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ZECHARIAH 6

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

1. This eighth vision seems to parallel Zech. 1:7-17, the first vision (the same number of colored horses and the same patrolling activity in all directions; YHWH's all knowing imagery).
   
   
2. The main thrust is God's knowledge and control of human history to accomplish His complete redemptive purposes.
   SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
   
   
3. Zechariah 6:9-15 is not another vision, but a historical reference focused toward Joshua. This Messianic passage links the royal aspect (i.e., "crown," Zech. 6:11; "sit and rule on His throne," 6:13) and the priestly aspects ("the high priest," Zech. 6:11; "He will be a priest on His throne," 6:13).
   
   

   Yet, it must be asserted that the term "Branch" may refer to Zerubbabel (cf. Zech. 3:8). It is obvious that Joshua and Zerubbabel are linked together (cf. Zech. 4:1,14; 6:13). This linking of king and priest is also present in Ps. 110:1,4 and implied in 1 Sam. 2:35.
   SPECIAL TOPIC: The Branch of the Lord (Messianic title)

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ZECHARIAH 6:1-8 
 ¹Now I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming forth from between the two mountains; and the mountains were bronze mountains. ²With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, ³with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot strong dappled horses. ⁴Then I spoke and said to the angel who was speaking with me, "What are these, my lord?" ⁵The angel replied to me, "These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth after standing before the Lord of all the earth, ⁶with one of which the black horses are going forth to the north country; and the white ones go forth after them, while the dappled ones go forth to the south country. ⁷When the strong ones went out, they were eager to go to patrol the earth." And He said, "Go, patrol the earth." So they patrolled the earth. ⁸Then He cried out to me and spoke to me saying, "See, those who are going to the land of the north have appeased My wrath in the land of the north."

6:1 "I lifted up my eyes again and looked" This is a literary formula to introduce another vision. See note at Zech. 1:8.

▣ "four chariots" The number four (BDB 916) is often used as a symbol of

1. the whole world (or known world, cf. Daniel 2,7)
2. the universe (cf. Dan. 8:8; 11:4; Zech. 6:5
3. see John J. Davis, Biblical Numerology, pp. 122-123; Encyclopedia Judaica, vol. 12, pp. 1255-1259; or Milton S. Terry, Biblical Hermeneutics, p. 382).
   1. four horsemen, Zech. 1:8
   2. four horns/four craftsmen, Zech. 1:18,20
   3. four winds of heaven, Zech. 2:10
   4. four chariots, Zech. 6:1
   5. four spirits (or "winds," like Zech. 2:10) of heaven, Zech. 6:5

"Chariots" (BDB 939) were war machines, the fastest and deadliest of the day.

SPECIAL TOPIC: SYMBOLIC NUMBERS IN SCRIPTURE, #2

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARIOTS

▣ "two mountains" The term "mountain" (BDB 249) is used several times in Zechariah.

1. Zech. 4:7, the problems (i.e., the surrounding nations) facing Zerubbabel in rebuilding the temple
2. Zech. 6:1, bronze mountains of opposition against YHWH's judgment on the nations
3. Zech. 14:4-5, opposition of the nations to YHWH and the safety of God's people

Mountains often symbolize the opposition of the nations which YHWH will remove (e.g., Isa. 41:15; Jer. 13:16; 51:25).

The aspect of "two" mountains with a valley in between may foreshadow Zech. 14:4-5 (the eschatological work of the Messiah), which builds on the literal valley between the temple (Mt. Moriah) and the Mount of Olives.

If the Jerusalem area is the object of the symbol, it is also possible that the two "bronze pillars" in front of the temple itself (cf. 1 Kgs. 7:15-22) are the focus. This would imply that YHWH dwells with His people again in His temple being rebuilt (cf. Dan. 9:20-27).

▣ "bronze" This was the strongest alloy known in that day (BDB 638, cf. 1 Kings 7:13-22). This description as being of bronze shows their symbolic nature.

6:2 "red horses" The color red (BDB 10) is probably reddish brown when it refers to animals.

▣ "black horses" Chapters 1 and 6 of Zechariah do not parallel exactly. There are two reddish houses in chapter 1, but no black one is specifically mentioned in the MT.

From these English translations it is obvious there are two options:

1. the color of the horses (but different from the ones mentioned in Zech. 1:8; there seems to be no significance attached to the different colors)
2. the strength of the horses

The Hebrew term (BDB 55; NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 738) means "strength" or "might" and probably applies to all of the horses, not the color of the last horse (BDB 136, spotted or dappled, cf. Gen. 31:10,12).

It is also possible that the red chariot (following chapter 1) contains the leader of the group and it, thereby, is designated by the term "strong" (cf. Milton S. Terry, Biblical Hermeneutics, p. 355).

6:4 This parallels Zech. 1:19.

The Hebrew word (BDB 924) can be translated "breath," "wind," or "spirit," depending on the context. In Ezekiel 37 it is used in all three senses.

1. breath, Ezek. 37:5,6,8,9,10 (cf. Gen. 6:17; 7:15,22)
2. wind, Ezek. 37:9 (cf. Gen. 8:1)
3. spirit, Ezek. 37:1,14 (cf. Gen. 1:2; 6:3; 41:38; 45:27)

The phrase, "the four winds" is also used in Jer. 49:36; Dan. 7:2; 11:4; Rev. 7:1 in a universal sense (see note at Zech 5:3; NIDOTTE, vol. 1, pp. 495-6).

SPECIAL TOPIC: BREATH, WIND, SPIRIT

SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE

SPECIAL TOPIC: SYMBOLIC NUMBERS IN SCRIPTURE, #2

▣ "standing before" This is a Hebrew idiom (BDB 426, KB 427, Hithpael INFINITIVE), which denotes service. Here it speaks of angelic beings presenting themselves before YHWH as in Job 1:6; 2:1.

▣ "the Lord of all the earth" See note at Zech. 4:14 and 5:3.

6:6 "north" This term refers to the invaders of Palestine from Mesopotamia. Because of the desert these empires followed the Euphrates River to the coastal plain and then went south. Therefore, "the north" became an idiom of peril, invasion, death, exile.

The Hebrew text has the term (BDB 29) "after them" (NASB, NKJV) or "following them" (NJB). This means the black and white horses would go the same direction. It is possible to understand the PREPOSITION in Zech. 6:6 as

1. "beside," implying another direction (i.e., west)
2. "the region of the west" (NRSV, REB, JPSOA footnote)
3. "toward the sea" (NEB), which seems to fit the context of "four" representing the entire known world

The UBS Text Project, p. 405, gives "towards behind them" an "A" rating.

The term "strong" (BDB 55) was used in Zech. 6:3 to describe all of the four colored horses, so too here, instead of a color (NET, p. 1670, #8; NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 443).

The JPSOA footnote suggests an emendation that reads this phrase as "the bay ones will go out to the region of the east."

These angels were ready and eager to serve YHWH, but they must wait for His permission (BDB 229, KB 246, Qal IMPERATIVE, "go" and BDB 229, KB 246, Hithpael IMPERATIVE, "partrol"). They are a symbolic way of representing His omniscient presence and knowledge, as does the "four colored horses" of Zech. 1:8-11.

This Hebrew term (BDB 628, KB 679) is the Hiphil PERFECT, meaning "to cause to rest" or "give rest." It is also used several times of YHWH's wrath being appeased in Ezekiel (cf. Zech. 5:13; 16:42; 24:13).

Literally it is "my spirit" referring to YHWH's personified wrath. This may refer to Cyrus' defeat (cf. Isa. 44:28-54:1) of Babylon.

The JPSOA translation is a suggested emendation based on post-biblical usage of the MT words.

Zechariah 6:7 and 8 are direct speech, but from whom? It is difficult in this type of literature to identify the speakers. Sometimes the prophet (cf. Zech. 6:9-12) and the angels speak for God (cf.Zech. 6:7). However, this is complicated in Messianic texts when the Messiah (angel of the Lord, cf. Zech. 3:6-8) speaks as God. I think it best to understand Zech. 6:7 and 8 as YHWH speaking and 6:5-6 as the angel speaking.

SPECIAL TOPIC: MESSIAH

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ANGEL OF THE LORD

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: ZECHARIAH 6:9-15 
 ⁹The word of the Lord also came to me, saying, ¹⁰"Take an offering from the exiles, from Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah; and you go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have arrived from Babylon. ¹¹Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. ¹²Then say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, "Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord. ¹³Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices."' ¹⁴Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the Lord to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen the son of Zephaniah. ¹⁵Those who are far off will come and build the temple of the Lord. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And it will take place if you completely obey the Lord your God."

6:9 "The word of the Lord also came to me" This is a prophetic formula which introduces a new revelation from YHWH (cf. Zech. 1:1,7; 4:6,8; 6:9; 7:1,4,8; 8:1,18). Theologically this asserts that the information is not from human origin, but from a divine source. Inspiration is a crucial, non-compromisable truth. The Bible is not just another "holy" book of the world religions!

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE BIBLE (its uniqueness and inspiration)

SPECIAL TOPIC: INSPIRATION

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF THE BIBLE

Most English translations understand the VERB (BDB 542, KB 534, Qal INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE) as referring to

1. the silver and gold from exiles in Persia
2. but the RSV, NAB, and NET Bibles assume it refers to a select group from among the exiles as a way to honor all those Jews who chose to return

There is no stated OBJECT of the VERB in the Hebrew text.

I think this refers to the returning Jewish Levites and priests from Babylon coming with a gift from the Persian court to help rebuild the temple (cf. Ezra 7:13-16; 8:24-30). They are told to go immediately to Josiah's house (another priest, cf. Jer. 29:25,29), who was possibly their host.

▣ "enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have arrived from Babylon" It is possible to interpret this as

1. all four men named had just come from Persia with gifts for the new temple. Josiah's lineage is given because he was the most prominent of the group (cf. Joyce Baldwin, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, p. 132).
2. Another way is to see Josiah as a resident of Jerusalem, where the group of three men stayed (cf. H.C. Leupold, Exposition of Zechariah, p. 121).
3. If so, the concluding phrase is out of normal order (cf. UBS' Handbook on Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, pp. 170-171).

6:11 "crown" This is PLURAL (used with a SINGULAR VERB in Zech. 6:14), but it seems to refer to one crown, possibly a double crown (like those from Egypt) symbolizing "the two offices" (cf. Zech. 6:13). The Hebrew term (BDB 742) does not refer to a priestly crown (BDB 63, cf. Exod 29:6; Lev. 8:9), but to a royal one (cf. Zech. 9:16; 1 Chr. 20:2; Isa. 28:5; 2:3; Jer. 13:18; Ezek. 21:26).

▣ "on the head of Joshua. . .the high priest" Some theories relating to the high priest crowned as king are:

1. for political reasons Zerubbabel could not be crowned
2. a textual error
3. a scribal change
4. Joshua was a type of Christ as both priest and king as Jesus was in the NT in the book of Hebrews (cf. Heb. 5:1-10; 7:1-25; see SPECIAL TOPIC: MELCHIZEDEK)
5. the high priest, after Zerubbabel's death, took over the office of king (as did eight Hasmonian rulers)

6:12 "Then say to him, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts'" What a powerful affirmation of YHWH's desire to communicate (cf. Hag. 1:2,5,7; 2:6; Zech. 1:14; 6:12; 8:2,20). YHWH is giving specific information through His chosen speaker (i.e., a prophet). The exact method of inspiration is not always known, but here it is a verbal message (see SPECIAL TOPIC: WAYS OF REVELATION and SPECIAL TOPIC: INSPIRATION).

It is difficult to follow the levels of direct and indirect speech in Zechariah. Here it is obvious the Lord directs Zechariah to speak on His behalf. Sometimes the angel of the Lord speaks on YHWH's behalf. It is possible that in certain contexts the angel of the Lord is the Messiah. The ANTECEDENT to the PRONOUNS is not always evident from the context.

SPECIAL TOPIC: The Angel of the Lord

▣ "a man" The Messiah will be a human person (cf. Dan. 7:13). In Zechariah angels are designated as men (e.g., Zech. 1:8,10; 2:1,4), as well as the Messiah (symbolized by Joshua and Zerubbabel). YHWH will use human instrumentality to reveal Himself, accomplish redemption, and provide an example for all other human beings (i.e., Exod. 3:7-9 and vv. 10-12).

▣ "Branch" This word (BDB 855; NIDOTTE, vol. 3, pp. 148-9) means "sprout" (cf. Zech. 3:8; 6:12; Isa. 4:2; 11:1; 53:2; Jer. 23:5; 33:15). This is a title for the Messiah. In Zechariah it refers to Zerubbabel as a type of the Messiah (cf. Ibn Ezra and Rashi). The name, Zerubbabel, in Akkadian, means "shoot of Babylon." This was possibly a play on his name since he rebuilt the temple in 516 B.C., but it is really an ultimate reference to Jesus. This title and the matching VERB ("will branch out," Qal IMPERFECT) appear together in this verse.

SPECIAL TOPIC: BRANCH (MESSIANIC TITLE)

SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS THE NAZARENE

The title "Branch" is used as a VERB (BDB 855, KB 1033, Qal IMPERFECT). This may imply

1. a worldwide kingdom (cf. Isa. 45:22; 52:10; Micah 5:4; Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8)
2. a renewed (Davidic) kingdom (cf. 2 Samuel 7; Isa. 11:1)

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TENSION BETWEEN OLD COVENANT PROPHETIC MODELS AND NEW COVENANT APOSTOLIC MODELS

▣ "He will build the temple" This seems to refer to Zerubbabel historically (cf. Zech. 4:9), but to Jesus eschatologically. The temple that Jesus will build seems to be spiritual (cf. John 2:19-21), although some see it as the temple of Ezekiel 38-40. The book of the Revelation speaks of a heavenly temple (cf. Rev. 3:12; 7:15; 11:1-2,19; 14:15,17; 15:5,6,8; 16:1,17). However, when New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven (cf. Rev. 21:22), there is no temple mentioned. The book of Hebrews speaks of a heavenly tabernacle into which Jesus entered once and for all to offer Himself as a sacrifice to God on our behalf (cf. Hebrews 8-10), but it is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture, although the detailed plans of Exodus 25-27 seem to imply a heavenly original pattern.

The term "house" (BDB 108) is used often (cf. Zech. 1:16; 3:7; 4:9; 8:9) to refer to the temple (BDB 228). However, in Zech. 8:9 both terms are used synonymously, so there is no intended distinction.

6:13 This seems

1. to combine in one person both kingly and priestly offices (cf. Ps. 104:1,4)
2. to be an emphasis on two offices (i.e., two thrones). This would attribute to Zerubbabel the rebuilding of the temple, and to Joshua, sitting and co-ruling in it.
3. The LXX has "and the priest shall be on his right." Two leaders are thrown.

▣ "the counsel of peace" These two leaders would reign together in perfect cooperation and harmony. The peace (shalom, BDB 102) between them would bless the nation they serve and reflect the God of the nation they represent.

SPECIAL TOPIC: PEACE (shalom)

6:14 These four Hebrew names refer to those mentioned in Zech. 6:10, but two of the names are different. The Peshitta, NRSV, TEV, and NIV take the word hen (BDB 336), which means "grace," "favor," or "kindness" ("gracious one," possibly their host) as referring to Josiah, son of Zephaniah (cf. Zech. 6:10, JPSOA footnote).

The Hebrew language often uses different spellings for the same person. For example, there are four ways to spell Joshua.

1. Yehoshu'a, Deut. 3:21
2. Hoshe'a, Deut. 32:44
3. Yeshoshu'a, Joshua 1:1
4. Yeshu'a, Neh. 8:17

The same person can also go by several names (nick names, titles). For example, Moses' father-in-law:

1. Jethro, Exod. 3:1
2. Jether, Exod. 4:18
3. Reuel, Exod. 2:18
4. Priest of Median, Exod. 3:1
5. Hobab, Jdgs. 4:11

This majestic coronation of Joshua as symbolic co-ruler with the Branch is a powerful symbol of the coming Priest-King Messiah (cf. Psalm 110)! Exactly how this is related to the men listed is uncertain. This event is far more significant than just a memorial to four men. This is the focus of the preceding visions. It had national and international implications (cf. Zech. 6:15).

The crown (BDB 742 I, PLURAL) was obviously not worn everyday, but displayed as a fulfilled and to-be fulfilled promise of restoration and complete eschatological restoration!

6:15 "Those who are far off" Historically this refers to

1. the Jews of the Diaspora (cf. in the Fertile Crescent and Egypt)
2. the Persian court, possibly represented by the three men of Zech. 6:10 and 14
3. eschatologically it refers to the Gentiles (cf. Zech. 2:11; 8:20-23; Isa. 2:2-4; 56:6-8; 60:5c-9,10; Micah 4:1-5; Eph. 2:11-22)

▣ "Then you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent me" If this is historical, then this is referring to Zechariah (cf. Zech. 2:8,9,11; 4:9). If it is eschatological then it refers to Jesus. The inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant plan does not fit the historical setting of the post-exilic period (esp. Nehemiah and Haggai). The PRONOUNS are ambiguous in this book and could refer to

1. the prophet
2. an angel in the visions
3. the Messiah

SPECIAL TOPIC: LORD OF HOSTS

SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN

▣ "it will take place if you completely obey the Lord your God" Notice that there is a conditional element in these promises (cf. Zech. 3:7). This is a quote from Deut. 28:1 (Deuteronomy 27-29 contains the Covenant Cursing and Blessing Litany; also see Leviticus 26).

SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT

SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. What are the eight visions trying to convey to us?
2. Do the visions relate to the post-exilic period or to the end-time?
3. Why is Joshua crowned in Zech. 6:11 and not Zerubbabel?
4. Will Jesus rebuild the Jewish temple?

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