Zechariah 1:18 – And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, four horns!
Welcome back, dear readers! We have begun our study of the visions of Zechariah. In our last post, we studied vision #1, the 'man' and horseman among the myrtle trees.
There can be no doubt that after that vision, God had Zechariah's attention. Even though it was night, he was wide awake meditating on the first vision, its interpretation and its message to Israel. But little did he know, God wasn't finished speaking yet. Zechariah would eventually see eight separate visions that night. We are now going to examine the second vision.
The scripture tells us that suddenly, Zechariah 'lifts up [his] eyes' and sees yet another vision – four horns. While that seems odd to us, it wasn't that strange to Zechariah because Israel was a nation of shepherds. Horned animals were a part of their daily life. In addition, Zechariah came from a family of priests. Therefore he was familiar with the horned animals that were routinely sacrificed in the temple - goats, rams and oxen.
So when Zechariah sees a vision of four horns, it is highly unlikely these four horns were just randomly floating in space. His vision probably consisted of some type of animal or beast with horns. Since the focus of the vision was clearly the horns, he does not bother to mention the animal(s) associated with them.
Did you know that animal horns are often mentioned in scripture?
They had many literal and practical uses. For instance, we have evidence that horns, which are hollow, were polished and used as either drinking vessels or as a means of holding liquids:
1 Samuel 16:1 - And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go, I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
Horns were also used as musical instruments...
Psalm 98:6 - With trumpets and the sound of a horn make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
and as a means to summon men to war:
Joshua 6:4 - And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.
Many bible scholars believe that the very first trumpets were nothing more than ox horns which had a perforation at the tip. In later times, that concept evolved into more sophisticated instruments made with different materials.
Horns are used symbolically or metaphorically in scripture as well. In the natural realm, the horns of an animal are its chief means of attack and defense. (Picture an enraged bull, charging at a rival with his head lowered in a position to strike with his horns.)
The horns are a reflection of the power, strength and ferocity which the animal possesses. Likewise, we find that in scripture, horns represent power, strength, dominion and fierceness.
A horn can depict the strength and vitality of a single individual:
1 Samuel 2:1 - And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoices in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth boasts over my enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation.
Thus, when one's horn is 'in the dust', it symbolizes humility or degradation (Job 16:15). When one's horn is lifted up or exalted, it is a poetical expression of honor, glory or prosperity (Psalms 75:4, I Chronicles 25:5).
As you are probably aware, Jesus is referred to as the 'horn of our salvation':
Psalm 18:2 - The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
(See also II Samuel 22:3, Luke 1:69, etc). The idea behind this phrase is that Jesus is a Savior who has the necessary power/strength/might to work salvation for mankind.
Horns can also represent the strength and might of nations:
Micah 4:13 - Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs bronze: and you shall beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their wealth unto the Lord of the whole earth.
Jeremiah 48:25 - The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, says the LORD.
Here is another interesting fact - when scripture gives us a specific number of horns that number normally corresponds to a number of monarchies or kingdoms. For example, Daniel had a vision of a beast with ten horns (Daniel 7), and the interpretation makes it clear that they represent ten kingdoms:
Daniel 7:24 - And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise.
(See also Revelation 12:3, 13:1 and 17:3-16). The same concept is reflected in Daniel's vision of a ram with two horns. One horn represented the kingdom of Media and the other the kingdom of Persia (Daniel 8:20). In Daniel 8:5, the 'notable horn' of the goat was Alexander the Great.
Now that we have a little more background on the use of the term 'horn' in the scriptures, let's return to the vision of Zechariah.
The focal point of this vision was clearly a set of four horns. These no doubt represent four powerful, fierce and/or dominant nations or kingdoms. The question is, which four?
One popular opinion (which was apparently the prevailing opinion of the ancient Jews) was that the four horns represented four world empires:
- Assyrian Empire (approximately 900-600 BCE) or Babylonian Empire/Chaldean dynasty (626-539 BCE).
- Persian Empire (Began in 550 BC with Cyrus, ended by Alexander the Great in 331BC)
- Grecian Empire (approximately 750-323 BC)
- Roman Empire/imperial period (Began in 31 BC with the proclamation of Augustus Caesar that he was the emperor, ended in 476 AD with the fall of Rome)
Those who believe this interpretation point out that all of these kingdoms conquered and oppressed other nations, including the Jews. They also correspond to the four beasts seen in Daniel chapter seven.
If this is the interpretation of the four horns, then it should be noted that only two of the four empires had come to power at the time the prophesy was given. This causes us to take note that the vision unfolded in future generations exactly as God said it would.
A different interpretation of this vision says that the four horns represent the four corners of the earth (north, south, east, west) and their corresponding kingdoms. This theory is based on the idea that the Jews were assailed on every side by their enemies. Those who hold this theory identify the pertinent kingdoms as follows:
- North – The Assyrians and Babylonians.
- South – The Egyptians and Edomites.
- East – the Moabites and Ammonites.
- West – The Philistines.
But we don't necessarily have to exclude either theory (or other theories that have also been proposed), because prophesy has many levels of fulfillment.
In other words, Zechariah's vision could have been fulfilled on one level with the immediate enemies of ancient Israel (the theory of the four corners of the world). It could have been fulfilled on another level, in another generation with the domination of Israel by Rome.
And there are many who believe it will be fulfilled yet again, with the revival of the Roman Empire in the last days before Christ returns to earth (see Daniel chapter 2, the vision of the image with the golden head, etc).
Zechariah 1:19 – And I said to the angel who talked with me, "What are these?" And he said to me, "These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem."
Immediately after seeing the four horns, Zechariah asks the assisting angel who or what these horns represent.
The assisting angel tells Zechariah that they are kingdoms which have 'scattered' God's people. The term 'scattered' refers to the process of winnowing grain. However, it does not necessarily mean to literally disburse the Jews (as in the captivity). It has a broader meaning which includes any attempt to destroy national unity, to strip Israel of power/blessings or bring her into bondage.
Think of it this way: In the natural realm, when an ox uses its horns against enemies or rivals, some of them are injured, some die and some flee.
The same would be true of the Jews which were 'scattered' by the horns or nations in this vision. 'Scattered' would include things like vexation/oppression of Israel by the Moabites, Ammonites, Philistines and others during the period of the judges and kings. It would also certainly refer to the captivity as well as the economic, civil and religious oppression of Rome during the time of Christ.
If we look at the time of Zechariah, we can say with certainty that the Jews were being bullied by other powers. Once the Jews began to rebuild the temple, they were instantly surrounded by enemies on all sides. If they maneuvered to avoid one enemy, they were pushed or 'gored' by another (Nehemiah 4:7-8, Ezra chapter 4). In the case of Israel, there was/is no shortage of nations who desire to oppress her!
Furthermore, these were not just kingdoms that wanted to control Israel; they were kingdoms who were looking for complete annihilation of God's people. They showed Israel no mercy. They gave her people no reprieve and no hope.
Because of the formidable power of these oppressing nations, the Israelites in the day of Zechariah had slipped into despair. The Jews were unable to make any progress on the temple and they began to give up hope. It was apparent that they could not complete the work in their own strength, and they did not see any evidence that God was moving on their behalf.
But they were wrong.
Zechariah 1:20-21 – Then the Lord showed me four craftsman. And I said, "What are these coming to do?" He said, "These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one raised his head. And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it."
Immediately after seeing the four horns, Zechariah also sees four craftsmen. In Hebrew, this word refers to a mechanic, a carpenter (someone who is skilled in working with wood and stone) or a blacksmith (one who works with brass and iron).
These four 'craftsmen' have the ability and authority to saw, cut, burn, melt, nail, carve, cast or otherwise shape/destroy the horns.
The assisting angel reveals to Zechariah that these four 'craftsman' represent other powers or kingdoms which the Lord sent to defeat the four 'horns' who had vexed his people Israel.
Hallelujah! This was a wonderful word of hope for the people of God. God had not forgotten Israel. As we noted in the first vision, he was keeping a record of every action taken against his people. He was aware of every blow the enemy delivered and every attempt they made to destroy his beloved nation.
And at the proper time, he was going to send a 'craftsman' or deliverer to tear down, modify and/or destroy the nations who were seeking to crush and burden his people. Relief from these oppressing powers was on the way!
Who were these 'craftsmen'? Can we identify them?
Obviously, the identity of the craftsman depends on who you identified as the four horns.
In the days of Zechariah, the craftsmen could have been individuals such as Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua the priest or Ezra and Nehemiah. These men faithfully and bravely carried on the work of God in spite of the opposition they faced from the Gentiles and the Samaritans. They were an inspiration and an example for the whole nation.
But in a broader sense, the craftsmen were probably nations. For example, if you believe that Babylon was one of the horns, then by default Cyrus was one of the craftsmen, because his kingdom destroyed Babylon. If you believe that Persia was one of the horns, then by default Alexander the Great and his kingdom must be one of the craftsmen, because they defeated Persia.
The obvious parallel is that a nation could be both a horn and a craftsman. This is evident when we consider that the Babylonians were destroyed by the Medes and Persians, the Persians were destroyed by the Grecians, the Grecians were destroyed by the Romans, etc.
But let's not get bogged down or side-tracked in trying to identify the craftsman. Instead, let's look at the bigger picture - for every one of the 'horns', God raised up a skilled 'craftsman' to destroy it. Therefore, we can conclude that for every enemy of God's people, God provides a counteracting power to destroy it.
We know this to be true; it seems like every generation has at least one nation or group of people who are dedicated to the destruction of the Israel and/or the Jewish nation. Despite the fact that they are well funded, well staffed and well equipped, they never succeed.
Why do you suppose that is? It's because God fights for them. When satan inspires nations to slaughter the Jews, God raises up craftsmen to counter and subdue those kingdoms. Satan has never and will never be able to remove God's people from the earth. God has never lost a war and he isn't about start now!
Now let's ask ourselves this question: Is this vision a word for the church in our generation?
I believe it is. In fact, I think it is like a mirror for the situation facing the church today.
The church has enemies on every side. The government seeks to restrain us, while liberal politicians try to categorize Christians as dangerous. They want to blame Christians for all of the evils and problems facing society today.
In fact, nearly every facet of our culture seeks to crush, kill and destroy Christian values. Radical groups promote sin and perversion under the veil of 'freedom', while calling righteousness a 'hate crime'. They sound off about freedom of speech while simultaneously doing everything in their power to silence the gospel message (or any message that questions their actions/ideals).
We also find that foreign nations hate America and everything we stand for. China, Iran and Russia seem to be working behind the scenes to covertly bring destruction to America, the only other nation on earth formed by a covenant with God.
In our own power, we cannot overturn this tide of evil that is coming against the church and the nation of America. But we don't need to lose hope. God promises us that Holy Spirit is ready to come on the scene and give us victory:
Isaiah 59:19 - So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
AMEN! Clearly, at the appropriate time, God is going to raise up 'craftsmen' who, through the power of Holy Spirit, will turn back the tide of evil.
However, as with ancient Israel, this will probably not be an instantaneous event. It will happen over time, as the church stands firm, follows the commands of Holy Spirit, resists evil and does all she can to bring about revival in the world:
James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Therefore, let the church rejoice! We should not despair or give up the fight because God is going to make us victorious in Christ! Let's continue to fight the good fight of faith everyday and watch as God crushes satan under our feet!
Let me offer you some encouragement:
Yes, the church is under attack in this generation, but we WILL be victorious, through Christ!
We want to be informed about what is happening in the world, but at the same time, don't pay too much attention to the bad news that the world is constantly spouting off. Don't despair and don't give up hope. God fulfills his plans and purposes in every generation and this one won't be any different.
I believe God has great and mighty things in store for the church; if we remain faithful and courageously follow Holy Spirit, we are going to see victory.
Let me offer you some relief:
If you've already been infected by hopelessness or despair, there is a cure. Turn off or greatly curtail the sources who are speaking defeat into your life (the news, your friends, cultural leaders, podcasts, etc).
Instead, get into the bible and rediscover the greatness of our God! Take time to enter into seasons of worship and praise and allow Holy Spirit to revive your hope. God is going to take his church to victory, and he wants you to be a part of that!
Hint: You might want to start with Hebrews chapter 11.
Let me offer you some strength:
God did not create you to fail, to cower before the enemy or to live in fear. His word says that we have the power to trample the enemy:
Psalm 91:13 - You shall tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the serpent shall you trample under feet.
So remind yourself and those around you that you are a soldier of the King! You are well equipped, well trained and well supported. You operate under the authority of Christ and the anointing of Holy Spirit. Let's begin to boldly proclaim victory in the name of Jesus!