Zechariah 6:8
Then the LORD summoned me and said, "Behold, those going to the land of the north have given rest to My Spirit in the land of the north."
Then He called to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Zechariah, emphasizing the personal nature of prophetic revelation. The Hebrew root for "called" is קָרָא (qara), which often signifies a summons or a proclamation. This highlights the authority and urgency of God's message. In the context of Zechariah's visions, it underscores the divine initiative in revealing His plans to His prophet.

Look
The command to "look" is an invitation to perceive and understand. The Hebrew word הִנֵּה (hinneh) is often used to draw attention to something significant. It serves as a divine prompt for Zechariah to focus on the unfolding vision, suggesting that what follows is of great importance and requires careful consideration.

those going toward the land of the north
This phrase refers to the chariots seen earlier in Zechariah's vision, symbolizing God's agents executing His judgment. The "land of the north" historically refers to Babylon, a significant oppressor of Israel. The Hebrew term for "north" is צָפוֹן (tsaphon), which often symbolizes a place of threat or judgment in biblical literature. This indicates God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to direct history according to His purposes.

have given rest to My Spirit
The phrase "have given rest" comes from the Hebrew root נוּחַ (nuach), meaning to settle down or be at peace. This suggests a cessation of divine wrath or judgment. "My Spirit" refers to God's active presence and power. Theologically, this implies that God's justice has been satisfied, and His Spirit is now at peace, indicating a shift from judgment to restoration.

in the land of the north
Reiterating the location, this phrase emphasizes the completion of God's judgment against Babylon. The repetition underscores the thoroughness of God's actions and the fulfillment of His promises. Historically, this reflects the eventual fall of Babylon and the return of the exiles, aligning with God's redemptive plan for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period who received visions from God, including the one in this passage.

2. The Lord (He)
The speaker in the vision, who communicates with Zechariah.

3. The Land of the North
Often associated with Babylon, representing the enemies of Israel and a place of judgment.

4. The Four Chariots
Earlier in Zechariah 6, these chariots are described as going out to the four corners of the earth, symbolizing God's sovereign judgment and control.

5. The Spirit of God
Represents God's presence and power, which finds rest when His purposes are fulfilled.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
God's control over nations and history is evident. He directs the chariots and brings His Spirit to rest, showing His ultimate authority.

Judgment and Peace
The passage illustrates that God's judgment leads to peace and rest. When God's purposes are fulfilled, His Spirit finds rest, symbolizing the completion of His divine plan.

The Role of Prophets
Zechariah's vision highlights the role of prophets in communicating God's plans and purposes. It reminds us of the importance of listening to God's messengers.

Spiritual Rest
Just as God's Spirit finds rest, believers are called to find rest in God's sovereignty and trust in His plans, even amidst judgment and turmoil.

God's Presence
The resting of God's Spirit signifies His presence and approval. Believers are encouraged to seek God's presence in their lives, ensuring their actions align with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of God's Spirit finding rest in the land of the north relate to the idea of divine judgment and peace?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our world today, similar to the vision of the four chariots?

3. How can we apply the lesson of spiritual rest in our personal lives, especially during times of uncertainty or judgment?

4. What role do prophets play in communicating God's will, and how can we discern true prophetic messages in our current context?

5. How does the imagery of chariots and horses in Zechariah 6 connect with the visions in Revelation, and what does this teach us about God's ultimate plan for the world?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 1:14
This verse speaks of disaster coming from the north, connecting to the idea of judgment and God's control over nations.

Isaiah 14:3
Discusses the rest and peace that come after God's judgment, similar to the rest of God's Spirit in Zechariah 6:8.

Revelation 6:1-8
The imagery of horses and chariots is echoed in Revelation, symbolizing God's judgment and sovereignty over the earth.
Four Spirits of the HeavensRalph Wardlaw, D. D.Zechariah 6:1-8
God's Government of the WorldHomilistZechariah 6:1-8
God's Government of the WorldD. Thomas Zechariah 6:1-8
The Four ChariotsT. V. Moore, D D.Zechariah 6:1-8
The Supremacy of GodRalph Wardlaw, D. D.Zechariah 6:1-8
The World Ruled in the Interest of ChristianityW. Forsyth Zechariah 6:1-8
People
Heldai, Helem, Hen, Jedaiah, Jehozadak, Josedech, Joshua, Josiah, Tobijah, Zechariah, Zephaniah, Zerubbabel
Places
Babylon, Jerusalem, Shinar
Topics
Appeased, Behold, Calleth, Caused, Cried, Crying, Eased, Forth, North, Quieted, Rest, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spirit, Spoke, Towards, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 6:8

     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of

Zechariah 6:1-8

     5252   chariots

Library
The Priest of the World and King of Men
'He shall build the Temple of the Lord ... and He shall be a Priest upon His throne.'--ZECHARIAH vi. 13. A handful of feeble exiles had come back from their Captivity. 'The holy and beautiful house' where their fathers praised Him was burned with fire. There was no king among them, but they still possessed a representative of the priesthood, the other great office of divine appointment. Their first care was to rear some poor copy of the Temple; and the usual difficulties that attend reconstruction
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
This world is but the echo of the spheres." HEAVEN singeth evermore. Before the throne of God, angels and redeemed saints extol his name. And this world is singing too; sometimes with the loud noise of the rolling thunder, of the boiling sea of the dashing cataract, and of the lowing cattle; and often with that still, solemn harmony, which floweth from the vast creation, when in its silence it praises God. Such is the song which gushes in silence from the mountain lifting its head to the sky, covering
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Allegory of Melchizedek.
HEBREWS vii. 1-28 (R.V.). "For this Melchizedek, King of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him, to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God), abideth a priest continually. Now consider
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Ascension
"So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen." MARK 16:19-20 (R.V.) WE have reached the close of the great Gospel of the energies of Jesus, His toils, His manner, His searching gaze, His noble indignation, His love of children, the consuming zeal by virtue of which He was not more truly the
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The King --Continued.
The second event recorded as important in the bright early years is the great promise of the perpetuity of the kingdom in David's house. As soon as the king was firmly established and free from war, he remembered the ancient word which said, "When He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there" (Deut. xii. 10, 11). His own ease rebukes him; he regards his tranquillity
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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