Zechariah 6:2

Authorized King James Version

In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבַמֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
chariot
a chariot
#2
הָרִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
In the first
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#3
סוּסִ֥ים
horses
a horse (as leaping)
#4
אֲדֻמִּ֑ים
were red
rosy
#5
וּבַמֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
chariot
a chariot
#6
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
and in the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#7
סוּסִ֥ים
horses
a horse (as leaping)
#8
שְׁחֹרִֽים׃
black
properly, dusky, but also (absol.) jetty

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection