6TH CHAPTER

The Lord’s Victory Throughout the Earth

1 I looked up again and saw four chariots going out from between the two mountains. They were mountains of bronze. 2 The first chariot had red horses. The second had black horses. 3 The third had white horses. And the fourth had strong, spotted horses. 4 I asked the angel who was speaking with me, “What do these horses mean, sir?” 

5 The angel answered, “They are the four spirits of heaven. They are going out after standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The chariot with the black horses is going toward the north, and the white horses are following them. The spotted ones are going toward the south.” 

7 When these strong horses went out, they were eager to patrol the earth. 

He said, “Go, patrol the earth!” And they patrolled the earth. 

8 Then he called out to me, “Look! Those who went to the north have made my Spirit rest in the north.” 

Priest and King

9 The Lord spoke his word to me. He said, 10 “Take an offering from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon. This same day go to the house of Josiah, son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and gold, make a crown, and put it on the head of Chief Priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak. 12 Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord of Armies says: Here is the man whose name is Branch. He will branch out from where he is, and he will rebuild the Lord’s temple. 13 He will rebuild the Lord’s temple and receive royal honor. He will sit and rule from his throne. He will be a priest on his throne. There will be a peaceful understanding between them. 14 The crown will be a reminder to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen (son of Zephaniah) in the Lord’s temple. 15 Those who are far away will come and rebuild the Lord’s temple. Then you will know the Lord of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen if you obey the Lord your God completely.’ ”