61 Now I lifted up my eyes again and looked , and behold , four chariots were coming forth from between the two mountains ; and the mountains were bronze mountains . 2 With the first chariot were red horses , with the second chariot black horses , 3 with the third chariot white horses , and with the fourth chariot strong dappled horses . 4 Then I spoke and said to the angel who was speaking with me, " What are these , my lord ?" 5 The angel replied to me, "These are the four spirits of heaven , going forth after standing before the Lord of all the earth , 6 with one of which the black horses are going forth to the north country ; and the white ones go forth after e them, while the dappled ones go forth to the south country . 7 "When the strong ones went out, they were eager to go to patrol the earth ." And He said , "Go , patrol the earth ." So they patrolled the earth . 8 Then He cried out to me and spoke to me saying , "See , those who are going to the land of the north have appeased My wrath in the land of the north ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Zechariah 6:1-8
Commentary on Zechariah 6:1-8
(Read Zechariah 6:1-8)
This vision may represent the ways of Providence in the government of this lower world. Whatever the providences of God about us are, as to public or private affairs, we should see them all as coming from between the mountains of brass, the immoveable counsels and decrees of God; and therefore reckon it as much our folly to quarrel with them, as it is our duty to submit to them. His providences move swiftly and strongly as chariots, but all are directed and governed by his infinite wisdom and sovereign will. The red horses signify war and bloodshed. The black, signify the dismal consequences of war, famines, pestilences, and desolations. The white, signify the return of comfort, peace, and prosperity. The mixed colour, signify events of different complexions, a day of prosperity and a day of adversity. The angels go forth as messengers of God's counsels, and ministers of his justice and mercy. And the secret motions and impulses upon the spirits of men, by which the designs of Providence are carried on, are these four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from God, and fulfil what the God of the spirits of all flesh appoints. All the events which take place in the world spring from the unchangeable counsels of the Lord, which are formed in unerring wisdom, perfect justice, truth, and goodness; and from history it is found that events happened about the period when this vision was sent to the prophet, which seem referred to therein.