King James Version

What Does Zechariah 6:3 Mean?

“And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. bay: or, strong”

Context

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.

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 grisled and bay horses. bay: or, strong

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

And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. spirits: or, winds

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. peaceably--**literally, "unexpectedly"; under the guise of friendship he seized Ptolemy Philometer. **he shall do that which his fathers have not done--**His predecessors, kings of Syria, had always coveted Egypt, but in vain: he alone made himself master of it. **scatter among them ... prey--**among his followers (1 Maccabees 1:19). **forecast his devices against ... strongholds--**He shall form a studied scheme for making himself master of the Egyptian fortresses. He gained them all except Alexandria, which successfully resisted him. Retaining to himself Pelusium, he retired to Judea, where, in revenge for the joy shown by the Jews at the report of his death, which led them to a revolt, he subdued Jerusalem by storm or stratagem. **for a time--**His rage shall not be for ever; it is but for a time limited by God. Calvin makes "for a time" in antithesis to "unexpectedly," in the beginning of the verse. He suddenly mastered the weaker cities: he had to "forecast his plans" more gradually ("for a time") as to how to gain the stronger fortresses.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 6:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.