Zechariah 6:4-7

4-7. The prophet, failing to understand the vision, appeals to his companion, who supplies the desired information.

The four spirits of the heavens R.V., “the four winds” (compare Jeremiah 49:36). If the R.V. translation is correct one symbol is explained by another which, because of its familiarity, would suggest more readily the significance of the first. The four winds would symbolize the messengers of judgment which are sent by Jehovah in every direction. They go forth from the presence of Jehovah, to whom they have presented themselves to make a report, or to receive their commission. Similarly, the spirits of A.V. would be the ministering spirits sent to execute the judgment. It is difficult to choose between the two translations. In every case the context must decide whether the Hebrew word should be translated spirit or wind; here either gives good sense. More satisfactory than either A.V. or R.V. is a translation first proposed by Wellhausen, “These are going forth to the four winds of heaven from standing before the Lord of all the earth.” With this translation the subject of “are going forth” is the “four chariots” of Zechariah 6:1. This translation is in perfect accord with the rules of Hebrew grammar (G.-K., 118d, f.); if it is adopted the peculiarity of explaining one symbol by another is removed, and the reply of the angel becomes one continuous explanation, reaching its climax in Zechariah 6:8.

The angel, after stating whence the chariots proceed, indicates in Zechariah 6:6-7 the commission of each. Again they are distinguished by the color of the horses, but the red horses of Zechariah 6:2 are absent; instead, the adjectives grizzled strong or grizzled and bay of Zechariah 6:3 are separated and applied to two different sets of horses. Since there can be no doubt that the chariots of Zechariah 6:2-3 are identical with those of Zechariah 6:6-7, the colors mentioned here must in some way correspond to those named in the other verses. The black and the white horses present no difficulty, but when they are disposed of two peculiarities remain, (1) the absence of the red horses, (2) the separation of the grizzled strong horses into two classes. Much ingenuity has been expended in attempts to remove these difficulties, but when all is said and done it is seen that the attempts are not successful. Two of the ancient versions, Peshitto and Aquila, present a solution; they read red instead of strong in Zechariah 6:7 (so margin R.V.), which restores the four colors, black, red, white, grizzled. The error arose first in Zechariah 6:7; from there a later writer inserted strong also in Zechariah 6:3.

The north country Babylonia. North is used because the Assyrian and Babylonian armies were accustomed to invade Palestine from the north; in reality Babylonia was east of Judah (Zechariah 2:6; see also on Joel 2:20; compare Jeremiah 1:14; Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 6:1).

After them If the present Hebrew text is correct the thought is that the white horses go to the aid of the black (see below). Babylon, as the strongest enemy and the one most guilty, will suffer the severest judgment.

The south country The other long-time enemy of Judah, Egypt, was found there; but if Egypt is in the prophet’s mind it serves only as a type of all enemies in the south. The red (R.V., bay) also “went forth,” but it is not stated whither they went. The tense is the same as in Zechariah 6:6; therefore instead of “went forth” we should translate, as in Zechariah 6:6, “go forth,” for the opening words of Zechariah 6:7 are the continuation of Zechariah 6:6. After go forth a break should be made, for the succeeding words, “and sought to go… ,” refer not only to the red horses, but to the horses hitched to all four chariots. They had come forth from between the two mountains, and the angel had pointed out their destinations, but thus far Jehovah had not given the command to go. Now they begin to express their desire to go about their errands, and they receive permission to go.

Get you hence Literally, Go ye. As soon as the command is given they proceed. The above appears to be the best interpretation of the present Hebrew text; but in view of the reference to the “four winds of heaven” (Zechariah 6:5) we would expect all four points of the compass to be indicated in connection with the chariots, instead of only two. It has been suggested, therefore, to change after them to toward the west country, a meaning which Ewald thinks may be gotten from the present Hebrew text, which reads literally, “toward behind them” (see on Joel 2:20). The red horses would be commissioned to go “toward the east country.” With these emendations 6, 7a would read, “The black horses which are therein (in the chariot) go forth into the north country; and the white go forth toward the west country; and the grizzled go forth toward the south country; and the red go forth toward the east country.”