Zechariah 1:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Throughout history, God revealed visions to His holy prophets at specific times and in portions. It should not be assumed that divine revelation of future events was always bestowed without interruption; rather, such insights were given at fitting moments determined by the One who discloses hidden truths. Sometimes the prophets received simple knowledge through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, and at other times, they experienced visions of future occurrences, as God revealed His mysteries through varied representations.

For instance, the prophet Isaiah recorded a vision of the Lord of hosts seated on a lofty throne surrounded by seraphim who proclaimed His glory (Isaiah 6). Ezekiel, too, described seeing a throne above the expanse, with the seraphim beneath it, depicting Him who occupied the throne with a dual nature, revealing His divine and human aspects (Ezekiel 1:4). To delve deeply into why God communicated visions through different forms would warrant extensive discussion.

Consequently, Zechariah, having clarified the specific time, days, and month, remarked that he perceived the Lord in a manner akin to humanity, noting a man upon a red horse. His description suggests a warrior experienced in conflict, as the red horse, resembling the color of blood, symbolizes divine readiness against adversaries. The Creator appears as a formidable force against those who rise in rebellion and pride, such as the Israelites in Judea and Jerusalem, as well as the Samaritans, who turned to polytheism and honored false gods, declaring to the golden calves, "Behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt" (3 Sam. 12:28). Disregarding the commands of their lawgiver, they proceeded to indulge their desires.

Thus, the Almighty appears as a cavalry leader, standing amidst two overshadowed mountains, which may symbolize the mountain of Judah, namely Zion, and the mountain of Samaria. These are referred to in a hushed context, perhaps due to their dense population resembling a rich, shaded forest.

Behind the figure on the red horse were other horses of varied colors—red, gray, mottled, and white—representing kings or nations characterized by martial prowess, eager to assert dominion not only over their own lands but also to extend their influence across the globe. Historical figures such as Nebuchadnezzar and his predecessors exemplify this ambition, having subdued the surrounding tribes and devastated the regions of Samaria and Judah.

The diversity of the horses' colors may indicate the different pursuits and ambitions of these rulers. Yet, the prophet, filled with confusion, sought understanding and learned that these were indeed the emissaries sent by the Lord to traverse the earth. The report affirmed that the land was tranquil and subdued, bearing the weight of their dominion not willingly, but out of compulsion.

Is this not the seventieth year?” The Lord responded to the angel conveying these words, delivering messages of good tidings and comfort.

In considering the historical context, I reflect on this vision received at night, contrasting it with the daylit encounters of Moses, who witnessed God directly, and Isaiah, who declared, “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1). This occurred before the Israelites faced exile, prior to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. The prophet, amidst the darkness of suffering, perceives insights concerning his people. The appearance of a man on a red horse is interpreted by the Hebrews as the angel Michael, the avenger of Israel's wrongs. It is believed that he stood among the myrtles, which symbolize the prophets and saints who ministered to the captives in despair.

Following Michael were horses of various colors—red, speckled, and white—interpreted as representing historical kingdoms. The white horses are associated with the Medes and Persians, under whose reign the captives returned and the Temple was rebuilt. The speckled horses symbolize the Macedonians, including both allies and adversaries, while the red horses denote the fierce and bloodthirsty Roman Empire, which devastated the people and desecrated the Temple.

These equine figures correspond, in proper scriptural order, to the empires of the Assyrians and Chaldeans, with the former leading the ten tribes into captivity and the latter subjugating Judah and Benjamin, burning Jerusalem and razing the Temple. The nuances of the Medes and Persians are reflected in characters like Cyrus and Darius, who displayed kindness, contrasting with the cruelty of figures like Cambyses.

Thus, when the prophet witnesses this scene of a man ascending on a red horse, along with the following horses, he queries, “Who are they, Lord?” The angel offering counsel assures him of an explanation. However, it is the figure standing amid the myrtles who reveals, “These are the ones sent by the Lord to traverse the earth.” The apostles, sent forth to announce the Gospel throughout the world, returned to the angel of the Great Council, proclaiming, “We are the aroma of Christ, both among those being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 2:15).

They declare, “We have journeyed across the earth, accomplishing our divinely appointed mission, and behold, the entire earth is populated and at peace”—the very land which once lay desolate has found tranquility from wars, vices, and sins. It has received the inheritance of the Lord, who, upon returning to the Father, states, “My peace I give you; my peace I leave with you” (John 14:27). The request for mercy in this vision—highlighting the Lord's desire for compassion towards Jerusalem and the cities of Judah—signifies that, before the arrival of complete peace and true rest at the end of the seventieth year, neither Jerusalem, emblematic of peace and the Church, nor the cities of Judah, representing the souls of believers, would attain full liberation.

Ultimately, the Lord's words convey hope, offering promises that we now perceive in fragments and prophesy only in part (1 Cor. 13:9). When perfection arrives, the partial will fade, and we, freed from the captivity of this age, will rejoice, exclaiming, “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream” (Psalm 125:1).

This was similarly shown to the blessed Zacharias, who witnessed the angel safeguarding God’s people, namely Saint Michael, as revealed by the angel who conversed with Daniel. This angel declared, ‘There is none that helpeth with me concerning these things: but Michael your prince’ (Dan. 10:21). The Prophet beheld him astride a horse, symbolizing the urgency of action. The red hue of the horse represents divine wrath against the hostile nations, for anger is associated with bloodshed and redness. Mountains symbolize not only stability but also the elevation of the angels designated for protection. The multitude and shadowing of the mountains signify God’s providence, which the blessed David assures those who place their faith in Him; he proclaims, ‘He that liveth in the help of the Highest, in the shelter of the God of heaven shall dwell’ (Psalms 90:1), and again, ‘He will cover you with His arms’ (Psalms 90:4), as well as, ‘in the shelter of Thy wing Thou coverest me’ (Psalms 16:8). Likewise, Israel was sheltered in the wilderness by a pillar of cloud. Consequently, the angel, who is charged with the protection of God’s people, is seen standing amid the mountains, illustrating Divine assistance. Aquila and Symmachus referred to the mountains as myrtle, a fragrant plant known for its soothing properties against fervent passions. Thus, this also symbolizes the future solace offered by the God of all comfort to the Jewish people. When the prophet observed the red, grey, mottled, and white horses behind Michael, he inquired to understand the purpose of his vision. From the angel, who stood amid the mountains, he learned that the horses had been dispatched to survey the entire earth. Confirming this, those mounted on the multicolored horses reported to the angel, who remained between the mountains, stating, ‘Having gone round the whole inhabited earth, we have found that it enjoys peace and quiet.’ However, the angel assigned to oversee God’s people, upon hearing this, became greatly incensed that, while all around were experiencing tranquility, the people entrusted to him faced numerous calamities, and he made this plea to the Lord: