John Calvin Commentary Zechariah 6:8

"Then cried he to me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, they that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country." — Zechariah 6:8 (ASV)

From this verse we learn that the primary purpose of the vision was that the Jews might know that the dreadful tumults in Chaldea, which had partly happened and were still to take place, were not stirred up without a purpose.

Instead, all things were governed by God’s hidden counsel. Furthermore, God had so disturbed and embarrassed the state of that empire that its end might be expected.

Therefore, there is no reason for anyone to labor too anxiously to understand the significance of every part of the prophecy, since its overall meaning is clear. But why does the angel expressly speak of the land of the south rather than of the land of the north, or of the whole world?

It is because the eyes of all were fixed on that region. For Chaldea, we know, had been, as it were, the grave of the Church, from which the remnant had emerged, so that there might be some people by whom God would be worshipped.

The angel then here invites the Jews to consider the providence of God, so that they might know that whatever changes had taken place in that country had come from the hidden counsel of God.

The words, they have quieted my spirit, are understood by interpreters in two ways. Some think that God’s favor towards his people is indicated here, as if he had said that he was already pacified. Others, by the word "spirit," understand the vengeance of God, because he had sufficiently poured out his wrath on the Chaldeans. Both meanings fit the context well.

For it was no small comfort to the Jews that God had poured out his wrath on the Babylonians until it was satisfied, as when someone does not cease to be angry until he has fulfilled his desire. This way of speaking often occurs in Scripture.

I am therefore inclined to accept the second explanation: that God began to be quieted after the second chariot had gone out, for he was then reconciled to his chosen people, and their deliverance immediately followed.

So that the Jews might know that God would be favorable to them, he tells them to remain quiet and undisturbed in their minds until these chariots had completed their course through the whole of Chaldea. For what the angel now says would be fulfilled: namely, that the Spirit of God, who previously seemed to be disturbed when he enveloped all things in darkness, even in Judea itself, would be quieted.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that since we are exposed here to so many evils, which often suddenly arise like violent tempests, O grant that, with hearts raised up to heaven, we may submit to Your hidden providence. May we, though tossed here and there according to the judgment of our flesh, yet remain fixed in this truth which You would have us believe—that all things are governed by You, and that nothing takes place except through Your will—so that in the greatest confusions we may always clearly see Your hand and know that Your counsel is altogether right, and perfectly and uniquely wise and just. And may we always call upon You and flee to this refuge—that though we are tossed here and there, You may always sustain us by Your hand—until we are at last received into that blessed rest which has been obtained for us by the blood of Your only-begotten Son. Amen.