Zechariah 1:18
Zechariah 1:18 in Multiple Translations
Then I looked up and saw four horns.
¶ Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.
And I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, four horns.
And lifting up my eyes I saw four horns.
Then I looked and saw four animal horns.
Then lift I vp mine eyes and sawe, and beholde, foure hornes.
And I lift up mine eyes, and look, and lo, four horns.
I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, four horns.
Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.
And I lifted up my eyes, and saw: and behold four horns.
Then I looked up, and I saw in front of me four animal horns.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Study Notes — Zechariah 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 1:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 1:18
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
- Sermons on Zechariah 1:18
Context — The Vision of the Horns and the Craftsmen
16Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’
17Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”
18Then I looked up and saw four horns.
19So I asked the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these?” And he told me, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” 20Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 5:13 | Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” |
| 2 | 2 Kings 24:1–20 | During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded. So Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years, until he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. Surely this happened to Judah at the LORD’s command, to remove them from His presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood he had shed. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was unwilling to forgive. As for the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And Jehoiakim rested with his fathers, and his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place. Now the king of Egypt did not march out of his land again, because the king of Babylon had taken all his territory, from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates River. Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan; she was from Jerusalem. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his father had done. At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. As the LORD had declared, Nebuchadnezzar also carried off all the treasures from the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he cut into pieces all the gold articles that Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD. He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, as well as the king’s mother, his wives, his officials, and the leading men of the land. He took them into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The king of Babylon also brought into exile to Babylon all seven thousand men of valor and a thousand craftsmen and metalsmiths—all strong and fit for battle. Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. And Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done. For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon. |
| 3 | Zechariah 5:9 | Then I lifted up my eyes and saw two women approaching, with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between heaven and earth. |
| 4 | Daniel 8:3–14 | Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later. I saw the ram charging toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and there was no deliverance from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. As I was contemplating all this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came out of the west, crossing the surface of the entire earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and rushed at him with furious power. I saw him approach the ram in a rage against him, and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him, and the goat threw him to the ground and trampled him, and no one could deliver the ram from his power. Thus the goat became very great, but at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off, and four prominent horns came up in its place, pointing toward the four winds of heaven. From one of these horns a little horn emerged and grew extensively toward the south and the east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew as high as the host of heaven, and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the earth, and trampled them. It magnified itself, even to the Prince of the host; it removed His daily sacrifice and overthrew the place of His sanctuary. And in the rebellion, the host and the daily sacrifice were given over to the horn, and it flung truth to the ground and prospered in whatever it did. Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long until the fulfillment of the vision of the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host to be trampled?” He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be properly restored.” |
| 5 | Daniel 7:3–8 | Then four great beasts came up out of the sea, each one different from the others: The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man. Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’ Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule. After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 15:29 | In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria. |
| 7 | Zechariah 5:1 | Again I lifted up my eyes and saw before me a flying scroll. |
| 8 | Daniel 11:28–35 | The king of the North will return to his land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant; so he will do damage and return to his own land. At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time will not be like the first. Ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and rage against the holy covenant and do damage. So he will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant. His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Those with insight will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by sword or flame, or be captured or plundered. Now when they fall, they will be granted a little help, but many will join them insincerely. Some of the wise will fall, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. |
| 9 | Zechariah 2:1 | Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. |
| 10 | Daniel 2:37–43 | You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. Wherever the sons of men or beasts of the field or birds of the air dwell, He has given them into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold. But after you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule the whole earth. Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; for iron shatters and crushes all things, and like iron that crushes all things, it will shatter and crush all the others. And just as you saw that the feet and toes were made partly of fired clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom, yet some of the strength of iron will be in it—just as you saw the iron mixed with clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so the peoples will mix with one another, but will not hold together any more than iron mixes with clay. |
Zechariah 1:18 Summary
In Zechariah 1:18, Zechariah saw four horns, which represented the powers that had scattered God's people, as explained in Zechariah 1:19. This vision was part of a series of messages from God to encourage the Israelites to trust in His plan for their restoration, as seen in Zechariah 1:16-17 and Jeremiah 29:11. Just as God promised to overcome the obstacles to His people, as seen in Zechariah 1:20-21, we can trust that He will overcome any challenges we face, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4. By looking up to God, like Zechariah, we can trust in His power and sovereignty to overcome any 'horns' in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four horns that Zechariah saw in Zechariah 1:18?
The four horns in Zechariah 1:18 represent the powers that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem, as explained in Zechariah 1:19, and are a symbol of the enemies of God's people, similar to the role of horns in Daniel 7:7-8 and Revelation 13:1.
Why did Zechariah look up to see the four horns?
Zechariah looked up to see the four horns because he was being given a vision by God, as part of a series of visions to encourage the Israelites to rebuild the temple and to trust in God's plan for their restoration, as seen in Zechariah 1:16-17 and Haggai 1:1-15.
How do the four horns relate to the restoration of Jerusalem?
The four horns are connected to the restoration of Jerusalem because they represent the obstacles to God's people, but God will overcome them, as seen in Zechariah 1:20-21, where four craftsmen are raised up to terrify and throw down the horns, illustrating God's power to overcome any opposition to His plans, as promised in Isaiah 40:10-11 and Ezekiel 34:25-31.
What can we learn from Zechariah's experience of seeing the four horns?
We can learn from Zechariah's experience that God is in control, even when we face challenges and enemies, and that He will ultimately overcome them, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4, where God's sovereignty and care for His people are emphasized.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'horns' in my life that seem to be opposing God's plan, and how can I trust God to overcome them?
- How can I, like Zechariah, look up to God and trust in His power to overcome the challenges I face?
- What does this verse teach me about God's sovereignty and control over the world, and how can I apply that to my life?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be encouraged to trust in God's plan for my life and for the world, despite the presence of obstacles and enemies?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 1:18
Then I lifted up mine eyes,.... To behold another vision which follows: and saw, and behold four horns; either iron ones, such as Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made to push the Syrians with, 1 Kings
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 1:18
Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns. The power of the Jews' foes shall be dissipated. Verse 18. Behold, four horns.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
Then; after I had seen those things, and heard those comfortable words, and received commission to publish all the good news I had heard. I lifted up mine eyes: he was so intent before, that he looked on nothing else; now he lifts up his eyes. Saw; clearly, certainly, and distinctly. Behold four horns; emblems of the enemies of the Jews, for strength, fierceness, and pride, and for their number, from all parts of the world.
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
Zechariah 1:18 Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.Ver. 18. Then I lift up mine eyes, and saw] That is, I gave good heed to this second vision also; which was added purposely for confirmation of the former promises; which should be certainly accomplished to the Church, notwithstanding her many and mighty enemies. Horns they are called for their might and mischievousness; by a metaphor, a feris cornupetis, from fierce beasts, whose strength and wrath lie in their horns; or else from warriors, who wore iron horns upon their helmets. And behold four horns] Not the four monarchies, for the Grecians and Romans were not yet; and this is spoken here for the present comfort of the afflicted Church, but the enemies of Israel from all the four parts of the world, see Psalms 107:2-3, for they were surrounded: on the north were the Syrians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. ( Ab Aquilone nihil boni, Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 6:1). On the east the Ammonites and Moabites. On the south the Edomites and Egyptians. On the west the Philistines, as may be gathered out of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Geneva is at this day a small people, environed with enemies, French, Spanish, Savoy, Pope; and barred out from all aid of neighbours, cities, and churches; yet, by the mighty arm of God, strangely and strongly upheld and defended. This Mr Beza represented in a most elegant emblem of a city depainted as hanged by a twined thread; sustained and maintained by the mighty hand of God alone.
Would any man take the Church’ s picture? saith Luther; then let him paint a silly poor maid, sitting in a wood or wilderness, compassed about with hungry wolves, lions, boars, and bears, and with all manner of cruel and hurtful beasts; and in the midst of a great many furious men assaulting her every moment and minute; for this is her condition in the world.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
SECOND VISION.—THE FOUR HORNS AND THE FOUR SMITHS (Zechariah 1:18-21). (18) Horns.—The horn is a symbol of power and hostility. The “four horns” denote the heathen nations which had oppressed them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
Verse 18. And behold four horns.] Denoting four powers by which the Jews had been oppressed; the Assyrians, Persians, Chaldeans, and Egyptians. Or these enemies may be termed four, in reference to the four cardinal points of the heavens, whence they came: - 1. NORTH. The Assyrians and Babylonians. 2. EAST. The Moabites and Ammonites. 3. SOUTH. The Egyptians. 4. WEST.
The Philistines. See Martin.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 1:18
18. four horns] The horn is a symbol of honour (1 Samuel 2:1; Job 16:15), and of power (Jeremiah 48:25; Amos 6:13). Here the latter idea is prominent. By the four horns some understand four definite powers or kingdoms, either, Babylonians, Medes and Persians, Macedonians, and Romans, in accordance with the visions of Daniel, chaps. 2, 4; or, inasmuch as the horns are interpreted in Zechariah 1:19 to be powers which “have (already) scattered” Judah, Israel and Jerusalem, Assyria, Egypt, Babylon and Medo-Persia. But it is better to take the number four generally of enemies on every side, or towards every point of the compass.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 1:18
And I lifted up mine eyes - o. Cyril on Zechariah 2:1 : “Not those of the body (for such visions are invisible to the eyes of the flesh), but rather the inner eyes of the heart and mind.” It seems as
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 1:18
18. Then lifted I up mine eyes — Introduces a new vision (Zechariah 2:1; Zechariah 5:1; Zechariah 6:1). If all the visions came in one night they must have followed one another in rapid succession.
Sermons on Zechariah 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha |
|
Future Trends for the Body of Christ by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the things that are at hand rather than being distracted by distant and exciting things. He shares a pe |
|
How We Wage Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need to recognize God as our Commander-in-Chief. He references 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, highlightin |
|
|
Jericho: Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Stephen Kahn focuses on the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho as described in Joshua chapter 5 and 6. He emphasizes that in spiritual conflict, we are to st |
|
(Through the Bible) Joshua 1-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the excitement and importance of walking after the Spirit. He references the story of Joshua encountering a man with a drawn sword near Jeric |
|
The Stones of Testing by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a concrete testimony to the power of God's resurrection and victory over death. He uses the story of Joshua and the crossin |
|
Truths From Israel's History, Part 3 - Captain of the Lord's Host by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the encounter between Joshua and the captain of the Lord's host. Joshua is surprised to see a man with a drawn sword standing opposite him n |