Interpretation Helps for Zechariah 1-6

Unlike with Daniel, some of the significance of details in the prophecies of Zechariah are only known in a more general sense (for example, the colored horses are obviously messengers or angels, but the significance of the colors is unknown). Here are some of the helpful interpretations that were identified:

• In 1:11 when the angels report, "We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace," they are referring to the nations that have oppressed Israel. In verse 14 when God says, "I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, but I am very angry with the nations that feel secure. I was only a little angry, but they added to the calamity"--this is saying that these nations that oppressed Israel went too far and would themselves be punished.
• In 1:18-21, the prophecy of "Horns and Craftsmen," it's obviously talking about the nations that punished Israel and then themselves were punished. The significance of the number "four" and the use of the word "craftsmen" weren't explained very well anywhere.
• In 2:10-13 this is the Messiah talking about coming to live among us.
• In 3:1-10 Joshua in his filthy clothes represents the sinful nation of Israel who, like a "burning stick snatched from the fire," was retrieved from Babylonian exile. The clean turban being placed on his head represents a reinstatement of the high priestly function. Since it follows the removal of the dirty clothes, or sin, which only happens through Jesus, it seems to be pointing to Jesus now handling the position of high priest.
• In the same section, when God says to Joshua, "If you walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among those standing here," he is talking about working alongside the angels in carrying out God's purposes.
• In the same section the branch and stone both are representative of Jesus. The many eyes on the stone represent God's omniscience, or ability to see and know all things.
• In Zechariah 4:1-14, the lampstand seems to represent God's Word and the oil is his Spirit. The olive trees, "the two who are annointed to serve the Lord of all the earth," are Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel of the royal house of David. They were to do God's work in the power of his Spirit. Ultimately both positions point to Jesus as the Messianic King-Priest.
• The prophecy of the flying scroll, 5:1-4, represents the law and its effects.
• The prophecy of the woman in a basket, 5:5-11, the idea is the God is in control of evil and it is must be purged from his people. An interesting side note is the question of why wickedness is personified as a woman (also in Revelation). It may simply be because the Hebrew word for "wickedness" is feminine.
• In 6:1-8, the prophecy of four chariots, the mountains of bronze may represent God's judgment. The colors of the horses might be various judgments of God on different nations. In verse 8 where it says, "Look, those going toward the north country have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north." If the footnote translation of "spirit" with a small "s" is used, this could mean God was appeased by the judgment against the north.
• Finally, the "Crown for Joshua" section, 6:9-15, represents the fulfillment of prophecy in the Messiah taking on the unified role of priest and king.