BibleWord.ai› Bible› Zechariah› Chapter 6› Verse 8

Zechariah 6:8

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Zechariah 6:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then cried he to me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, they that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then cried he to me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, they that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
Zechariah 6:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Zechariah 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four winds of heaven, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6[The chariot] wherein are the black horses goeth forth toward the north country; and the white went forth after them; and the grizzled went forth toward the south country.
7And the strong went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
8Then cried he to me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, they that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
9And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,
10Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah, whither they are come from Babylon;
11yea, take [of them] silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;
← Zechariah 6:7Zechariah 6:9 →
← Full Chapter 6 Zechariah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, etc.] That is, the Lord of the whole earth spoke to the prophet with a loud voice, and uttered the following words: Behold, these that go toward the north country; meaning the Medes and Persians, which went towards Babylon: have quieted my spirit in the north country; by executing the judgments of God upon the Chaldeans, and by helping, favouring, and delivering the people of the Jews; which were very agreeable to the will of God, and well pleasing in his sight, signified by the quieting or refreshing his Spirit.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“north . . . quieted . . . my spirit--that is, caused My anger to rest (Jdg 8:3, Margin; Ecc 10:4; Eze 5:13; Eze 16:42). Babylon alone of the four great world kingdoms had in Zechariah's time been finally punished; therefore, in its case alone does God now say His anger is satisfied; the others had as yet to expiate their sin; the fourth has still to do so. The double crown is placed on Joshua's head, symbolizing that the true priesthood and the kingdom shall be conferred on the one Messiah. Compare Heb 6:20; Heb. 7:1-21, on Melchisedek, who similarly combined the kingdom and priesthood as type of Messiah.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then God, or the Angel of the Lord - who speaks of what belonged to God alone, “called me” (probably “loudly” Judges 4:10, Judges 4:13; 2 Samuel 20:4-5), so as to command his attention to this which most immediately concerned his people. These have quieted My spirit in the north country - Or rather, “have made My anger to rest” on, that is, have carried it thither and deposited it there, made it to rest upon them, as its abode, as John saith of the unbelieving, “The wrath of God abideth on him” John 3:36. Babylon had been the final antagonist and subduer of the people of God. It had at the outset destroyed the temple of God, and carried off its vessels to adorn idol-temples. Its empire…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Cried he - Christ spake aloud, and called to him. Quieted my spirit - By doing what I appointed them in revenge of my peoples injuries, and by bringing my people back into Canaan. Zechariah 6:10”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:8 the Lord summoned me: The series of visions closes with a direct word from the Lord to Zechariah. In bypassing the interpreting angel, God emphasizes the sure and effective implementation of his word to Israel. • have vented the anger of my Spirit (literally have given my Spirit rest): “Spirit” can mean “anger,” as it does here (see Judg 8:3; Isa 33:11).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“quieted: Zac 1:15; Jdg 8:3, Jdg 15:7; Ecc 10:4; Isa 1:24, Isa 18:3, Isa 18:4, Isa 42:13-15, Isa 48:14; Isa 51:22, Isa 51:23; Jer 51:48, Jer 51:49; Eze 5:13, Eze 16:42, Eze 16:63; Rev 18:21, Rev 18:22 Zechariah 6:9”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Zechariah 6 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification