Zechariah 6:4

So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, "What are these, my lord?"

Study Bible

Then I inquired
The act of inquiring signifies a deep desire for understanding and knowledge. In the Hebrew context, the word used here is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which means to ask or inquire. This reflects a posture of humility and a recognition of the need for divine revelation. Zechariah's inquiry is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's wisdom and understanding through prayer and study.

of the angel
Angels in the Bible often serve as messengers of God, conveying His will and revelations to humans. The Hebrew word "מַלְאָךְ" (mal'akh) can mean messenger or angel, indicating a divine envoy. This highlights the importance of divine intermediaries in communicating God's plans and purposes. The presence of the angel underscores the supernatural nature of the visions Zechariah is receiving, reminding believers of the spiritual realm's active role in God's communication with humanity.

who was speaking with me
This phrase indicates an ongoing dialogue between Zechariah and the angel, suggesting a relationship and continuous communication. The Hebrew verb "דָּבַר" (dabar) means to speak or communicate, emphasizing the personal and direct nature of God's communication through His messengers. It encourages believers to maintain an open and ongoing conversation with God, being attentive to His voice in their lives.

'What are these, my lord?'
Zechariah's question reveals his curiosity and desire to understand the vision before him. The phrase "my lord" is a respectful address, translated from the Hebrew "אֲדֹנִי" (adoni), which denotes respect and acknowledgment of authority. This reflects the proper attitude of reverence and submission when approaching divine mysteries. Zechariah's inquiry serves as a reminder for believers to approach God's revelations with both curiosity and reverence, seeking understanding while acknowledging His sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah is the author of the book and the one receiving the visions. His role is to convey God's messages to the Israelites who have returned from Babylonian exile.

2. The Angel
A divine messenger who communicates God's revelations to Zechariah. The angel serves as an interpreter of the visions that Zechariah receives.

3. The Vision
This is part of a series of visions given to Zechariah. In this particular vision, Zechariah sees four chariots, which he inquires about in this verse.

4. The Chariots
Though not described in this specific verse, the chariots are part of the vision that Zechariah is trying to understand. They symbolize God's sovereign control and judgment over the earth.

5. The Lord
Referred to indirectly as "my lord" by Zechariah, indicating respect and acknowledgment of divine authority.

Teaching Points

Seeking Understanding
Zechariah's inquiry shows the importance of seeking understanding from God. We should not hesitate to ask God for clarity in our spiritual journey.

Divine Communication
God often uses intermediaries, like angels, to communicate His will. We should be attentive to the various ways God might speak to us today, including through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel.

Respectful Inquiry
Zechariah addresses the angel with respect, teaching us to approach God and His messengers with reverence and humility.

God's Sovereignty
The vision of the chariots underscores God's control over the world. We can trust in His ultimate authority and plan, even when we do not fully understand it.

Role of Prophets
Zechariah's role as a prophet reminds us of the importance of those who faithfully convey God's messages. We should value and heed the teachings of those who are called to speak God's truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Zechariah's approach to seeking understanding from the angel inform our own approach to seeking wisdom from God?

2. In what ways can we discern God's communication in our lives today, and how can we ensure we are listening attentively?

3. How does the imagery of chariots in Zechariah 6 relate to the themes of judgment and sovereignty found in other parts of the Bible, such as Revelation?

4. What can we learn from Zechariah's respectful inquiry about the nature of our relationship with God and His messengers?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Zechariah's vision to trust in God's sovereignty in our current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Zechariah 1:9
This verse also features Zechariah asking the angel for clarification, showing a pattern of seeking understanding from God.

Daniel 7:16
Daniel, like Zechariah, seeks understanding of his visions from a heavenly being, highlighting the importance of divine interpretation.

Revelation 6:1-8
The imagery of horses and chariots in Zechariah's vision is echoed in Revelation, where they represent different aspects of God's judgment and sovereignty.