The Four Chariots
June 18, 2020
Commentary
The eighth vision of the four chariots can be divided into two parts:
The details of the vision (vv. 1-3).The interpretation of the vision (vv. 4-8). The prophet simply turned, lifted up his eyes, looked and behold there were four chariots that came out from between two brass mountains (v. 1). Presumably, Mt. Moriah and the Mt. of Olives would fit this description. These two mountains in a symbolic way speak of strength.
The first chariot had red horses; the second chariot had black horses; the third chariot had white horses; and the fourth chariot had grizzled and bay (dappled-gray) horses. Usually in scripture red speaks of war, black of death, white of victory, and bay of pestilence. We find that the chariot pulled by the black horses went north to Babylon and the one pulled by the white horses followed them. The chariots pulled by the dapple-grays went south which would have been to Egypt. Only the red horses it seems were not sent to any specific section of the country. The significance of this vision to the land of Israel in Zechariah’s day was that God’s judgment was on Babylon. God is angry with sin and with the wicked and His anger is expressed in judgment. As much as we like to concentrate on God’s love and mercy, anger and judgment are also part of His righteous character.
Application
God has all things under His control. There is nothing that happens in my life that is a surprise to Him. He will be the final judge of all things. That is why I John 1:9 is so important to me.
Zechariah 6:1– 8 (NET)
1 Once more I looked, and this time I saw four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze. 2 Harnessed to the first chariot were red horses, to the second black horses, 3 to the third white horses, and to the fourth spotted horses, all of them strong. 4 Then I asked the angelic messenger who was speaking with me, “What are these, sir?” 5 The messenger replied, “These are the four spirits of heaven going out after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The chariot with the black horses is going to the north country, and the white ones are going after them, but the spotted ones are going to the south country. 7 All these strong ones are scattering; they have sought permission to go and walk about over the earth.” The Lord had said, “Go! Walk about over the earth!” So they are doing so. 8 Then he cried out to me, “Look! The ones going to the northland have brought me peace about the northland.”