he vision of the chariots. (1-8) Joshua, the high priest,
crowned as a type of Christ. (9-15)
Verses 1-8: This vision may represent the ways of Providence in the
government of this lower world. Whatever the providences of God
about us are, as to public or private affairs, we should see
them all as coming from between the mountains of brass, the
immoveable counsels and decrees of God; and therefore reckon it
as much our folly to quarrel with them, as it is our duty to
submit to them. His providences move swiftly and strongly as
chariots, but all are directed and governed by his infinite
wisdom and sovereign will. The red horses signify war and
bloodshed. The black, signify the dismal consequences of war,
famines, pestilences, and desolations. The white, signify the
return of comfort, peace, and prosperity. The mixed colour,
signify events of different complexions, a day of prosperity and
a day of adversity. The angels go forth as messengers of God's
counsels, and ministers of his justice and mercy. And the secret
motions and impulses upon the spirits of men, by which the
designs of Providence are carried on, are these four spirits of
the heavens, which go forth from God, and fulfil what the God of
the spirits of all flesh appoints. All the events which take
place in the world spring from the unchangeable counsels of the
Lord, which are formed in unerring wisdom, perfect justice,
truth, and goodness; and from history it is found that events
happened about the period when this vision was sent to the
prophet, which seem referred to therein.
Verses 9-15: Some Jews from Babylon brought an offering to the house of
God. Those who cannot forward a good work by their persons,
must, as they are able, forward it by their purses: if some find
hands, let others fill them. Crowns are to be made, and put upon
the head of Joshua. The sign was used, to make the promise more
noticed, that God will, in the fulness of time, raise up a great
High Priest, like Joshua, who is but the figure of one that is
to come. Christ is not only the Foundation, but the Founder of
this temple, by his Spirit and grace. Glory is a burden, but not
too heavy for Him to bear who upholds all things. The cross was
His glory, and he bore that; so is the crown an exceeding weight
of glory, and he bears that. The counsel of peace should be
between the priest and the throne, between the priestly and
kingly offices of Jesus Christ. The peace and welfare of the
gospel church, and of all believers, shall be wrought, though
not by two several persons, yet by two several offices meeting
in one; Christ, purchasing all peace by his priesthood,
maintaining and defending it by his kingdom. The crowns used in
this solemnity must be kept in the temple, as evidence of this
promise of the Messiah. Let us not think of separating what God
has joined in his counsel of peace. We cannot come to God by
Christ as our Priest, if we refuse to have him rule over us as
our King. We have no real ground to think our peace is made with
God, unless we try to keep his commandments.
he vision of the chariots. (1-8) Joshua, the high priest,
crowned as a type of Christ. (9-15)