Zechariah 12:4

Zechariah 12:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations.

King James Version KJV

In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

American Standard Version ASV

In that day, saith Jehovah, I will smite every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the peoples with blindness.

Bible in Basic English BBE

In that day, says the Lord, I will put fear into every horse and make every horseman go off his head: and my eyes will be open on the people of Judah, and I will make every horse of the peoples blind.

Free Bible Version FBV

On that day I will make every horse panic-stricken and every rider go mad, declares the Lord, but I will watch over the people of Judah while I blind all the horses of their enemies.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

In that day, sayeth the Lord, I will smite euery horse with astonishment, and his rider with madnesse, and I will open mine eyes vpon the house of Iudah, and will smite euery horse of the people with blindnesse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

In that day — an affirmation of Jehovah, I do smite every horse with astonishment, And its rider with madness, And on the house of Judah I open My eyes, And every horse of the peoples I smite with blindness.

World English Bible WEB

In that day,” says the LORD, “I will strike every horse with terror and his rider with madness. I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open my eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

In that day, saith the Lord, I will strike every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open my eyes upon the house of Juda, and will strike every horse of the nations with blindness.

Translation for Translators T4T

At that time I will cause every one of their enemies’ horses to panic, and their riders to become crazy. I [IDM] will protect the people of Judah, but I will cause all their enemies’ horses to become blind.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 12:4

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.

Zechariah 12:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB בַּ/יּ֨וֹם הַ/ה֜וּא נְאֻם יְהוָ֗ה אַכֶּ֤ה כָל סוּס֙ בַּ/תִּמָּה֔וֹן וְ/רֹכְב֖/וֹ בַּ/שִּׁגָּע֑וֹן וְ/עַל בֵּ֤ית יְהוּדָה֙ אֶפְקַ֣ח אֶת עֵינַ֔/י וְ/כֹל֙ ס֣וּס הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים אַכֶּ֖ה בַּֽ/עִוָּרֽוֹן

בַּ/יּ֨וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

הַ/ה֜וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אַכֶּ֤ה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms

סוּס֙ çûwç H5483 swallow N-ms

בַּ/תִּמָּה֔וֹן timmâhôwn H8541 bewilderment Prep | N-ms

וְ/רֹכְב֖/וֹ râkab H7392 to ride Conj | V-Qal | Suff

בַּ/שִּׁגָּע֑וֹן shiggâʻôwn H7697 madness Prep | N-ms

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

בֵּ֤ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

אֶפְקַ֣ח pâqach H6491 to open V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֵינַ֔/י ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

וְ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

ס֣וּס çûwç H5483 swallow N-ms

הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-mp

אַכֶּ֖ה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

בַּֽ/עִוָּרֽוֹן ʻivvârôwn H5788 blindness Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 12:4

בַּ/יּ֨וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

הַ/ה֜וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אַכֶּ֤ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

כָל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

סוּס֙ çûwç H5483 "swallow" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.

Definition: swallow, swift

Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.

בַּ/תִּמָּה֔וֹן timmâhôwn H8541 "bewilderment" Prep | N-ms

This word means bewilderment or astonishment, like when God's people are amazed by His power. It's used in Ezekiel 4:17 to describe the emotional state of God's people during a time of judgment.

Definition: astonishment, bewilderment, stupefaction

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: astonishment. See also: Deuteronomy 28:28; Zechariah 12:4.

וְ/רֹכְב֖/וֹ râkab H7392 "to ride" Conj | V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.

בַּ/שִּׁגָּע֑וֹן shiggâʻôwn H7697 "madness" Prep | N-ms

This noun means madness or craziness, describing a state of intense fury or insanity. It is used to convey extreme emotions in the Bible.

Definition: madness

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: furiously, madness. See also: Deuteronomy 28:28; 2 Kings 9:20; Zechariah 12:4.

וְ/עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

בֵּ֤ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

אֶפְקַ֣ח pâqach H6491 "to open" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to open, like opening your eyes or ears to something new. It can also mean being observant and aware of your surroundings. In the Bible, it is used to describe physical and spiritual awakening.

Definition: 1) to open (the eyes) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open (the eyes) 1a2) to open (the ears) 1b) (Niphal) to be opened

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: open. See also: Genesis 3:5; Psalms 146:8; Proverbs 20:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֵינַ֔/י ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

וְ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

ס֣וּס çûwç H5483 "swallow" N-ms

Definition: swallow, swift

Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.

הָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-mp

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אַכֶּ֖ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs

בַּֽ/עִוָּרֽוֹן ʻivvârôwn H5788 "blindness" Prep | N-ms

This word means blindness, either physical or spiritual. It is used in the Bible to describe the state of being unable to see, like in John 9:1 to describe the man born blind. The word is also used in 2 Peter 1:9 to describe spiritual blindness.

Definition: blindness Also means: av.ve.ret (עַוֶּ֫רֶת "blindness" H5788B)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: blind(-ness). See also: Leviticus 22:22; Deuteronomy 28:28; Zechariah 12:4.

Study Notes — Zechariah 12:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zechariah 12:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 12:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 12:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 12:4
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 12:4
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4
Sermons on Zechariah 12:4

Context — The Coming Deliverance of Jerusalem

2“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. Judah will be besieged, as well as Jerusalem. 3On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured.

4On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations.

5Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’ 6On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 28:28	The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind,
2	Zechariah 12:3	On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured.
3	Zechariah 12:6	On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there.
4	2 Chronicles 7:15	Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
5	Psalms 76:5–7	The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand. At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and rider lie stunned. You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You?
6	Jeremiah 24:6	I will keep My eyes on them for good and will return them to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them.
7	2 Chronicles 6:20	May Your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, toward the place where You said You would put Your Name, so that You may hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place.
8	Nehemiah 1:6	let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.
9	Ezekiel 39:20	And at My table you will eat your fill of horses and riders, of mighty men and warriors of every kind,’ declares the Lord GOD.
10	Isaiah 24:21	In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below.

Zechariah 12:4 Summary

This verse, Zechariah 12:4, means that God will confuse and make useless the military strength of the nations that come against Jerusalem and Judah, while protecting and caring for His people, much like He did in Exodus 14:24. He will render the horses and riders of the nations blind and ineffective, showing His power and control, as seen in 2 Kings 6:18. This is a reminder that God is our strength and protector, as seen in Psalm 28:7, and that we can trust Him to take care of us, even in difficult times. By trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 40:29-31, we can have confidence that He will defend and care for us, just like He promises to do for Jerusalem and Judah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to strike every horse with panic and every rider with madness?

This is a metaphor for God's judgment on the military strength of the nations, as seen in Zechariah 12:4, where God will render their horses and riders ineffective, much like He did in Exodus 14:24 when He confused the Egyptian army.

Why does God keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah?

God's watchful eye on Judah is a sign of His protection and care, as seen in Zechariah 12:4, similar to how He watched over Israel in the wilderness, as promised in Deuteronomy 32:10.

What is the significance of God striking the horses of the nations with blindness?

This act of God is a demonstration of His power and control over the nations, as stated in Zechariah 12:4, much like He blinded the enemies of Elisha in 2 Kings 6:18, showing that He is the sovereign Lord of all.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Zechariah 12?

Zechariah 12:4 is part of a larger prophecy about God's defense of Jerusalem and Judah, as seen in verses 2-3 and 5-6, where God promises to make Jerusalem a heavy stone and to give Judah strength to overcome their enemies, as He did in Isaiah 40:29-31.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has protected and cared for you in the past, and how can you trust Him to continue doing so?
In what ways can you apply the principle of God's sovereignty over the nations to your own life and circumstances?
How can you, like the leaders of Judah, say in your heart that 'the people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God', as seen in Zechariah 12:5?
What are some areas of your life where you feel like you are being 'besieged' or 'heaved away', and how can you trust God to be your 'heavy stone' of protection, as seen in Zechariah 12:3?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 12:4

In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness,.... The meaning is, the enemies of God's people shall be astonished at the failure of their

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 12:4

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4

In that day: see . I will smite every horse: horses are of very great use in wars; they were the main strength of Antiochus Epiphanes, his best preparations. With astonishment; a dull, sottish fear and perplexity. And his rider with madness; an impotency of mind both in the understanding, which is folly and imprudence, and in the will and resolution, which is either cowardice or unconstancy, like madmen that neither know how to resolve or act. God will turn all their counsel into foolishness, their strength into weakness, their courage into fear, and so overturn them all. I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah; a while I seemed as one that slept or winked at the proceedings of my church’ s enemies, yet now I will open mine eyes, and see all that is going forward against them, and I will watch over my people for good; against their enemies, to confound and destroy them and their enterprises: this eye of God open upon his people is his wise, powerful, gracious providence for them, . I will smite every horse of the people with blindness; all their warriors in their projecting and consults shall be as full of improvidence, and have as little foresight, as a stark blind man hath of sight to see by.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4

Zechariah 12:4 In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.Ver. 4. I will smite every horse with astonishment] Great is the strength of the horse and the rage of his rider: Jehu marched furiously; Bajazet, the Great Turk, of his fierce and furious riding was surnamed Gilderun, or Lightning; but God can make the Egyptians to appear men, and not gods, and their horses flesh, and not spirit; "When the Lord shall but stretch out his hand" (and that is no hard matter of motion), "both he that helpeth shall fall and he that is helped shall fall down, and they shall all fail together," Isaiah 31:8. See Psalms 76:5-6 "An horse is a vain thing for safety," Psalms 33:17, though a warlike creature full of terror; but safety or victory is of the Lord, Proverbs 21:31 "In nothing be terrified," saith the apostle, Philippians 1:28. The Greek word is a metaphor from horses when they tremble and are sore frightened; as it happened in the Philistines’ army, when the angels made a bustle among the mulberry trees, 2 Samuel 5:24; in the Syrians’ army, when the angels likewise made a hurrying noise in the air, of chariots, of horses, and of a great host, 2 Kings 7:6; in the army of Sennacherib, when at God’ s sole rebuke "both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep," Psalms 76:6. Lastly, in the German wars against Zisca and the Hussites in Bohemia, where God smote every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness; such a panic terror seized upon the enemies of the truth, though they came in with three potent armies at once, that they fled before ever they looked the enemy in the face. How this prophecy was literally fulfilled to the Maccabees, see 2Ma 10:30. And I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah] Who before seemed to wink, or to be asleep. Now will I awake, saith the Lord, Now will I arise, now will I lift up myself, Isaiah 33:10, for the relief and rescue of my poor people; and that because they called them outcasts, saying, "This is Zion, whom no man looketh after," Jeremiah 33:17.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4

(4) Horse—viz., of the enemy. (Comp. Deuteronomy 28:28 with Deuteronomy 30:7.) Open mine eyes.—Comp. 1 Kings 8:29.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4

Verse 4. I will smite every horse] Some apply this to the wars of the Maccabees with the Syrians; but it is more likely to be a prophecy not yet accomplished. The terms are too strong for such petty and evanescent victories as those of the Maccabees.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 12:4

4. astonishment] This and the two following words, madness, blindness, occur together also in Deuteronomy 28:28, in a description of God’s judgments upon Israel, as here upon the armies that gather against Jerusalem. I will open mine eyes upon] i.e. will regard with favour. Comp. Psalms 32:8.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 12:4

In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, stupefying - Zechariah revives the words concentrated by Moses, to express the stupefaction at their ills, which God would

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4

Zechariah 12:4 describes more minutely the overthrow of the nations announced in figurative terms in Zechariah 12:2-3. In that day — When the nations of the earth are gathered against the city.

Sermons on Zechariah 12:4

	Sermon	Description
	Luke 21:25 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith addresses the current global crises, emphasizing the distress of nations as tensions rise between East and West, particularly with Russia's potential moves in the Middl
	Psalms 102:13 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes that God has set specific times for the restoration of Israel, the return of Jesus Christ, personal salvation, and even death. He highlights the prophetic si
	Epistle 274 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the pure and undefiled life, rooted in the holy seed that transcends transgression. He highlights that this seed, which is eternal
	Behold the Beauty of the Lord by Joshua Daniel	This sermon delves into the profound words of King David in Psalms 27, emphasizing the singular desire to dwell in the presence of the Lord and behold His beauty. It challenges the
	Servanthood - Know Your Calling by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Nehemiah and the challenges he faced in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was deeply moved by the condition of the city
	Does Doctrine Matter - Part 9 by Derek Melton	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of the doctrine of repentance in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that repentance is not a one-time event, but rather a lif
	If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church