A more Definite Version of the Allegory in Zechariah 1:8 ff. Here, however, the horsemen of the former allegory, who represent messengers, are replaced by chariots which symbolise warlike agencies. By mountains of brass (or rather bronze) we are not to understand the Lebanon with its copper mines (Cheyne), for in that case we should require the definite article (read RV text, not mg. in Zechariah 6:1; so LXX). Perhaps the two mountains (bronze indicates their irresistible strength) are, so to speak, gateposts on the road to the four quarters of the world from the abode of God. In Zechariah 6:3 omit strong (see mg.) and substitute red for it in Zechariah 6:7 (see mg.). In MT of Zechariah 6:5 the chariots symbolize the four winds of heaven; a slight change gives the superior sense, These (i.e. the chariots) are going forth unto the four winds of heaven after presenting themselves unto, etc. For the meaningless after them (Zechariah 6:6), the Heb. of which is peculiar, we evidently require some point of the compass; Wellhausen suggests the jand of the east. There is a confusion of the tenses; the present tense should probably be read in all cases in Zechariah 6:6 and in the first clause of Zechariah 6:7, which has further suffered some mutilation, since the destination of the fourth chariot, probably the west, is not mentioned. The subject of sought (i.e. asked permission) is obviously not, as EV suggests, the bay horses, but the occupants of all four chariots. Their audience is now over, and they ask leave, which is granted, to depart on their several missions. For have quieted (Zechariah 6:8) we must read will quiet; i.e. the chariot with the black horses goes out to take vengeance on the north country, and to satisfy the Lord's spirit which has been distressed by the injury done to His people. The text at the beginning of Zechariah 6:8 is somewhat uncertain. Zechariah apparently (see Zechariah 1:11) looked for judgment on the north country, not from the existing political situation, but as satisfying Divine justice.
Zechariah 6:1-8
1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.
2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and baya horses.
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spiritsb of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
7 And the bay 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.
8 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.