Zechariah's Eighth Vision: The Four Chariots From God Series

Intro

In our study of Zechariah, we come to the last of his eight visions. On the night of February 15, 519 BC God gave Zechariah eight visions concerning His plans for Israel.i These are recorded in the first six chapters of the book.

Follow with me as we read Zechariah 6:1-8 from the NKJV.

“Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. 2 With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, 3 with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses — strong steeds. 4 Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my lord?"

5 And the angel answered and said to me, "These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The one with the black horses is going to the north country, the white are going after them, and the dappled are going toward the south country." 7 Then the strong steeds went out, eager to go, that they might walk to and fro throughout the earth. And He said, "Go, walk to and fro throughout the earth." So they walked to and fro throughout the earth. 8 And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, "See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Spirit in the north country."ii

These visions came to Zechariah at a time when God’s people were apprehensive about their future. Zechariah and his companions in Jerusalem had come from Babylon to rebuild the temple. The nation had endured 70 years of judgment for their unfaithfulness to God. This small remnant had begun their task with great zeal as recorded in the book of Ezra. But the opposition they encountered was much worse than anticipated. After laying the foundation for the temple, they lost heart and discontinued the work for 16 years. Zechariah’s assignment was to reignite their faith for the task at hand.

The eight visions bring assurance that God’s plans for the nation have not been abandoned. Their sin had to be dealt with. But in the end, God’s election of the nation would remain firm. Correction does not mean rejection. In fact, Hebrews 12 tells us that correction is evidence of belonging to God. The people in Zechariah’s day needed the assurance of God’s faithfulness, in spite of their failures. And don’t we need to be encouraged in the same way as Christians. Being in God’s will does not necessarily mean the path will be easy. Look at Christ’s journey on earth. Read 2 Corinthians 4-5 and see how that played out in Paul’s life. Read the history of all the apostles and church history. God does not promise an easy life. He promises a meaningful life. He promises a journey that prepares you for eternity. He promises to be with you every step of the way.

In my devotions this week I was encouraged by this verse from Deuteronomy 31:8. Perhaps it will encourage you as well. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” We used to sing the old hymn,

“If Jesus Goes with Me.” The chorus says:

If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go – Anywhere!

‘Tis heaven to me, Where’re I may be, If He is there!

I count it a privilege here—His cross to bear

If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go – Anywhere!iii

What we need more than anything else is an assurance of His presence. The Psalmist wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me. . .” (Ps 23:4).

What is God doing through these 8 visions? He is assuring His people of His faithfulness. The correction of Israel was severe, but it was not rejection. As Paul wrote in Romans 11:29: “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” What Paul teaches in Romans 9-11 about the nation of Israel is affirmed in these eight visions. Speaking of the nation, Paul asks the question in Romans 11:1: “Has God cast away His people?” His immediate answer is: “Certainly not!” Correction does not mean rejection.

Let’s look at this vision under three headings.

I. Judgment Initiated

II. Judgment Executed

III. Judgment Completed

I. Judgment Initiated

The text begins with Zechariah looking up and seeing “four chariots were coming from between two mountains.” Chariots were the war machine of the day. Although occasionally used by kings and dignitaries, Chariots were primarily used in battle.iv