זכריה, פרק ו׳, פסוק ז׳

A prophetic vision unfolds, revealing the rise of a powerful force seeking global dominance and the heavenly approval it receives to spread across the world. The identity of this mighty entity is a matter of distinct interpretation. The primary approach among commentators views this as a reference to the kingdom of Edom, identified as ancient Rome, which was represented earlier in the vision by red horses [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. Others suggest it symbolizes the kingdom of Ishmael [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. A different perspective proposes that this represents a kingdom without a defined direction of expansion or direct, significant impact on the world, standing in contrast to the more focused empires of the north and south [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This ambitious power approaches God, actively seeking permission to establish a prolonged and widespread rule. They put forth a great effort to secure an independent kingship, hoping to expand in all directions, from east to west, to ensure they are not lost or swallowed up by the other nations of the world [רש״י, אבן עזרא, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Alternatively, this movement is understood as a specific military campaign. In this view, they set out to wage war against a rival power and conquer their territory. However, their ambition remains an unfulfilled request; their plan is destined to fail, and they will ultimately fall around Jerusalem in the final war of Gog and Magog [מלבי״ם].

In response to their plea, a divine command grants them permission to go out, conquer lands, and rule with immense power [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. The specific phrasing of this heavenly decree emphasizes the sheer scale and massive expansion this kingdom would achieve across many territories [אברבנאל]. While this permission seems focused on this specific force, another approach views the decree as a broader mandate directed at all the powers seen in the vision, establishing that these various kingdoms will rule the earth until the end of days [מלבי״ם]. Ultimately, historical reality confirms the fulfillment of this decree, as the kingdom received its requested authority, spread throughout the world, and exercised its dominance over the earth [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].