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Zechariah 6 (ESV)

A Vision of Four Chariots

1 Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains. And the mountains were mountains of bronze. ² The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, ³ the third white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses—all of them strong. ⁴ Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” ⁵ And the angel answered and said to me, “These are going out to the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth. ⁶ The chariot with the black horses goes toward the north country, the white ones go after them, and the dappled ones go toward the south country.” ⁷ When the strong horses came out, they were impatient to go and patrol the earth. And he said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. ⁸ Then he cried to me, “Behold, those who go toward the north country have set my Spirit at rest in the north country.”

REFLECTION:

• Taking on the theme of judgment, God in this final vision (1-8), through His messengers, announced that He would execute judgment on the nations. His righteousness is not only manifested among the people, but also to let the nations know that He is a righteous God. The “mountains of bronze” (1) can symbolize judgment; and these four chariots are the messengers to accomplish God’s judgment will, and they go out after presenting themselves before the Lord (5). God is the God of believers and also the God of Gentiles.
• God is angry with sin and the wicked, and He executes judgment, showing His wrath. We like to focus on God’s love and mercy, but at the same time He is a God of justice, and justice and judgment are part of His character. If there are unconfessed sins or habitual sins in our lives, we need to confess to God and forsake them. Confession draws out God’s mercy, and refusal to repent will only provoke His judgment.

PRAYER:

Dear God! You are a holy and righteous God, and You will never excuse guilt, but You will execute judgment and punish the wicked. You are also a loving God, and You will not despise a broken and contrite spirit. I admit that I have sinned against You, I confess my sins to You, and turn away from sin. Have mercy on me and not incur Your judgment.

HYMN:

Song of Repentance – youtu.be/iE4YYHr2SF8