Zechariah 1
SIBVer. 5, 6. Your wicked ancestors and false prophets have, according to my threatenings, perished in their sins
Zechariah 1:8-10
The man riding on a red horse denotes Christ God-man, redeeming us to God by his blood, and ready to execute his vengeance on his own and his church’s enemies. The red speckled, and white horses that attend him, represent his angels and ministers as employed in executing or declaring his works of wrath and mercy. The myrtle trees in the bottom denote the Jews and other saints preserved in debasement and trouble
Zechariah 1:18-21
The horns may represent the Samaritans, Arabians, Ammonites, and Philistines; or the four empires of Chaldea, Persia, Greece, and Rome: and the carpenters may denote Joshua, Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and other Jewish deliverers or protectors; or even the four empires, which destroyed one another
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I.—The law must be preached as an introduction to the gospel. The past judgments of God upon sinners ought to be improved by us as warnings to avoid imitation of their sins. And the view of his almighty power ought to animate us to a speedy and serious repentance. It is happy to have him for a friend, but terrible to have him our adversary. No pattern ought to be copied in contempt of, and disobedience to, him. And no safety can be expected in obstinate wickedness. No unbelief can falsify God’s word. If we receive not his promises, he will execute his threatenings upon us. But how closely Jesus Christ cleaves to his people in all their debasement and distress! He is ready to teach his servants, or employ his angels or ministers, for their relief. And, while most of mankind remain unconcerned under the curse of God, and the power of the devil, seasonably and effectually he intercedes for his people. Hereby is ensured to his church the destruction of all their cruel and brutal enemies, and comfort and happiness to themselves. And, let Satan find as many and as powerful agents to oppress the church as he will, Christ will find enough to resist and destroy them