The first several visions conveyed messages about the rebuilding of the temple and the safe, prosperous future of the Hebrews under the protection of God. In one vision, Zechariah saw four horns. An angel told him the horns represented the nations that destroyed Judah and Israel and scattered the people to sundry places. In addition, Zechariah saw four blacksmiths who represented agents of God who would strike down the horns.

Then Zechariah had a vision in which he saw the high priest Joshua clothed in dirty clothes. Most scholars say this represents the sinfulness of the people. Joshua’s dirty clothes were taken from him and he was clothed in fine, priestly clothes. Most scholars say this represented God removing the people’s sins from them.

Later, Zechariah saw a lampstand with seven lamps on it. The word “lampstand” in Hebrew is “menorah.” The menorah represents the eternal light of God’s word. By the lampstand were two olive trees. Most scholars think that the two olive trees represent Joshua, high priest and Zerubabbel, the governor God put in charge of rebuilding the temple after the exiles returned. In essence, God’s word was present and his temple was being rebuilt.

In another vision, Zechariah saw a woman crammed into a basket. The woman represented wickedness. After that, Zechariah saw two women flying towards him. The women lifted the basket and flew off with it. When Zechariah asked an angel where they were going, the angel replied, “To the country of Babylonia to build a house for it. When it is ready, the basket will be set there in its place.” (NIV, Zechariah 5:11).

Zechariah was not through with visions yet. He had one more. In this vision, he saw four chariots. The four chariots, each led by powerful horses, flew off into the four directions of the world to patrol for God. Also as part of this vision, God told Zechariah to collect gold and silver from the exiles and make a crown for Joshua the high priest. God told Zechariah to tell Joshua: “Here is the man called the Branch. He will branch out where he is and build the temple of the LORD. He will build the LORD’s temple, and he will receive royal honor and will rule as king from his throne. He will also serve as priest from his throne, and there will be perfect harmony between the two.” (NLT, Zechariah 6:12–13)