The book of Zechariah contains a series of complex and symbolic visions that can be challenging to interpret. However, a close examination of these visions within their biblical context reveals important truths about God’s plans and purposes. Here is an overview of the key visions in Zechariah and their significance:
The Vision of the Horses (Zechariah 1:7-17)
In this first vision, Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse standing among myrtle trees with other colored horses behind him. An angel explains that these horses represent the messengers God has sent into the nations, who report that the whole world remains at rest despite God allowing His people to be afflicted. This vision signifies that although God has punished His people, the surrounding nations who contributed to this suffering have not yet received judgment. God promises to show mercy and comfort to Jerusalem again.
The Vision of the Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21)
Zechariah sees four horns, representing the nations that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. He then sees four craftsmen come to terrify and throw down the horns, symbolizing that God will judge the nations who afflicted His people.
The Vision of the Man with a Measuring Line (Zechariah 2:1-13)
An angel shows Zechariah a man with a measuring line preparing to measure Jerusalem’s dimensions. An angel explains that this signifies that Jerusalem will be restored and expanded due to the great number of people and livestock within it. God declares He will protect and dwell in Jerusalem, making it “Holy to the Lord.” This vision depicts God’s favor and restoration for Jerusalem.
The Vision of Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10)
Joshua the high priest stands before the Angel of the LORD in filthy garments while Satan accuses him. God rebukes Satan and removes Joshua’s filthy clothes, replacing them with pure vestments. This symbolizes Israel’s sin being removed and the nation restored to righteousness. The ANGEL gives instructions about rebuilding the temple and mentions a coming “Branch” who will remove iniquity in one day.
The Vision of the Gold Lampstand and Two Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-14)
Zechariah sees a gold lampstand, representing the temple, fed by two olive trees that represent “the two anointed ones,” likely Zerubbabel and Joshua who helped rebuild the temple. Despite seeming small and inadequate for the task, Zerubbabel will complete the temple through God’s Spirit, not human might. The vision encourages God’s people to move ahead in rebuilding the temple despite opposition.
The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4)
Zechariah sees a gigantic flying scroll (representing God’s law) that will bring judgment against thieves and perjurers in the land, symbolizing that God will purify His people and nation.
The Vision of the Woman in a Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11)
Zechariah sees an ephah basket containing a woman identified as “Wickedness.” Two winged women carry the basket away to Babylon, depicting sin being removed from Judah and returned to its roots in Babylon.
The Vision of Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8)
Four chariots emerge from mountains of bronze, representing God’s four spirits sent to patrol the earth. The chariot with red horses goes to the north country, symbolizing judgment on Israel’s enemies. This vision conveys God’s omnipresence and sovereignty over the nations.
The Symbolic Crowning of Joshua (Zechariah 6:9-15)
Zechariah is instructed to make a crown of silver and gold and place it on Joshua the high priest’s head, representing the uniting of the kingly and priestly offices in the future Messiah. Zerubbabel is also mentioned regarding building the temple, but the focus shifts to the “Branch” to come.
Key Themes and Significance
Together, Zechariah’s visions reveal several key themes:
- God will restore and bless Jerusalem
- God will judge the nations who mistreated His people
- Joshua and Zerubbabel will rebuild the temple by God’s Spirit
- The Messiah, the Branch, will come to remove sin
- God is present throughout the earth to accomplish His purposes
These visions gave encouragement, direction, and hope to God’s people as they faced opposition in rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple after exile. The visions emphasized God’s presence, protection, and future restoration through the Messiah. While containing symbolic imagery, the visions reinforce God’s faithfulness to carry out His redemptive plan.
The Vision of the Horses (Zechariah 1:7-17)
Let’s take a more in-depth look at each vision:
The first vision in Zechariah occurs on the 24th day of the 11th month (Shebat) in the 2nd year of the reign of King Darius (Zechariah 1:7). Zechariah sees a man riding on a red horse standing among myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him are other colored horses – red, sorrel and white (Zechariah 1:8).
An angel who has been talking with Zechariah asks the meaning of the horses. He is answered by another angel, “These are the ones the Lord has sent to go throughout the earth” (Zechariah 1:10).
This angel then reports, “We have patrolled the earth, and the whole earth remains at rest” (Zechariah 1:11). This indicates that despite God allowing His people to be afflicted, the surrounding nations who contributed to this suffering have not yet faced judgment.
The angel cries out to the Lord, asking how long until He will show mercy to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah which He has been angry with for 70 years (Zechariah 1:12). The Lord responds with good, comforting words that He will again choose Jerusalem (Zechariah 1:13-17).
So in summary, the vision of the horses reinforces God’s promise to restore Jerusalem after punishing His people. Though the nations who afflicted Israel remain at ease for now, God’s mercy and compassion will be evident again towards Jerusalem.
The Vision of the Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21)
In the second vision, Zechariah sees four horns. He asks the accompanying angel what they represent. The angel answers, “These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem” (Zechariah 1:19).
Next Zechariah sees four craftsmen (metal workers). He asks what they’re coming to do. The angel replies, “These have come to terrify and throw down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter its people” (Zechariah 1:20-21).
The four horns represent nations who afflicted God’s people and scattered them. The four craftsmen depict that God is going to judge and terrify those nations in return for what they did. This complements the first vision, showing that though God disciplined His people, He will not let the nations escape unpunished for plundering His people.
The Vision of the Man with a Measuring Line (Zechariah 2:1-13)
In chapter 2, Zechariah looks up and sees a man with a measuring line in his hand. He asks where the man is going. The man replies, “To measure Jerusalem, to determine its width and length” (Zechariah 2:2).
An angel goes out to speak to another angel, instructing him to run and tell Jerusalem that it will prosper as an open, unwalled city because of the multitude of people and livestock in it (Zechariah 2:3-5). The LORD declares:
“I myself will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.” (Zechariah 2:5)
God calls His people to come from the lands He scattered them to, for He will be in their midst (Zechariah 2:6-7). He promises to “plunder the nations” who plundered His people, showing He has not forgotten their mistreatment (Zechariah 2:8-9).
The LORD proclaims that “Jerusalem will be inhabited like villages without walls” and “I will be to her a wall of fire all around” (Zechariah 2:4-5). He urges His people to rejoice because He is coming to dwell in their midst (Zechariah 2:10-12).
This vision depicts Jerusalem prospering and expanding due to God’s blessing and presence. His protective care replaces the need for walls. It demonstrates God’s faithfulness to rebuild, multiply, and dwell among His restored people in Jerusalem.
The Vision of Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10)
Chapter 3 contains a highly symbolic vision portraying Israel’s sin and cleansing. Joshua the high priest is standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan at his right hand accusing him. The Angel rebukes Satan and says to those standing near Joshua, “Remove the filthy clothes from him” (Zechariah 3:4).
Zechariah is told, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with pure vestments” (Zechariah 3:4). A clean turban is placed on Joshua’s head as the Angel declares God’s blessing over him.
Zechariah hears God’s promise to provide access among those ministering if Joshua follows God’s ways and keeps His requirements. The Angel mentions a coming “Branch” who will remove the land’s sin in one day (Zechariah 3:8-9).
The vision depicts sin being removed from Israel, represented by Joshua’s filthy garments. It reinforces God’s forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration for those who turn to Him. It also points ahead to a future day of atonement through the Messiah, the Branch.
The Vision of the Gold Lampstand and Two Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-14)
In chapter 4, Zechariah sees a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top fed by two olive trees on either side (Zechariah 4:2-3). An angel asks Zechariah if he knows what they represent. Zechariah says he does not.
The angel tells Zechariah that the olive trees are “the two anointed ones” (Zechariah 4:14) who serve the Lord of all the earth. Most scholars believe this references Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, who helped rebuild the temple.
Though Zerubbabel faces opposition, the angel encourages him saying, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” will he succeed (Zechariah 4:6). The lampstand’s light symbolizes that God’s house will be rebuilt by His Spirit, despite seeming inadequate for the task.
This vision gave encouragement to keep rebuilding the temple amidst opposition. God would empower and sustain the work through His Spirit, not human might. His light and glory would fill the temple again.
The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4)
In chapter 5, Zechariah’s attention turns to moral cleansing of the land. He looks up and sees a gigantic flying scroll, 30 feet long by 15 feet wide (Zechariah 5:2). An angel explains that it contains curses throughout the land.
One side of the scroll curses those who steal, while the other curses those who take false oaths in God’s name. The curse enters their houses and remains until God cleanses wickedness from the land (Zechariah 5:3-4).
The scroll represents God’s law which testifies against sin in the land. The vision symbolizes God’s commitment to morally purify the nation as He restores their relationship.
The Vision of the Woman in a Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11)
Zechariah’s next vision focuses on the removal of sin from the land. He sees an ephah basket, containing the figure of a woman called “Wickedness”, with a lead cover lowered over her (Zechariah 5:7-8).
Two other women with wings like storks lift the basket and fly away with it. Zechariah asks where they are taking it. The angel replies, “To build a temple for her in the land of Shinar [Babylon]” (Zechariah 5:10-11).
This depicts another aspect of moral cleansing. Sin personified by this wicked woman is banished from Judah, sent back to Babylon where false religion began.
The Vision of Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8)
The seventh vision expands to global scope. Zechariah sees four chariots emerge from bronze mountains between two mountains of bronze. The first chariot has red horses, the second black horses, the third white horses, and the fourth spotted grey horses (Zechariah 6:2-7).
The angel tells Zechariah these are four spirits of heaven sent out from God’s presence to patrol the earth. The chariot with red horses went out to the north country, indicating judgment on Israel’s enemies Babylon and Assyria.
This vision conveys God’s omnipresence and sovereign oversight of the nations to accomplish His purposes on earth.
The Symbolic Crowning of Joshua (Zechariah 6:9-15)
The final vision contains a symbolic coronation portraying Israel’s coming Messiah. God instructs Zechariah to gather gold and silver from the exiles to make a crown. He tells Zechariah to place it on the head of Joshua, the high priest (Zechariah 6:11).
Zechariah is told to proclaim: “Behold the man whose name is the Branch! He will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD” (Zechariah 6:12). The crowning of Joshua unifies the kingly and priestly offices, pointing ahead to their fulfillment in the future Messiah.
Joshua is given counsel regarding temple rebuilding. The chapter concludes by mentioning another figure called “the Branch” who will come and build God’s temple (Zechariah 6:12-13). He will rule on His throne, uniting the offices of King and Priest – a prophecy of the coming Messiah Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Zechariah’s visions provided encouragement, direction, and hope to God’s people at a pivotal time as they faced opposition rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. The visions used striking imagery to emphasize God’s presence, protection, future restoration, and coming atonement through the Messiah.
While the visions contain complex symbolism, they reinforce key themes: God will restore Israel, judge her enemies, rebuild the temple through His Spirit, remove sin through the Branch, and sovereignly oversee the nations. The book calls God’s people to repentance and faithfulness while pointing to the Messianic hope still to come.
