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The scene here is connected, though it might not seem like it on the surface. In the Bible, divine warfare follows a pattern that was common in the Near East: War-Victory-Kingship-Building-Celebration. Zechariah 6 shows us four of them: War (v.1-7), Victory (v. 8), Kingship & Building (v. 9-15).
The chariot vision feels like a heavenly court or divine counsel scene that we see in Job 1-2. It’s strikingly similar to Zechariah 1:7-17, however, in that vision, the horses had mounted riders and in this vision there are chariots. The first vision was a spy mission so mounted riders would make sense, and in this vision (v.1-8), the chariots are also appropriate because the mission is punishment – specifically “the land of the north.” This is a judgment on Babylon!
Zechariah prophesied during the time of King Darius. This is important to know because historically, the Jews in exile believed that Babylon would eventually be punished by God for their wicked treatment of the Jewish people. However, Babylon did not feel much of an effect from the king who rose to power prior to Darius – King Cyrus of Persia. During the transition between Cambyses and Darius, tensions arose as Babylon repeatedly revolted against the Persian forces. Because of this, Darius brought the hammer down on Babylon and in doing so, many believe he was fulfilling this long-awaited promise which was foretold in Zechariah 2:10-13.
The chariots come from four different directions but there are only two destinations: north and south. The “land of the north” is consistently identified as Babylon, especially in Jeremiah. Unfortunately, the “land of the south” is not as clear. It may be Egypt or Edom, but as we read on, the focus is clearly on the north. In fact, two of the chariots go to the north with only one going to the south, indicating the severity of Babylon’s judgment.
This was a huge promise being fulfilled for the exilic community. This would pave the way for the Jews to return to their land to restore the temple and city!
God is good on His promises. Every single one. Our timing is nothing like His, but He’s always good on His promises. It’s the only genuine guarantee in this life.