Zechariah 6:2

"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."

Instead of attempting to assign some mystical or specific significance to the various colors of the horses, perhaps we should accept them in the sense of their representing various ways in which the judgments of God are visited upon his enemies. Furthermore, we unhesitatingly identify them as similar in meaning and purpose to the so-called Four Horsemen of the Apocalpyse. The red horse stands for war, the black horse for famine, the pale horse for death; and the white horse suggests triumph and victory. One should read in this connection the series of seals, trumpets, and bowls in the Book of Revelation.

Most significantly, the horse and chariot were the ancient equivalent of the modern tank in warfare, hence their association with the judgments of God. Whereas the previous visions have been directed to the particular affairs of Israel, this one looks to the judgment of God upon the nations, a judgment already concluded in the overthrow of Babylon, but a judgment yet to fall upon a succession of enemies of the divine purpose which would appear in history. Baldwin called the horses, "Symbols of God's initiative in international affairs."[3] Hailey also understood these varicolored horses to, "indicate God's judgments of famine, pestilence, and sword, which were victorious in their mission."[4]