Zechariah 1-The Vision of the Horsemen and Horns/Craftsmen

 

Zechariah 1-The Vision of the Horsemen and Horns/Craftsmen

Zechariah 1 begins during the reign of Darius I- the Great (Persia ruler) with a call to the Jews to repent and turn back to God. Then, we see a man riding on a red horse near the myrtle trees. Behind the rider were red, sorrel (red-brown), and white horses. The rider is The Angel of the Lord/ Christ as the Holy Warrior (verse 11) - See also Isaiah 63:1-6, Revelation 19:11-16. The myrtle trees is a humble bush that is symbolized by peace, restoration, and the Feast of Tabernacles (See Isaiah 41:19-20; 55:12-13, Leviticus 23:40, Nehemiah 8:15). The horses are angels who monitor the events of the ancient world after the judgment of Jerusalem, defeat of Babylon, and the rise of Medo-Persia. The Gentile world is now at peace and the Jews are filled with discouragement. The horses are used to monitor and bring about the events of the ancient world in fulfillment of God’s will.

The angels were assigned to observe the aftermath of the exiled Jews and the recent defeat of Babylon. The red horse/messenger angel in the front was responsible for carrying out the Babylonian war/bloodshed to the Jews. The second red horse from behind represented that Babylon was the new target of judgment for Medo-Persia (the war was behind the Jews). The sorrel horse represented a time of struggle from the Jews experiencing enemies who were interfering with the Temple construction. The white horse represented a time of peace, restoration, and kingdom expansion for Israel.

In verse 18, we are introduced about a vision about Four Horns and Four Craftsmen. Many commentators try to force the Daniel prophecies into this passage. However, Ezekiel 25 offers a better and viable alternative. Either the number four is a literal four or a figurative four. If taken in a literal manner, Ezekiel 25 lists Gentile Nations (four horns) that have mocked Israel. The four nations are: Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. 

These four nations were judged during the Medo-Persian Empire period. If this passage was taken in a figurative manner, this would just represent the pagan nations being brought to judgment by other nations. A figurative four means universal.

The Four Craftsmen can refer to Persia in a general manner supplying Israel with materials for the Temple. Although it sounds convincing on the surface, Daniel 11:1-3 makes a stronger argument that these Four Craftsmen are Cyrus II, Cambyses II, Darius I the Great, and Xerxes I. Furthermore, the Hebrew word for craftsmen, carpenters, artisans, etc is Haras. It is better translated as skillful. I believe Ezekiel 21:31’s translation can be applied to the Four Craftsmen who are men skilled in destruction. This fits the context of Zechariah in a clearer way. The Persian Empire oppressed these Gentile Kingdoms. By the time the New Testament comes around, these nations are never mentioned again.

Daniel 11:1-3 11 “And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him. 2 “And now I will show you the truth. Behold, three more kings shall arise in Persia, and a fourth shall be far richer than all of them. And when he has become strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion and do as he wills.

(1) Cyrus II

(2) Cambyses II

(3) Darius I-The Great***

(4) Xerxes I- The Persian King from the Book of Esther

***Do not confuse Darius the Mede with Darius I-The Great (Persian). They are different people.***

Ezekiel 21:31 New International Version 31 I will pour out my wrath on you and breathe out my fiery anger against you; I will deliver you into the hands of brutal men, men skilled in destruction.

 

 

 

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