Eight Visions of Power: Understanding Zechariah

Chapter 2: Vision 1 - The Blazing Horsemen (Zechariah 1:7-17)

In the first vision of Zechariah, recorded in Zechariah 1:7-17, we encounter a vivid scene involving "a man riding upon a red horse" that gets out and stands among the myrtle trees. In Zechariah 1:8-11, the man riding upon a red horse among the myrtle trees is the preincarnate Lord Jesus Christ. This is further supported by the designation of the "angel of the Lord" in the text, which signifies a unique manifestation of God Himself. Throughout scripture, the "angel of the Lord" is depicted as one who performs acts that only God can accomplish. 

For instance, in Genesis 16:10, the angel of the Lord promises Hagar, "I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude," showcasing the authority and power of God in delivering promises. Such instances highlight that the "angel of the Lord" embodies God's attributes, serving as a mediator between God and humanity, thereby confirming that the figure in Zechariah's vision is indeed the preincarnate Christ, actively engaged in the affairs of His people. This connection reveals the continuity of God's plan for redemption through Christ, even before His incarnation in Israel's New Testament.

This vision occurs during the night, and as Zechariah observes, he sees horsemen with different colored horses: "I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white." (Zechariah 1:8) The man riding the red horse stands out, and he reports back to the angel of the Lord about his observations—the horsemen have traveled throughout the earth and have witnessed that "all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest" (Zechariah 1:11). 

The angel then has a conversation with the Lord, expressing concern about Jerusalem, which has suffered greatly during the time of the Babylonian exile. The Lord responds with a message of comfort and assurance, stating that He is exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and is returning to Zion with mercy (Zechariah 1:14-16). This vision beautifully emphasizes God's active presence and commitment to His people.

The horsemen themselves can be understood as messengers sent by God to survey the world—a vital task after Israel's devastating experiences in Babylon. The report that "all the earth sitteth still" suggests that while Israel has faced turmoil and upheaval from being carried away by Babylon into captivity, the nations around them seem to be at peace, potentially neglecting the suffering of God's chosen people. In fact they're quite happy about it. God is not happy about the nations taking pleasure in Israel's misery.

The colors of the horses also carry interesting explanation. Some horses are red, some are white, and some are a mix of both, "speckled". We see this again in Isaiah chapter 63:1-6, where the Lord is "sprinkled with red" as he returns and destroys his enemies. Their blood covers his clothing. The same can be said with some of God's messengers, angels, here in the vision. Though not all are covered in red, some are, some are merely "speckled", and others are still white. It depends where they were during their "battles" or "wars".

 Through this vision, God reassures the Israelites that despite their trials, He is actively monitoring the situation. The angel's report and the subsequent divine response manifest God's passionate commitment to restoring Jerusalem and fulfilling His promises to His people.

For Israel, this vision serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenant faithfulness. Despite their recent history of exile and desolation, God's desire to restore them is evident. By proclaiming His jealousy for Jerusalem, He emphasizes that the relationship between Himself and His people is one defined by love and commitment. The vision also conveys hope, signaling that a new chapter is beginning for Israel; God has not forgotten them and is actively involved in their restoration.