זכריה, פרק ו׳, פסוק ג׳

A prophetic vision of chariots pulled by differently colored horses offers a sweeping view of world empires and their historical impact on the Jewish people. While the earlier chariots feature uniform colors, the later ones reveal a deeper historical and spiritual complexity.

The third chariot is pulled by white horses. The primary approach among commentators identifies this group with the Greek Empire [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. The color white reflects the Greek custom of wearing white linen garments, as they viewed the color as a symbol of beauty and splendor [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. Alternatively, the color represents the wisdom and philosophy associated with Alexander the Great, as wisdom is often compared to something clear and white [רד ק בשם רס״ג]. Other perspectives exist, however. Some identify the white horses with the Persian Empire, a kingdom that earned a pure status by allowing the rebuilding of the Temple [רש״י]. Taking a more futuristic approach, the color white can also symbolize kindness and mercy, pointing toward a future kingdom that will ease the harshness of exile and reduce bloodshed [מלבי״ם].

The fourth chariot stands out because it is pulled by horses displaying two distinct colors [אבן עזרא, רד״ק]. This duality points to a combined or divided rule at the end of days, consisting of two major nations—Edom and Ishmael—that emerge from a single empire [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל].

One of the patterns on these horses features spots or white patches resembling hail [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ]. These patches symbolize the faith of the Ishmaelites, who hold onto pure, "white" foundations from the teachings of Moses—such as tracing their lineage to Abraham and practicing circumcision—while mixing them with foreign beliefs [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Another view suggests these patches represent Edom, a nation that blended the truths of the Torah with falsehoods [אברבנאל]. Taking a completely different approach, some view the spotted pattern as a reference to Greece, symbolizing the strange and varied decrees they imposed on the Jewish people [רש״י].

The second color on these horses is described either as an ash-like gray [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ] or as a bold, strong shade visible from a great distance [אבן עזרא, שטיינזלץ]. The ash appearance represents the early Romans, who destroyed the Temple and burned it to ashes [מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, this strong shade hints at the Ishmaelites, who initially lived under Roman rule but eventually gathered strength, grew powerful, and multiplied greatly [אברבנאל]. Others broadly associate this color with either Edom or Ishmael [רש״י].