Eighth Vision: Four Chariots
1Then I looked up again and saw four chariots coming from between two mountains. The mountains were made of bronze. 2The first chariot had chestnut horses, the second chariot black horses, 3the third chariot white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses — all strong horses. 4So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”
5The angel told me, “These are the four spirits of heaven going out after presenting themselves to the Lord of the whole earth. 6The one with the black horses is going to the land of the north, the white horses are going after them, but the dappled horses are going to the land of the south.” 7As the strong horses went out, they wanted to go patrol the earth, and the Lord said, “Go, patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. 8Then he summoned me saying, “See, those going to the land of the north have pacified my Spirit in the northern land.”
Crowning of the Branch
9The word of the Lord came to me: 10“Take an offering from the exiles, from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon, and go that same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11Take silver and gold, make a crown, and place it on the head of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 12You are to tell him: This is what the Lord of Armies says: Here is a man whose name is Branch; he will branch out from his place and build the Lord’s temple. 13Yes, he will build the Lord’s temple; he will bear royal splendor and will sit on his throne and rule. There will be a priest on his throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two of them. 14The crown will reside in the Lord’s temple as a memorial to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen son of Zephaniah. 15People who are far off will come and build the Lord’s temple, and you will know that the Lord of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen when you fully obey the Lord your God.”