CRITICAL NOTES.] Chariots] Symbolic of four great empires described (Daniel 2:31-43; Daniel 7:3-7): or of the four winds of heaven (Zechariah 6:5). Two mountains] Between Moriah and Zion, some; others, emblems of Medes and Persians, corresponding to the two horns (Daniel 8:14). Brass] Strength and solidity (cf. Jeremiah 1:18).
Zechariah 6:2. Red] The colours indicate the character of the dispensations. Red, a symbol of cruelty, war, and bloodshed. Black] of calamity and sorrow. White] of prosperity and gladness. Grisled and bay] or piebald, of a mixed dispensation, light and darkness, prosperity and adversity.
Zechariah 6:5. Angel] explains. Spirits] (winds, marg.), emblem of the destructive powers and agencies of Divine judgments (cf. Psalms 148:8; Jeremiah 49:36; Revelation 7:2; Revelation 7:8). Henderson gives, “angels or celestial spirits, represented as employed by God to carry into effect his high behests, which they receive in his immediate presence (Job 1:6; Job 2:1), and then proceed to the different quarters of the globe in which the special operations of Divine Providence are to be carried forward.”
Zechariah 6:6. North] To conquer Babylonians. After them] Alexander and his suceessors go forth to conquer the Persians. South] Egypt and Arabia.
Zechariah 6:7. Bay] Lit. strong or fleet. Sought] Eagerly seeking for permission to do what had to be done. Walk] in the land, unmolested by invasion, yet not free from annoyance; a mixed state of affairs in Israel for a considerable period. Get] Permission given by him who commands the chariots.
Zechariah 6:8. Quieted my spirit] i.e. have appeased mine anger, or caused it to rest (Judges 8:3; Ecclesiastes 10:4; Ezekiel 5:13). Babylon alone in the days of the prophet was punished; God’s anger was satisfied in that direction; other monarchies had to expiate their sins.
HOMILETICS
GOD’S PROVIDENCE GUARDS THE INTERESTS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.—Zechariah 6:1-8
Under the type of four chariots the providence of God is represented in this vision as guiding the agencies of the world, in reference to the destinies of God’s people.
I. The powers of the world are subservient to the interests of the Christian Church. The history of the world is arranged with a view to promote the welfare of God’s people and to establish the kingdom of the Messiah. Hence all things are designed and adjusted to work in mutual action and united tendency for the good of the Christian (Romans 8:28).
1. In their origin. “There came four chariots out from between two mountains.” Calvin explains the mountains as the hiding-place of the Divine purpose, which is kept back until the time for its revelation and execution. All events and agencies emanate from the decrees of God, which are firm and immovable as mountains of brass.
2. In their nature. The messengers of God are sent to accomplish various designs. Some go on errands of bloodshed and mourning; some as heralds of joy and triumph; and others have missions mixed with joy and grief, prosperity and adversity
3. In their direction. Some go to the north, and others to the south (Zechariah 6:6). They all start from a common centre, the purpose of the Eternal, but are sent in different directions. In all quarters of the globe God is supreme, and sees the end from the beginning of events. Nothing is contingent or happens unknown to him. “Political changes,” says Moore, “are only the moving of the shadow on the earthly dial-plate that marks the mightiest revolutions going forward in the heavens.”
II. The powers of the world are employed according to the design of God concerning the Christian Church. God’s swift messengers are sent forth to accomplish the counsels of his will.
1. To punish some. War, pestilence, famine, and destructive agencies bring mourning and distress. God can turn nations one against another, and white horses may follow black.
2. To caution others. To many, providences are a cup mixed with bitter and sweet; life to them is now prosperous and then adverse.
3. To help God’s people. Whatever be the dispensations of God to others, they portend good only to his people. Swiftly and triumphantly are the chariots driven along, agitating the earth like rushing winds; but the Church of God is secure. “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
THE ADMINISTRATION OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE.—Zechariah 6:2-8
In this vision we have an insight of the providence of God in its relation to men.
I. It is various in its aspects. There were red and white horses, grisled and bay. Events have different aspects, and the times change like the face of the sky. One thing is set over against the other, and the cup of God’s hand is full of mixture (Psalms 75:8).
II. It is supreme in its operations. All events “go forth” from God. He commands and he restrains. He is supreme,
1. Over all agencies. The chariots are driven by his skill, and the winds gathered in his fists (Proverbs 30:4).
2. Over all times. In all ages of the world, and in every period of national and personal history, God rules. All the laws and forces of the universe were created and are preserved and directed by him. There is no chance nor caprice; there are no inferior deities, like the store-keepers of Jupiter, in the providence of God.
III. It is wonderful in its method. In John’s vision angels are represented as holding the winds (Revelation 7:1). “Why not the angels,” asks Wardlaw, “in the vision of Zechariah, be considered as directing the winds?” Angels stand before God, “excel in strength,” and are “ministers of his that do his pleasure.” How strange that God should employ the mightiest and most intelligent creatures in the universe on our behalf. Well may Shakespeare exclaim, “Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!”
IV. It is rapid in its movements. Swift as chariots and sudden as the winds are changes often wrought. Now sunshine beams upon nations and they bask in prosperity; then clouds and storms gather over them and joy is driven away. “The chariot of God’s providence runneth not upon broken wheels,” says Rutherford.
V. It is satisfactory to God in its results. “They have quieted my spirit.” This may refer to the satisfaction of Divine justice in executing vengeance upon the enemies of his people (of. ch. Zechariah 1:15, and Isaiah 1:24). Wrath and mercy may be deferred, but will eventually be revealed God’s people should hope on and work earnestly. God’s enemies should beware lest they be overtaken in their sins. “The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”
THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS.— Zechariah 6:7
In these words the charioteers are represented as asking permission to do what they could for the holy land. They have to wait, but the command is given and they are swift in obedience. Take them as describing the ministry of angels.
I. It is extensive in range. “To and fro through the earth.” North or south, as God commissions them (Zechariah 6:6).
II. It is antagonistic in its character. Satan and his angels walk to and fro in the earth to do mischief. They roam in restless activity, and no place is secure from their attacks (Job 1:7). But the messengers of Jehovah are more numerous and powerful than all against us. The ultimate triumph is certain, we may therefore have confidence.
III. It is retributive in its design. To punish the enemies of God’s people and satisfy the demands of his justice. They not only minister mercy but execute vengeance.
IV. It is eager in its spirit. They “sought to go that they might walk,” they were eager and ready to be employed.
“They stand with wings outspread
Listening to catch the Master’s least command,
And fly through Nature ere the moment ends” [Carrington].
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Zechariah 6:1. Brass. Mountains of brass denote the immovable decrees of God, his steady execution of his counsels, and the insuperable restraints that are upon all empires and counsels, which God keeps within the barriers of such impregnable mountains that not one can start till he opens the way [Cruden’s Concordance].
Zechariah 6:4. What? Difficulty doth but whet desire in heroic spirits; the harder the vision, the more earnest was the prophet’s inquisition; he was restless till better resolved, and therefore applieth himself again to his angel tutor, rather than tutelar, whom for honour’s sake he called my lord [Trapp].
Zechariah 6:7. Sought. This doth not teach that the angels are more careful of this world than God is, of whom they desired it. But first, that they can do nothing without commission from him. Secondly, that they are ever ready to offer their service and yield obedience upon the least intimation of the Divine pleasure [Trapp]. From the whole section we learn—that the earth may seem to be quiet and at peace while the people of God are in a weak and suffering condition; that the outward peace of the earth will be disturbed in due time, and God’s people wonderfully delivered; that whatever sad dispensations God sends upon the nations, the Church will be his special care; that his purpose will be fully accomplished and all things done according to his mind, therefore his people may trust his wisdom, power, and love.
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 6
Zechariah 6:1-8. Providence. Everything or what mark it is aimed at; but the that acts for an end must know that archer that puts it in and darts it out of end or be directed by another to attain the bow knows [Charnock]. Providence that end. The arrow doth not know certainly does not attend merely to the who shoots it, or to what end it is shot, interests of individuals, but the profound wisdom of its counsels extends to the right ordering and betterment of all [Humbolt].
Zechariah 6:5. Angels stand. A king is there where his court is, where his train and retinue are; so God, the Lord of Hosts, is there specially present where the heavenly guard, the blessed angels, keep their sacred station and rendezvous [Mede].
Zechariah 6:8. Justice satisfied. Justice is the key-note of the world, and all else is ever out of tune [Theodore Parker]. Justice always whirls in equal measure [Shakespeare].