Matthew Henry Commentary Zechariah 6:1-8

"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.