John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - This vision may represent the ways of Providence in the government of this lower world. Whatever the providences of God about us are, as to public or private affairs, we should see them all as coming from between the mountains of brass, the immoveable counsels and decrees of God; and therefore reckon it as much our folly to quarrel with them, a it is our duty to submit to them. His providences move swiftly an strongly as chariots, but all are directed and governed by his infinit wisdom and sovereign will. The red horses signify war and bloodshed The black, signify the dismal consequences of war, famines pestilences, and desolations. The white, signify the return of comfort peace, and prosperity. The mixed colour, signify events of differen complexions, a day of prosperity and a day of adversity. The angels go forth as messengers of God's counsels, and ministers of his justice an mercy. And the secret motions and impulses upon the spirits of men, by which the designs of Providence are carried on, are these four spirit of the heavens, which go forth from God, and fulfil what the God of the spirits of all flesh appoints. All the events which take place in the world spring from the unchangeable counsels of the Lord, which ar formed in unerring wisdom, perfect justice, truth, and goodness; an from history it is found that events happened about the period when this vision was sent to the prophet, which seem referred to therein.
Original Hebrew ויזעק2199 אתי854 וידבר1696 אלי413 לאמר559 ראה7200 היוצאים3318 אל413 ארץ776 צפון6828 הניחו5117 את853 רוחי7307 בארץ776 צפון׃6828
