ruler, not for a high priest. But this action points forward to the coming of Christ as King and Priest. He is spoken of in verse 12 as the BRANCH who will build the millennial temple, bear royal honor, and . . . sit and rule on His throne. David Baron notes: Surely it is in keeping with the Royal Priesthood of Messiah, that the Hebrew word used here (for temple) means both palace and sanctuary. As King He has entered into His palace, and as Priest into His sanctuary. “The counsel of peace shall be between them both,” that is, peaceful understanding will exist between King and Priest (in one Person). 6:14 The . . . crown was to be kept in the temple as a memorial. Helem is the same as Heldai and Hen is Joshua. 6:15 The restoration of dispersed Israel and the fulfillment of the Messianic promise are set before the people as an encouragement to obedience.