Zechariah Chapter 6 — The Four Chariots and the Branch
Zechariah sees a vision of four chariots patrolling the earth and is commanded to crown Joshua the high priest, symbolizing a future ruler known as the Branch.
1Again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of bronze.
2In the first chariot were red horses. In the second chariot were black horses.
3In the third chariot were white horses. In the fourth chariot were dappled horses, all of them powerful.
4Then I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5The angel answered me, “These are the four winds of the sky, which go out from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6The one with the black horses goes out toward the north country; and the white went out after them; and the dappled went out toward the south country.”
7The strong went out, and sought to go that they might walk back and forth through the earth. He said, “Go around and through the earth!” So they walked back and forth through the earth.
8Then he called to me, and spoke to me, saying, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.”
9The LORD’s word came to me, saying,
10“Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon.
11Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;
12and speak to him, saying, ‘The LORD of Armies says, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch! He will grow up out of his place; and he will build the LORD’s temple.
13He will build the LORD’s temple. He will bear the glory, and will sit and rule on his throne. He will be a priest on his throne. The counsel of peace will be between them both.
14The crowns shall be to Helem, to Tobijah, to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the LORD’s temple.
15Those who are far off shall come and build in the LORD’s temple; and you shall know that the LORD of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen, if you will diligently obey the LORD your God’s voice.” ’ ”*The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Zechariah 6:5
“The angel answered me, “These are the four winds of the sky, which go out from standing before the Lord of all the earth.””
This verse identifies the chariots as heavenly agents performing God's will across the globe.
Zechariah 6:12
“and speak to him, saying, ‘The LORD of Armies says, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch! He will grow up out of his place; and he will build the LORD’s temple.” ’”
This verse introduces a messianic figure called the Branch who is tasked with rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah 6:13
“He will build the LORD’s temple. He will bear the glory, and will sit and rule on his throne. He will be a priest on his throne. The counsel of peace will be between them both.”
This verse highlights the unique combination of royal and priestly roles in a single individual.
Chapter Summary
Zechariah Chapter 6 begins with the eighth and final vision of the prophet: four chariots drawn by horses of different colors—red, black, white, and dappled—emerging from between two mountains of bronze. An angel explains that these chariots represent the four winds of heaven, which go out from the presence of the Lord to patrol the earth. The spirits sent toward the north are specifically mentioned as having quieted God's spirit in that region, indicating the fulfillment of His purpose there. Following the vision, the Lord instructs Zechariah to take silver and gold from returned exiles to fashion a crown for Joshua, the high priest. This act is symbolic of a figure called 'the Branch,' who is prophesied to build the temple of the Lord, bear royal glory, and rule as both a king and a priest on his throne. The chapter concludes with a promise that those from distant lands will come to assist in building the temple, contingent upon the people's diligent obedience to God's voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The angel explains that the four chariots represent the four winds of the sky. They are heavenly agents sent out from the presence of the Lord to patrol and perform His work throughout the earth.
In this chapter, 'the Branch' is a title used for a figure who will build the Lord’s temple and rule with glory. While the crown is placed on Joshua the high priest as a sign, the text points toward a future leader who will embody both kingly and priestly authority.
The chariots emerge from between two mountains made of bronze. In biblical imagery, bronze often symbolizes strength or judgment, suggesting the divine authority and power behind the mission of the chariots.
Study Note
The crowning of Joshua as a priest-king is unique, as the offices of king and priest were traditionally kept separate in Israelite history until this prophetic sign.
Related Chapters
Revelation 6
Both chapters use the imagery of four colored horses to represent divine activity on earth.
Ezra 3
Ezra provides historical context for the rebuilding of the temple mentioned in Zechariah's visions.
Jeremiah 23
Jeremiah also uses the term 'Branch' to describe a future righteous leader from the line of David.
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