The dappled horses are mentioned in the prophetic visions of Zechariah, a minor prophet in the Old Testament. These horses appear in Zechariah 6:1-8, where they are part of a divine revelation concerning God's sovereignty and judgment over the nations. The passage reads:

"Again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them powerful. So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, 'What are these, my lord?' And the angel told me, 'These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from their station before the Lord of all the earth. The chariot with the black horses is going toward the land of the north, the white horses toward the west, and the dappled horses toward the south.' As the powerful horses went out, they were eager to go and patrol the earth. And the LORD said, 'Go, patrol the earth.' So they patrolled the earth. Then the LORD summoned me and said, 'See, those going to the land of the north have given rest to My Spirit in the land of the north.'" (Zechariah 6:1-8)

In this vision, the dappled horses are part of the fourth chariot and are described as "powerful." The term "dappled" refers to a coat pattern on the horses, characterized by spots or patches of color, which may symbolize a mixture or diversity. The dappled horses are assigned to patrol the south, indicating a divine mission or task.

The imagery of horses and chariots in Zechariah's vision is rich with symbolic meaning. Horses often represent strength, speed, and the execution of divine will. The chariots, drawn by these horses, symbolize God's active involvement in the affairs of the world, executing judgment and maintaining order. The different colors of the horses may represent various aspects of God's judgment and mercy, with each color and direction having specific significance.

The dappled horses, along with the other horses, are described as "the four spirits of heaven," suggesting their role as divine agents or messengers. Their task of patrolling the earth signifies God's omnipresence and His ongoing oversight of creation. The direction assigned to the dappled horses, the south, may hold particular significance in the context of Israel's geopolitical landscape, possibly indicating a focus on regions south of Israel, such as Egypt or other neighboring territories.

The vision of the dappled horses, along with the other chariots, serves to reassure the people of Israel of God's control over the nations and His commitment to justice. It reflects the broader theme of Zechariah's prophecies, which emphasize the restoration of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

In the broader biblical narrative, the imagery of horses and chariots is also found in other prophetic and apocalyptic literature, such as the book of Revelation, where horses symbolize various divine judgments and events in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The dappled horses in Zechariah's vision contribute to this rich tapestry of biblical symbolism, highlighting the complexity and depth of God's interaction with the world.