Eight Visions of Power: Understanding Zechariah

Chapter 9: Vision 8 - The Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8)

In Zechariah 6:1-8, we come across a fascinating eighth vision that the prophet Zechariah received from God, and it's filled with powerful messages of wisdom that relate directly to the Israelites as they returned from their seventy-year captivity in Babylon. At this point, the Jewish people were back in their homeland, trying to rebuild their city and their temple after a long period of exile, and God used this vision to give them hope and direction.

The passage begins with Zechariah seeing four chariots coming out from between two mountains, which are described as mountains of brass. In Zechariah's time, chariots were symbols of power and strength, often associated with military might. The four chariots led by powerful horses had specific colors: red, black, white, and grisled (or spotted). Each of these colors can represent different things—and many commentaries like to make them all sorts of things. However they are not the four horsemen of Revelation 6, they are the continuation of what we saw in Zechariah chapter 1, as it relates to Israel coming out of their captivity, and giving them hope for their future going into the Kingdom.

As Zechariah observes these chariots, he is curious about what this all means, so he asks the angel who is speaking to him for clarification. The angel explains that the horses represent the spirits of heaven, which go out to patrol the earth. This imagery suggests that God's authority and influence extend beyond Israel and into the entire world. The horses are sent to observe what is happening on the earth and enforce God's will, highlighting God's control over the nations and circumstances. This is the fulfilment of what was promised in the second and third vision, but God had yet to show how he would carry out this promise of reaping the earth of wickedness with his angels. Now, it is displayed in the eighth vision.

The message here is really important. For the Israelites returning from captivity, they might have been feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their situation. After decades away from their home, they faced significant challenges in rebuilding their temple and renewing their relationship with God. This vision reassured them that, despite their trials, God was actively involved in the affairs of the world. The chariots symbolize God sending out His justice, and His spirit is at work, ensuring that righteousness ultimately prevails.

In verses 7 and 8, we see that the angel tells Zechariah that the grisled horses were particularly important because they were going to the land of the south, which indicates a judgment against the nations there. Historically, this ties back to the oppressors of Israel, those nations we saw in the second vision, showing that God has not forgotten His people. He is taking action against those who have harmed Israel, reminding them that He is committed to their welfare and will judge those who have acted unjustly against them during their exile.

Finally, in verse 8, the angel reassures Zechariah that the spirit of God is at rest. This signifies that God is bringing peace and restoration to His people after a long time of suffering and struggle. This will be so when Israel goes into the Kingdom after the Great Tribulation in the end times. It's as if God is saying, "Things will be made right. You can trust Me."

In summary, Zechariah 6:1-8 presents a powerful message of hope and assurance for the Israelites returning from Babylonian captivity.  This vision provides a reminder that, although they faced difficulties, God was present, watching over them, and working to bring about a future filled with peace and restoration.