Глава 6

So, at the end of this vision, the Prophet describes another contemplation, and says that (Zech. 6:1) he saw “chariots”, four in number, coming out of two “mountains of copper,” and (Zech. 6:2) the first chariot was harnessed to red horses, the second black, (Zech. 6:3) the third white, and the fourth mottled with apples. Then he says that he asked and learned from the Angel: Zechariah 6:5. These are the four winds of heaven, which go forth to represent the Lord of all the earth. The Prophet calls the four parts of the universe the four winds; because many consider the winds to be equal to them. Therefore, the Prophet learns that the God of all things gives blessings to people and sends them sorrows, using invisible Forces in his service. So blessed David says: “The Angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear Him and deliver them” (Ps. 33:8); He speaks about punishment in another psalm: “He sent upon her the wrath of His wrath, wrath and wrath and sorrow, a message from fierce angels” (Ps. 77:49). Likewise, the God-wise Zechariah sees black horses rushing to the northern part of the universe, and by this means the destruction of Babylon. Zechariah 6:6. And whites followed them, not in order to give good things to the Babylonians, but so that, when they are punished, the remaining Jews from the captivity can be returned to Judea: And the red ones 4 went out to the land of the south, threatening disasters to the nations rebelling against Jerusalem; because the red color of the prophetic word covertly meant irritability. Zechariah 6:6–7. And the motley speckled ones went out, and the hedgehogs looked around and occupied the earth, and said: Go, occupied the earth, and occupied the earth. By earth he means here not the land of Israel, but the whole universe; He calls the horses motley, because they correct all kinds of services, where they should, they punish, and where they should, they do good. Zechariah 6:8. And he cried out and called me, and said to me, “Behold, those who go out to the land of the north have given rest to My Spirit in the land of the north, that is, I imposed a fair punishment on the Babylonians, which they had long deserved, but had not yet suffered due to My love for mankind. After these visions, the Prophet is commanded to accept the gifts brought by the captives, but not just everyone, but Zechariah 6:10. even from the princes, and from those who trusted him, and from those who understood him, that is, all those who felt the calamity and knew the cause of captivity, experienced its benefits, may they bring gifts. Then the Prophet remembers the names of Eldai, Tobiah, and Idiah, and is commanded to enter to the house of Josiah Zephaniah, who is now coming from Babylon, Zechariah 6:11. silver and gold, make a crown out of them, and place it on the head of Bishop Jesus, convey to him the words of God and say: Zechariah 6:12–13. To Sitsa the Lord Almighty says: Behold the man, whose name is the East, and under him he will shine, and will build the church of the Lord: and he will receive virtue, and sit and rule on his throne, and the priest will be on his right hand, and the council will be peaceful between both. All this is foreshadowed by the Prophet about Zerubbabel, not as one who has not yet been born, but as one who has not yet assumed power; He calls it the East, because it shone like a light to those living in Jerusalem, overwhelmed by adversity and the darkness of disasters. He says that he will complete the building of God’s church, establish himself on the royal throne, bestow all honor on the bishop, and be in such unanimity with him that he will never do anything without his approval. He promised this not only to them, but also to those waiting for an unfading crown, whom he calls (Zechariah 6:14) “the key ones and those who understood it.” And whoever delivered the materials for the crown, Josiah the son of Zephaniah, will be awarded glory for this; for the Prophet expressed this with the words: “and for grace to the son of Zephaniah.” Then he says about the place of worship: Zechariah 6:14–15. And in the psalm in the church of the Lord: And from afar from these they will come and build in the church of the Lord, and you will understand that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. For not only you who are here will do this, but also those living far away from you will flock from everywhere and take part with you in these wonderful labors. And it shall come to pass, if ye hearken well to the voice of the Lord your God. This will be fulfilled and reach its proper end, says the Prophet, if you obey the words of God. Seventy, according to the Slavic translation, reads: motley.