Bible Commentaries
Zechariah 6

Verse 1

Zec 6:1. The first 8 verses of this chapter have virtually the same meaning as the closing ones of the preced¬ing chapter. Four chariots represents the four corners of the earth unto which the power of God reaches, and this power was sent forth from Jerusalem that is situated in the midst of various mountains.

Verse 2

Zec 6:2. Bed symbolizes bloodshed and black brings famine. Both of these conditions bad to come before the revolution predicted could be accomplished.

Verse 3

Zec 6:3. These horses merely signify some of the various effects that would result from the events of the invasion by a heathen power.

Verse 4

Zec 6:4, Again the prophet is left to make inquiry on the subject, evidently to get the matter in the focus of his attention and also to direct the thoughts of the reader,

Verse 5

Zec 6:5. Four spirits are the same as "four corners" in verse 1.

Verse 6

Zec 6:6. As the north country denotes Babylon (see the comments on Isa 14:31), so the south would mean Judah that was taken to Babylon.

Verse 7

Zec 6:7. These horses represent the activity in general that took place as all this revolution was going on that was to chastise and reform God's people.

Verse 8

Zec 6:8. Quieted my spirit in the north country. This is a reference to the fact that the people of God were cured of idolatry by their stay in that country. When they came out of the captivity in that land they left their idolatry in it and that, "quieted” the spirit of God; it satisfied Him with their reformation.

Verse 9

Zec 6:9. This verse is another assurance of the inspiration of Zechariah.

Verse 10

Zec 6:10. The men named were among them who came back from Babylon. Zechariah was told to take these men and enter the house of Josiah who was then living in Judea.

Verse 11

Zec 6:11. The men named who had come from Babylon had brought along some silver and gold. They did this by the direction of the reigning king in Babylon, according to Ezr 1:4. Zechariah was to use some of that metal in making a crown to be placed on the head of the high priest. This was to indicate that the service of the altar was to be resumed.

Verse 12

Zec 6:12. This is another instance where the prophet advances his prediction of favor for God’s people from fleshly to spiritual Israel. This and the following verses of the chapter predict the work of Christ and his kingdom upon the earth. He is called The Branch by way of importance and because His work was destined to grow up out of his place. The temple that he was to build is the church which is recognized by that name in 1Co 3:16 and 2Co 6:16.

Verse 13

Zec 6:13. Priest upon his throne. Christ was to unite in himseif the two offices of priest and king. That was never permitted in the Mosaic system; the two were not even from the same tribe. The kings were from the tribe of Judah and the priests were from the tribe of Levi. In 2Ch 26:16 is an account of a king who tried to assume the office of priest but got into serious trouble with the Lord over it. Not only was Christ lo be both king and priest, but his followers are said to be, likewise. (See 1Co 4:8; 1Pe 2:9; Rev 5:10 Rev 19:16.) However, we should understand that Christians rank second in these positions compared with Christ. Counsel of peace shall be between them both. The first word is defined by “advice” and “plan" in the lexicon, and it has been rendered "purpose” in the A.V. The thought is that the two functions will cooperate in complete harmony.

Verse 14

Zec 6:14. The men named were out-standing Jews who came back from the captivity. The crowns (mentioned in verse 11) were to serve to them, or in their sight, as memorials or reminders of the prediction made in verse 13.

Verse 15

Zec 6:15. The term far off identifies the prediction as applying to the Gentiles who were to be included in the service under this Priest-King. (See Act 2:39 and Eph 2:13-19.) This great twofold office of Christ was to be for the benefit of all mankind regardless of race or nationality.