Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Zechariah 6

Zec 6:1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.

four chariots

The interpretation of the tenth vision must be governed by the authoritative declaration of Zec 6:5. That which is symbolized by the four chariots with their horses is not the four world-empires of Daniel, but "the four spirits of heaven which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth" (Zec 6:5). These "spirits" are angels (Luk 1:19; Heb 1:14), and are most naturally interpreted of the four angels of Rev 7:1-3; 9:14, 15. These have also a ministry earthward, and of like nature with the "spirits" of Zec 6:1-8, viz. judgment. The symbol (chariots and horses) is in perfect harmony with this. Always in Scripture symbolism they stand for the power of God earthward in judgment (Jer 46:9, 10; Joe 2:3-11; Nah 3:1-7). The vision, then, speaks of the Lord's judgments upon the Gentile nations north and south in the day of the LORD (Isa 2:10-22; Rev 19:11-21).

Zec 6:4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?

angel [See also Zec 6:5.]

Scofield Hebrews 1:4, note.

Zec 6:9 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

the word of the LORD

Parables (O.T.). Zec 6:9-15; Zec 11:7-14. (Jdg 9:7-15; Zec 11:7-14).

Zec 6:11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;

crowns

Following the earth-judgments symbolized in the horsed chariots (Zec 6:1-8) comes the manifestation of Christ in His kingdom glory (Zec 6:9-15). This is the invariable prophetic order:

• first the judgments of the day of the LORD (Isa 2:10-22; Rev 19:11-21),
• then the kingdom (cf Psa 2:5 with Psa 2:6; Isa 3:24-26; 4:2-6; 10:33, 34; 11:1-10; Rev 19:19-21; with Rev 20:4-6).

This is set forth symbolically by the crowning of Joshua, which was not a vision, but actually done (cf. Isa 8:3, 4; Eze 37:16-22). The fulfilment in the BRANCH will infinitely transcend the symbol. He "shall bear the glory" (Zec 6:13; Mat 16:27; 24:30; 25:31) as the Priest-King on His own throne (Zec 6:12, 13; Heb 7:1-3). Christ is now a Priest, but still in the holiest within the veil (Lev 16:15; Heb 9:11-14, 24), and seated on the Father's throne (Rev 3:21). He has not yet come out to take His own throne (Heb 9:28). The crowns made for the symbolical crowning of Joshua were to be laid up in the temple as a memorial to keep alive this larger hope of Israel.

Zec 6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

The BRANCH

Scofield Isaiah 4:2, note.

Zec 6:13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

shall sit and rule upon his throne

Kingdom (O.T.). Zec 6:12, 13; Zec 14:16-21. (Gen 1:26; Zec 12:8).

shall be a priest upon his throne

Christ (Second Advent). Zec 12:10. (Deu 30:3; Acts 1:9-11.)