Zechariah 6

1 mountains of brass. Or, “bronze.” This represents solidity. What these “two mountains” mean is doubtful. The Heb. reads, “the two mountains,” which would seem to suggest Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives.

5 the four spirits of the heavens. Rather, “winds”; indicating the four quarters of the earth. Cp. Rev. vii. 1.

6 go forth into the north country, etc. That the “north” (probably Assyria and Babylonia) is destined to suffer desolation, and then to enjoy peace.

toward the south country. That is, towards Egypt.

8 have quieted My spirit, etc. The future, not the past, is used here. The meaning is that the judgements to be inflicted on Babylon will satisfy God’s justice.

10. Take of them of the captivity. Rather, “Take from them of the captivity,” etc.; “yea, take silver and gold,” etc. (11).

of Heldal, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah. These were probably a deputation from the Jews still remaining in Babylon, who had sent them with contributions of gold and silver to help forward the rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem.

11 crowns. As these were symbols of the priestly and royal dignities, they were probably the kingly crown, and the golden plate, or ornament on the tiara (Exod. xxviii. 36), of the high priest. Whether they were separate or combined into one head-dress is not said.

12 he shall grow up. Lit., “shall branch up”; i.e., out of the stem of Jesse, or David; his relation to whom is signified by this title: see iii. 8; Isa. iv. 2; xi. 1.

13 between them both. The meaning probably is, between the two offices just mentioned. The Messiah unites all the functions and honours of the priestly and kingly offices. All this is clearly applied to our Lord in Heb. vii.: cp. also Gen. xiv. 18; Psa. cx.

14. Helem. The same person as Heldai (10). “Hen” may be the same as Josiah (10).