When I read today’s passage, it first made me scratch my head and think, “huh.” I didn’t really understand exactly what it was saying at first, but after using a tool I really like for Biblical interpretation (the NET Bible), it made a lot more sense. In this passage, this vision points to peace. In time, peace came as Persia defeated Babylon. But, also, in the Lord’s time, peace will come when the Lord returns and makes all things right. But even now in our lives, when we take our concerns to the Lord in prayer, His peace guards our hearts and minds. Peace will come. It may not come exactly when we may like for it to come. But peace will come.

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Good morning! It’s great to be with you on this Tuesday as we continue our study in Zechariah. For those watching online, you might notice I’m dressed a bit differently today. We had a funeral for Mr. Gene Phillips, a huge Ole Miss fan, so I’m honoring him with my Ole Miss bow tie. It’s always nice to break out the bow ties for special occasions.

Today, we’re delving into Zechariah chapter 6, which contains the eighth and final vision. While Zechariah has many more prophecies, this vision concludes the series of eight we’ve been exploring.

Upon first reading, this vision might seem confusing. I needed to dig deeper into my studies to understand it better. One helpful resource I used is the Net Bible (New English Translation). The Net Bible provides a very readable text alongside useful tools, including notes and translations that help unpack the Hebrew and Greek.

Verse 8 in particular has significant implications. The NET translation reads: “Look, the ones who are going to the Northland have brought me peace about the Northland.” The NRSV translates it similarly: “Lo, those who go to the North Country have set my spirit at rest in the North Country.”

The commentary in the Net Bible notes that this peace refers to the peace brought by Persia’s conquest of Babylon, which allowed the restoration of the Jewish people. There is also an eschatological dimension, indicating a future time of universal peace.

The four chariots represent the four winds or spirits of heaven patrolling the earth, symbolizing that God sees and knows all. This is a recurring theme in Zechariah, emphasizing God’s omniscience and omnipresence. It’s comforting to know that nothing escapes God’s notice—He is always aware and in control.

The notion of peace in the north country, where Babylon was located, signifies the end of the Babylonian captivity and the restoration brought by the Persian Empire. This historical peace foreshadows the ultimate peace that will come at the end of times when God restores all things.

Even though the people in exile might have struggled to believe in the possibility of peace, Jeremiah and other prophets assured them it would come. Similarly, in our current world, it’s easy to lose hope when faced with challenges and uncertainties. Yet, this vision reminds us that peace will come—perhaps not in our timing, but in God’s perfect timing.

Peace came to the Jewish people when Babylon was defeated and Persia freed them. Peace will come to us at the end of time when the Lord makes all things new. But even now, we can experience God’s peace in our hearts. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that when we present our requests to God with thanksgiving, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.

So, let’s hold on to this promise of peace. It came to the people of Israel, and it will come to us. Trust in God’s timing and His unwavering presence.

Thanks for being with us today. Tomorrow, we’ll continue with chapter 6, verse 9, and explore what happens after the visions. Have a great rest of your day!