The horses of heaven – red, black, white and dappled. We see them in Revelation also and they are horses of judgment. Red – war, black-famine, white – victory and dappled – pestilence.
At least in Revelation. Some say the four horses here represent the 4 kingdoms that we see in Daniel, but there’s really no indicators that they are kingdoms.
So the horses strain at the bit and are released to go throughout the earth. In particular the red horse goes towards the north country. This is thought to be Babylon. Then the text says,
“Look, those going to the north country have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north” (v. 8).
Perhaps this is about Israel coming out of the land of the north? Being freed from Babylon?
Then next is another even unusual. Precious gifts/metals are taken from Heldai, Tobiah and Jedidiah and were made into a crown. Now Zerubabbel was governor at the time but it was Joshua, the high priest, who was given a crown.
This is actually surprising because the high priest and the civil government were kept separate. But now the high priest was being crown as king.
Perhaps this was because Zeubabbel’s grandpa Jeconiah had been cursed by the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah had prophesied that no descendent of his would sit on the throne (Jer 22:30). And Zerubabbel was a descendent through Solomon, David but unfortunately Jeconiah.
Others say Joshua was crowned as king and priest to represent what was to come. That Jesus would be both a king and priest. Perhaps.
Then we have Josiah being named a Branch which has strong messianic undertones.
“Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord” (v. 12).
Some say this means the Messiah and the third temple and the millennial reign. Others say this is Josiah being told he will assist with the rebuilding of the temple. And still others say it is both.
I don’t know. My inclination is that is about Joshua and his part in rebuilding the second temple as this seems the focus. That and the focus is on they will receive help to rebuild IF they obey the Lord, something that wouldn’t be said of the Messiah.
“Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the LORD your God” (v. 15).
Overall I think this is a text of encouragement to the leaders of the people that it was time to rebuild. Peace had come now that war was finished with Babylon. The LORD would bring judgment on the nations that harmed Israel as he has said many times previous. But now was the time to rebuild the temple. And if they were obedient to the LORD, God would help them in the process.
And yes, there are undertones of the Messiah here. That the Messiah would also be priest and king. And as we read in Hebrews, the purpose of the temple would be fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus.
