Zechariah 1:18-21

The second vision the four horns and the four smiths, Zechariah 1:18-21 (in Hebrew, Zechariah 2:1-4).

In the second vision the prophet beholds four horns. Upon inquiry he is told by his companion that these horns symbolize the nations that have scattered the Jews. He also sees four smiths, who, he is informed, represent the divinely appointed agents to execute judgment upon the hostile nations. The first vision announces, on the one hand, the return of Jehovah to Zion; on the other, the divine wrath against the nations. These two aspects of the first vision are expanded in visions two and three respectively. The second pictures the execution of judgment upon Israel’s enemies; the third, the blessings to be enjoyed by Jerusalem and Judah.