“In a vision during the night, I saw a man sitting on a red horse that was standing among some myrtle trees in a small valley. Behind him were riders on red, brown, and white horses.” Zechariah 1: 8

In this vision, the man among the myrtle trees was the angel of the Lord. Very interestingly, the other riders represent God’s involvement in the world’s governments.

Then the other riders reported to the angel of the Lord, who was standing among the myrtle trees, “We have been patrolling the earth, and the whole earth is at peace.” Zechariah 1: 11

Now the Lord’s angel indeed saw all of the nations were secure, with the exception of Israel. Israel was still being oppressed. The angel asked the Lord how long before He would show them mercy. The Lord spoke encouraging words to the angel…

 

“My love for Jerusalem and Mount Zion is passionate and strong. But I am very angry with the other nations that are now enjoying peace and security. I was only a little angry with my people, but the nations inflicted harm on them far beyond my intentions.


I have returned to show mercy to Jerusalem. My temple will be rebuilt,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and measurements will be taken for the reconstruction of Jerusalem. The towns of Israel will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem as his own.” Zechariah 1: 14-17

God’s people had lived in captivity in Babylon as punishment for their complacency, and a boatload of other sins. But we just read how God’s words of healing and restoration gave so much hope. What an awesome lesson for us. God promises healing and restoration when we come to Him. Friends, if you feel wounded and crushed by the events in your life, turn to God so He can pour His love and comfort on you 🙂

Then I looked up and saw four animal horns. “What are these?” I asked the angel who was talking to me. He replied, “These horns represent the nations that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” Then the Lord showed me four blacksmiths. “What are these men coming to do?” I asked.


The angel replied, “These four horns—these nations—scattered and humbled Judah. Now these blacksmiths have come to terrify those nations and throw them down and destroy them.” Zechariah 1: 18-21

In the Old Testament, “horn” represents force or power. These horns were the four world powers that oppressed Israel—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Medo-Persia. The four blacksmiths were Supernatural powers that would overthrow the enemy forces. In His own way, God would eliminate all opposition to the rebuilding!