Zechariah 12:4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Zechariah 12:4-5

Zechariah 12:4-5. In that day This expression, in the prophetical writings, is of large extent, and not only signifies that particular point of time last spoken of, but some time afterward. I will smite every horse with astonishment Many commentators explain this of the victories which Judas Maccabæus gained over Antiochus’s captains, whose chief force consisted in cavalry. But, as Archbishop Newcome observes, the language is much too strong, as it is also Zechariah 12:6-9, to denote the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Zechariah 12:1-14

Victory, but with mourning (12:1-13:1)On occasions God used Gentile nations to punish his people Israel, but if his desire was to fight for Israel, no enemy attack could be successful. On the occasion that Zechariah speaks of in Chapter 12, God strengthens his people to overthrow the armies that besiege Jerusalem (12:1-3). The charging horses of the enemy are thrown into confusion as God comes to the help of his people. The Jewish leaders acknowledge that, above all, God is the cause of... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Zechariah 12:4

astonishment = the panic. Compare Deuteronomy 28:28 . open Mine eyes upon = regard with favour. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Zechariah 12:4

"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 madness.""In that day ..." identifies the time period in focus as the Messianic era."Smite every horse ... and his rider ..." These expressions are metaphorical descriptions of the military power and other devices used by the enemies of God's people. No device shall ever be successful in destroying the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Zechariah 12:4

Zechariah 12:4. I will smite every horse, &c.— The cavalry, the elephants, the numerous armies of the enemy shall be put to flight, and defeated by a small number of foot, and those ill-armed. Instead of people we may read nations. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Zechariah 12:4

4. I will smite . . . horse—The arm of attack especially formidable to Judah, who was unprovided with cavalry. So in the overthrow of Pharaoh (Exodus 15:19; Exodus 15:21). open mine eyes upon . . . Judah—to watch over Judah's safety. Heretofore Jehovah seemed to have shut His eyes, as having no regard for her. blindness—so as to rush headlong on to their own ruin (compare Zechariah 14:12; Zechariah 14:13). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Zechariah 12:1-9

Israel’s deliverance 12:1-9 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Zechariah 12:4

The Lord would cause the weapons that Israel’s enemies used to destroy the city to be ineffective, and He would make the hostile soldiers crazy (cf. Deuteronomy 28:28; Judges 5:22). In this way He would watch over the house of Judah (the Israelites; cf. Psalms 32:8; Psalms 33:18). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:1-14

The Deliverance of JerusalemMany scholars believe that in Zechariah 12-14 (omitting Zechariah 13:7-9) we have a third separate prophecy, the oldest in the book of Zechariah, written subsequent to the death of king Josiah, 609 b.c. (cp. the mourning in the valley of Megiddon, Zechariah 12:11), but prior to the fall of the kingdom of Judah, 586 b.c. For this view there are some strong arguments—(a) frequent references to the House of David (Zechariah 12:7-8, Zechariah 12:10, Zechariah 12:12;... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 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. read more

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