The Four Chariots
1 Now again I looked up, andfour chariots were coming out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of [firm, immovable] bronze (divine judgment).
2 The first chariot had red horses (war, bloodshed), the second chariot had black horses (famine, death),
3 the third chariot had white horses (victory), and the fourth chariot had strong dappled horses (death through judgment).
4 Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5 The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go out after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth,
6 with the chariot with the black horses going toward the north country; then the one with the white horses follows after them [because there are two northern powers to overcome], and the chariot with the dappled horses goes toward the south country.”
7 When the strong horses went out, they were eager to patrol the earth. And the Lordsaid, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth [watching and protecting it].
8 Then He called out to me and said to me, “See, those who are going to the north country have quieted My Spirit [of wrath] in the north country.”
9 The word of the Lordalso came to me, saying,
10 “Takean offeringfrom the exiles, from Heldai, from Tobijah, and from Jedaiah [as representatives]; and you go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, where they have arrived from Babylon.
The Symbolic Crowns
11 Take silver and gold [from them], and make anornatecrown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.
12 Then say to Joshua, ‘Thus says the Lordof hosts, “Behold (look, keep in sight, watch), a Man (Messiah) whose name is Branch, for He shall branch out from His place (Israel, the Davidic line); and He shall build the [ultimate] temple of the Lord.
13 Yes, [you are to build a temple of the Lord, but] it is He who shall build the [ultimate] temple of the Lord, and He shall bear the honorandmajesty [as the only begotten of the Father] and sit and rule on His throne. And He shall be aPriest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between the two offices [Priest and King].”’
14 Now the crown shall become a reminder in the temple of the Lordto Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah.
15 And those who are far away will come and [help] build the temple of the Lord.” Then you shall know [without any doubt] that the Lordof hosts sent me (Zechariah) to you. And it will come about if you will diligently obey the [voice of the] Lordyour God.