King James Version
What Does Zechariah 6:4 Mean?
“Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?”
Context
2
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3
And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. bay: or, strong
4
Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
5
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
6
The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary25. A fuller detail of what was summarily stated (Da 11:22-24). This is the first of Antiochus' three (Da 11:29) open invasions of Egypt.
**against the king of the south--**against Ptolemy Philometer. Subsequently, Ptolemy Physcon (the Gross), or Euergetes II, was made king by the Egyptians, as Ptolemy Philometer was in Antiochus' hands.
**great army--**as distinguished from the "small people" (Da 11:23) with which he first came. This was his first open expedition; he was emboldened by success to it. Antiochus "entered Egypt with an overwhelming multitude, with chariots, elephants, and cavalry" (1 Maccabees 1:17).
**stirred up--**by the necessity, though naturally indolent.
**not stand--**Philometer was defeated.
**they shall forecast, &c.--**His own nobles shall frame treacherous "devices" against him (see Da 11:26). Euloeus and Lenoeus maladministered his affairs. Antiochus, when checked at last at Alexandria, left Ptolemy Philometer at Memphis as king, pretending that his whole object was to support Philometer's claims against the usurper Physcon.
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 6:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Zechariah 6:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge