Zechariah 1:7-17
Vision:The vision of four horses.
Summary: The prophet sees four horses and they are going throughout the earth. Upon finding the whole earth at rest, the “angel of the Lord”, possibly Christ, asks about Jerusalem. God promises judgment upon the nations that disciplined Jerusalem too harshly, and mercy upon Jerusalem.
Explanation: This is in parallel to Daniel 9’s prophecy about the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. The 70 years are completed, and while there appears to be “peace on Earth”, the Word of the Lord is what is most important. While the Earth seemed to be at rest, God’s purposes for Jerusalem are not at accomplished. Hence, perfect justice and righteousness, the foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14), demand retribution and deliverance. This is historic as to the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the time of Cyrus.
Zechariah 1:18-21
Vision: The four horns and four craftsmen.
Summary: The four horns, descriptive of Israel’s oppressors, are to be countered by the four craftsmen.
Explanation: This, too, is historic as to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The enemies opposing Israel would be countered by ones that God raised up.