Zechariah 1:20

The Vision of the Horns and the Craftsmen · Zechariah 1:18–21
Read Zechariah 1

Translations

Modern
Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen.
Traditional
And the Lord shewed me four carpenters.
Literal
And YHWH showed me four craftsmen.
Latin
Et ostendit mihi Dominus quatuor fabros.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen.

Notes

The word translated as blacksmiths could refer to any type of craftsman, such as a mason, carpenter, or smith. If the horns representing the nations were metal (see 1 Kings 22:11), then blacksmiths were suitable for the task of destroying them (see 2 Chronicles 24:12; Isaiah 44:12).

The second vision reveals God's plan to judge the nations that destroyed Jerusalem and exiled Judah. The prophet does not specify which nations the four horns represent. It is best to see the number four as a symbol for all nations that will face divine judgment for scattering God's people.

These eight visions helped the Judeans overcome their fears and trust in God's promises. The visions happened two months after Haggai's last two messages (Haggai 2:10–19, 20–23). They suggest that Haggai's prophecies were coming true.

Events

Glossary

Apocalyptic Horn Smith Zechariah, Book of

Topics

Carpentry: Carpenters Horn: Symbolical Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration Vision of Zechariah of Horns and Carpenters