Eighth Vision: Four Chariots

1And again I looked up and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. 2The first chariot had red horses, the second chariot black horses, 3the third chariot white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled grey6.3 Compare Gk: Meaning of Heb uncertain horses. 4Then I said to the angel who talked with me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ 5The angel answered me, ‘These are the four winds6.5 Or spirits of heaven going out, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth. 6The chariot with the black horses goes towards the north country, the white ones go towards the west country,6.6 Cn: Heb go after them and the dappled ones go towards the south country.’ 7When the steeds came out, they were impatient to get off and patrol the earth. And he said, ‘Go, patrol the earth.’ So they patrolled the earth. 8Then he cried out to me, ‘Lo, those who go towards the north country have set my spirit at rest in the north country.’

The Coronation of the Branch

9The word of the LORD came to me: 10Collect silver and gold6.10 Cn Compare verse 11: Heb lacks silver and gold from the exiles—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah—who have arrived from Babylon; and go the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11Take the silver and gold and make a crown,6.11 Gk Mss Syr Tg: Heb crowns and set it on the head of the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak; 12say to him: Thus says the LORD of hosts: Here is a man whose name is Branch: for he shall branch out in his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. 13It is he that shall build the temple of the LORD; he shall bear royal honour, and shall sit upon his throne and rule. There shall be a priest by his throne, with peaceful understanding between the two of them. 14And the crown6.14 Gk Syr: Heb crowns shall be in the care of Heldai,6.14 Syr Compare verse 10: Heb Helem Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah6.14 Syr Compare verse 10: Heb Hen son of Zephaniah, as a memorial in the temple of the LORD.

15Those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD; and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.