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. Zechariah
1:21
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:18-21, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13). These verses describe a vision Zechariah has of four horns and four craftsmen, and how the horns represent the nations that have oppressed and "scattered" Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem (v19). The craftsmen represent to battle against the horns (v21) and to fulfill Zechariah's previous vision (vv7-17) where God will bring about stability to His people as He is "exceedingly angry" with those who have oppressed God's people. The text presages how God will ultimately defeat Satan, sin and death during the end times as depicted in Revelation where we also see horns that represent the power of evil. God's people can take comfort in how we know the battle for our souls has already been won and we can take refuge in God's protection and His loving arms. See also Exodus 14:14 where Moses calms the anxious Israelites as it appears that the Egyptians will recapture God's people and bring them back to bondage.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking on my sin and the sin of all humanity so that I could life, now and for eternity with You. Thank You Jesus!! I am not deserving of how You interceded on my behalf and continue to do so....my sin continues and it is great. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
