2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black,
2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
2 The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses,
2 The first chariot was drawn by red horses, the second chariot by black horses,
2 With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses,
2 The first chariot was pulled by red horses, the second by black horses,
3 the third white, and the fourth dappled-all of them powerful.
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay
3 the third white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses--all of them strong.
3 the third chariot by white horses, and the fourth chariot by dappled horses. All the horses were powerful.
3 with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses--strong steeds.
3 the third by white horses, and the fourth by powerful dappled-gray horses.
(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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
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.