Topical Encyclopedia
The Vision of Zechariah of Horses is one of the eight night visions given to the prophet Zechariah, as recorded in the book of Zechariah, chapters 1 through 6. These visions were received during the early period of the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, around 520-518 BC. The vision of the horses is specifically found in
Zechariah 1:7-17.
Context and BackgroundZechariah, a prophet and priest, was called by God to encourage the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. His visions are rich in symbolism and are intended to convey God's plans for His people, offering both encouragement and a call to repentance.
The VisionIn
Zechariah 1:7-17, the prophet describes a vision he received on the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, in the second year of Darius. Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse, standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him are red, sorrel, and white horses. The identity of the man is revealed as the Angel of the LORD, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who is accompanied by other angelic beings.
Symbolism and Interpretation1.
The Horses and Riders: The different colors of the horses—red, sorrel, and white—are often interpreted as representing various aspects of God's judgment and mercy. The red horse may symbolize war or bloodshed, the sorrel horse a mixed or intermediate state, and the white horse victory and peace. These horses are sent by God to patrol the earth, indicating His sovereign oversight and control over the nations.
2.
The Myrtle Trees: The myrtle trees, often associated with peace and prosperity, symbolize Israel. The fact that the Angel of the LORD stands among them suggests God's presence with His people, even in their lowly and oppressed state.
3.
The Angel of the LORD: The Angel of the LORD intercedes on behalf of Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, asking, "LORD of Hosts, how long will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been angry these seventy years?" (
Zechariah 1:12). This intercession highlights God's compassion and His intention to restore His people.
4.
God's Response: The LORD responds with gracious and comforting words, declaring His jealousy for Jerusalem and Zion and His anger at the nations that feel secure. He promises to return to Jerusalem with mercy, and His house will be rebuilt. The cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem (
Zechariah 1:14-17).
Theological SignificanceThe vision underscores God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of the world. It reassures the Jewish exiles of God's commitment to their restoration and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The vision also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who will ultimately bring peace and establish God's kingdom on earth.
Application for BelieversFor contemporary believers, the Vision of Zechariah of Horses serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ultimate plan for redemption. It encourages trust in God's timing and His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. The vision calls believers to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is in control and will bring about His purposes for His glory and the good of His people.
Nave's Topical Index
Zechariah 1:8-11I saw by night, and behold a man riding on a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... The Seventh (and last) Vision in heaven is divided, as ... Revelation 19.p>The prophecy
in Zechariah 9.takes ... in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh vision in heaven.htm
Zechariah
... and was delivered for the most part in terms of vision and apocalyptic ... Footnote 1:
Zechariah himself is ... Then the mighty war-horses, once the object of His hatred ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/zechariah.htm
Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
... Zechariah has a vision of the ... the inscription on the high priest's mitre will be
written on the bells which ornament the harness of the horses, which in ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/three inscriptions with one meaning.htm
The Second vision "On Earth"
... the earth; the seventh consists of the third Vision "in heaven ... in two of the Mount
of Olives in Zechariah 14:4 ... of the locusts were like to horses prepared for ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm
The First vision "On Earth"
... We now give the first vision, E^1, vi.1- vii.8, showing the ... Horses are specially
associated with war ... So Psalm 76:6; Zechariah 9:10; x.3; Jeremiah 6:23; Isaiah 43 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm
The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... The Seventh (and Last) Vision "on Earth ... captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and
the flesh of horses, and of ... Compare Psalm 122:5. Ezekiel 43:7. Zechariah 6:13 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm
The Seven Trumpets.
... The description of the horses, and those who sat on them (v.17), is ... corresponding
with that in Rev.11:4, shows that this vision of Zechariah is the one ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm
The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... xvi." The Sixth Vision "on Earth." The Seven Vials. ... the pride of Assyria shall be
brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away" (Zechariah 10:10 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm
Helena , Mother of the Emperor Constantine. --Her Zeal in the ...
... There shall be upon the bridles of the horses Holiness unto ... [399] Zechariah 14:20 ...
14th, combines the Commemoration of the Vision of Constantine, the exaltation ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xvii helena mother of.htm
The Gospel Day Seen in Prophecy.
... But in his vision there appeared one who prevailed ... Zechariah in beholding this fountain
exclaims: "In that day ... be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /the gospel day seen in.htm
Resources
What are vision boards, and are they biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Federal Vision Theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that without vision the people perish? | GotQuestions.orgVision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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