1Now again I looked up, and I.e. four angelic spirits appointed by God to dispense His judgment.four chariots were coming out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of [firm, immovable] bronze (divine judgment).

2The first chariot had red horses (war, bloodshed), the second chariot had black horses (famine, death),

3the third chariot had white horses (victory), and the fourth chariot had strong dappled horses (death through judgment).

4Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”

5The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go out after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth,

6with 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.”

7When the strong horses went out, they were eager to patrol the earth. And the Lord said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth [watching and protecting it].

8Then 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.”

9The word of the Lord also came to me, saying,

10“Take an offering from 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.

11Take silver and gold [from them], and make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.

12Then say to Joshua, ‘Thus says the Lord of 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.

13Yes, [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 honor and majesty [as the only begotten of the Father] and sit and rule on His throne. And He shall be a The Messiah will be both king and priest.Priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between the two offices [Priest and King].” ’

14Now the crown shall become a reminder in the temple of the Lord to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah.

15And those who are far away will come and [help] build the temple of the Lord.” Then you shall know [without any doubt] that the Lord of hosts sent me (Zechariah) to you. And it will come about if you will diligently obey the [voice of the] Lord your God.