Zechariah 1 Commentary

Zechariah 1 begins with the voice of the prophet Zechariah rebuking the returned exilic community and calling them to repentance because they persist in the wicked deeds of their ancestors. Then, Zechariah describes two visions he received from the LORD. In the first vision, the prophet sees a man mounted on a red horse leading a patrol of heavenly horse riders. Through this vision, the LORD explains that He will judge the Gentile nations that oppressed Judah and comfort her.

In the second vision, Zechariah sees four horns representing Gentile nations that have scattered Judah. Then four craftsmen come to terrify the horns. Through this vision, the LORD explains that successive nations will defeat the nations that oppressed Judah. The chapter's outline is as follows:

1. Zechariah invites the post-exilic remnant of Judah to return to God so that He may return to them, consistent with His covenant promise. He warns them not to behave like their fathers did, provoking God to anger and experiencing His judgment (vv. 1–6).
2. Zechariah sees a patrol of heavenly horse riders. The angel who talks to Zechariah reassures him that the LORD is still angry with the Gentile nations, who are at peace but have exploited His people. But He will comfort Jerusalem and restore her fortunes. (vv. 8–17).
3. Zechariah sees four horns representing the nations of the four points of the compass. He also sees four blacksmiths who will destroy the horns, meaning that successive political powers will destroy the power before them (vv. 18–21).