The prophecy of Zechariah came after the Jews had returned from the Babylonian exile around 520 BC. The prophecy calls the people to repentance, calls then too to rebuild the temple and points to a coming Messiah.
God initially calls the people: “Return to me and I will return to you… turn from your evil ways”. God warns the people not to repeat the errors of their forefathers because, as the exile showed, God always judges sin”. Then comes a vision of a man riding a red horse among myrtle trees in front of red, brown and white horses. An angel and the man in the trees explain that the horses went round and found the world in peace. Then the angel asked God when he would be merciful to Jerusalem which he had punished for 70 years? God said that the nations had exaggerated with the punishment, but now he would return with mercy to Jerusalem and the temple would be rebuilt. Then Zechariah saw 4 horns which represent the powers which scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem, and he saw 4 craftsmen sent by God to terrify these oppressive nations. For God will ultimately judge these nations and remove their power.