Revelation-like Descriptions in Zechariah
Introduction
Who is Zechariah?
Zechariah was a prophet in the Old Testament who ministered to the Jewish people during the time of their return from Babylonian exile. His prophecies are documented in the Book of Zechariah, which is known for its apocalyptic and symbolic visions, similar to those found in the Book of Revelation. Zechariah’s primary audience was the Jewish remnant that had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. He sought to encourage them in their efforts, reminding them of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah.
The Man Among the Myrtle Trees
**Zechariah 1:7-11 (NKJV):** "On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet: I saw by night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and it stood among the myrtle trees in the hollow; and behind him were horses: red, sorrel, and white. Then I said, ‘My lord, what are these?’ So the angel who talked with me said to me, ‘I will show you what they are.’ And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, ‘These are the ones whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth.’ So they answered the angel of the Lord, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, ‘We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting quietly.’"
Commentary:
Dr. Vernon McGee: McGee suggests that the man among the myrtle trees symbolizes the Angel of the Lord, likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The myrtle trees, being evergreen, symbolize Israel and the enduring nature of God's covenant with them.
John MacArthur: MacArthur interprets the vision as an assurance that God is overseeing the affairs of the world, even when it seems to be at rest. The horses represent angelic beings tasked with patrolling the earth, signifying God's constant vigilance.
Matthew Henry: Henry sees the vision as a representation of God's watchful presence over His people. The myrtle trees in the hollow indicate the low and humble condition of the Jewish people, yet they are under God's protection and care.
The Flying Roll
Zechariah 5:1-4 (NKJV): "Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll. And he said to me, ‘What do you see?’ So I answered, ‘I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.’ Then he said to me, ‘This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: "Every thief shall be expelled," according to this side of the scroll; and, "Every perjurer shall be expelled," according to that side of it.’ ‘I will send out the curse,’ says the Lord of hosts; ‘It shall enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name. It shall remain in the midst of his house and consume it, with its timber and stones.’"
Commentary:
Dr. Vernon McGee: McGee interprets the flying roll as a symbol of God's Word, which brings judgment upon sin. The specific dimensions of the scroll indicate its comprehensiveness in addressing all forms of wickedness.
John MacArthur: MacArthur views the vision as an illustration of God's judgment on sin. The flying scroll represents the pervasive nature of the curse that will come upon those who violate God's commandments.
Matthew Henry: Henry explains that the flying scroll signifies the swift and inevitable judgment of God. The curses written on it serve as a warning to all who commit theft or perjury, highlighting the certainty of divine retribution.
The Woman in the Ephah
Zechariah 5:5-11 (NKJV): "Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me, ‘Lift your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.’ So I asked, ‘What is it?’ And he said, ‘It is a basket that is going forth.’ He also said, ‘This is their resemblance throughout the earth: Here is a lead disc lifted up, and this is a woman sitting inside the basket’; then he said, ‘This is Wickedness!’ And he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth. Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven. So I said to the angel who talked with me, ‘Where are they carrying the basket?’ And he said to me, ‘To build a house for it in the land of Shinar; when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base.’"
Commentary:
Dr. Vernon McGee: McGee identifies the woman in the ephah as a personification of wickedness. The vision illustrates the removal of sin from Israel, with the ephah being transported to Shinar (Babylon), symbolizing the ultimate judgment of wickedness.
John MacArthur: MacArthur explains that the vision signifies the containment and removal of wickedness. The lead cover and the transportation of the ephah to Shinar indicate God's determination to purify His people by removing sin from among them.
Matthew Henry: Henry interprets the woman in the ephah as representing the moral corruption of the people. The vision underscores the need for purification and the certainty that God will deal with wickedness by removing it from His presence.
The Vision of the Four Chariots
Zechariah 6:1-8 (NKJV): "Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses—strong steeds. Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ And the angel answered and said to me, ‘These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth. The one with the black horses is going to the north country, the white are going after them, and the dappled are going toward the south country.’ Then the strong steeds went out, eager to go, that they might walk to and fro throughout the earth. And He said, ‘Go, walk to and fro throughout the earth.’ So they walked to and fro throughout the earth. And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, ‘See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Spirit in the north country.’"
Commentary:
Dr. Vernon McGee: McGee sees the four chariots as symbolic of God's judgments being executed throughout the earth. The different colored horses represent various aspects of these judgments, with the mountains of bronze symbolizing strength and stability.
John MacArthur: MacArthur interprets the vision as representing the sovereign control of God over the world. The chariots are divine agents carrying out God's purposes, bringing judgment and peace where needed.
Matthew Henry: Henry explains that the vision of the four chariots signifies the global reach of God's judgments. The chariots patrolling the earth demonstrate God's active involvement in world affairs and His ability to bring justice and peace.
Conclusion
Zechariah's visions provide profound insights into God's dealings with His people and the world. They are strikingly similar to the apocalyptic imagery found in the Book of Revelation, illustrating God's sovereignty, justice, and commitment to purifying His people. By understanding these visions, we gain a deeper appreciation for God's ongoing work in history and His ultimate plan for redemption. We are reminded to stay faithful to God's identity and trust in His righteous judgments.
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