Matthew Henry Commentary Zechariah 6
Matthew Henry Commentary
Zechariah 6
Matthew Henry Commentary
Zechariah 6
"And again I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled strong horses. Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four winds of heaven, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. [The chariot] wherein are the black horses goeth forth toward the north country; and the white went forth after them; and the grizzled went forth toward the south country. And the strong went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth. 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 6:1-8 (ASV)
This vision may represent the ways of Providence in the government of this lower world. Whatever God's providences concerning us may be, in public or private affairs, we should see them all as coming from between the mountains of brass—the immovable counsels and decrees of God—and therefore consider it as much our folly to quarrel with them as it is our duty to submit to them. His providences move swiftly and strongly like chariots, but all are directed and governed by his infinite wisdom and sovereign will.
The red horses signify war and bloodshed. The black horses signify the dismal consequences of war: famines, pestilences, and desolations. The white horses signify the return of comfort, peace, and prosperity. The mixed-color horses signify events of different kinds—a day of prosperity and a day of adversity. The angels go forth as messengers of God's counsels and ministers of his justice and mercy.
And the secret influences and impulses on human spirits, by which the designs of Providence are carried on, are these four spirits of the heavens. These spirits go forth from God and fulfill what the God of the spirits of all flesh appoints.
All events that take place in the world spring from the unchangeable counsels of the Lord, which are formed in unerring wisdom, perfect justice, truth, and goodness. Moreover, history shows that events occurred around the time this vision was given to the prophet that seem to be referenced in it.
"And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, whither they are come from Babylon; yea, take [of them] silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah; even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Jehovah. And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of Jehovah; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of Jehovah your God." — Zechariah 6:9-15 (ASV)
Some Jews from Babylon brought an offering to the house of God. Those who cannot advance a good work through their personal efforts must, according to their ability, advance it with their money: if some provide the labor, let others provide the resources. Crowns were to be made and put upon the head of Joshua. The sign was used to make the promise more noticeable, that God will, in the fullness of time, raise up a great High Priest, like Joshua, who is only the figure of One who is to come.
Christ is not only the Foundation but also the Founder of this temple, by His Spirit and grace. Glory is a burden, but not too heavy for Him to bear who upholds all things. The cross was His glory, and He bore that; so also is the crown an exceeding weight of glory, and He bears that. The counsel of peace should be between the priest and the throne, between the priestly and kingly offices of Jesus Christ. The peace and welfare of the gospel church, and of all believers, shall be accomplished, though not by two separate persons, yet by two distinct offices meeting in one Person: Christ, purchasing all peace by His priesthood, and maintaining and defending it by His kingdom.
The crowns used in this solemnity must be kept in the temple as evidence of this promise of the Messiah. Let us not think of separating what God has joined in His counsel of peace. We cannot come to God by Christ as our Priest if we refuse to have Him rule over us as our King. We have no real ground to believe our peace is made with God unless we strive to keep His commandments.
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