The Four Chariots

Zechariah 6:1–8
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The eighth vision of the four chariots can be divided into two parts:

1. The details of the vision (vv. 1-3).
2. 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.