Zechariah 1:21

KJV

Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} I, What come {H935} these to do {H6213}? And he spake {H559}, saying {H559}, These are the horns {H7161} which have scattered {H2219} Judah {H3063}, so that {H6310} no man {H376} did lift up {H5375} his head {H7218}: but these are come {H935} to fray {H2729} them, to cast out {H3034} the horns {H7161} of the Gentiles {H1471}, which lifted up {H5375} their horn {H7161} over the land {H776} of Judah {H3063} to scatter {H2219} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

I asked, "What are these coming to do?" He said, "Those horns that scattered Y'hudah so completely that no one could even raise his head - well, these men have come to terrify them, to overthrow the nations that raised their horns against the land of Y'hudah to scatter it."

Berean Standard Bible

“What are these coming to do?” I asked. And He replied, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise his head; but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations that have lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.”

American Standard Version

Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head; but these are come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations, which lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 1:21 concludes the fourth of Zechariah's eight nocturnal visions, revealing God's decisive response to the nations that had oppressed and scattered His people, Judah. The prophet's inquiry about the purpose of the four "smiths" (or carpenters) is answered with a powerful declaration: these smiths are divinely appointed agents sent to terrify and dismantle the power of the "horns"—symbolizing the Gentile empires that had humiliated Israel and prevented their flourishing. This verse serves as a profound assurance of God's unwavering justice and His commitment to protect and restore His covenant people in the post-exilic era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 1:21 directly follows the vision of the four horns and four smiths presented in [Zechariah 1:18-20](/zechariah/1-18-20 "Zechariah's Vision of Horns and Smiths"). In this vision, Zechariah first sees four horns, which an interpreting angel explains represent the powers that scattered Judah. Immediately after, he sees four smiths. His question in verse 21, "What come these to do?", seeks clarification on the role of these smiths. The angelic response in the latter part of the verse reveals that the smiths are God's instruments of judgment, sent to "fray" and "cast out" the very horns that oppressed Judah. This vision, like others in [Zechariah 1-6](/zechariah/1-6 "Zechariah's Night Visions"), offers a message of hope and divine intervention to a disheartened post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah is set in the post-exilic period, around 520 BC, roughly 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel. While the initial return brought hope, the community faced significant challenges: the Temple rebuilding project had stalled ([Haggai 1:2-4](/haggai/1-2-4 "Haggai's Rebuke for Neglecting the Temple")), the land was still under Persian suzerainty, and various surrounding peoples (like the Samaritans) offered opposition. Judah, though returned, was far from its former glory and remained vulnerable to foreign powers. The "horns" in the vision represent the historical empires that had oppressed Israel—Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and potentially future powers—which had effectively "scattered Judah" and prevented them from "lifting up their head" in national pride or autonomy. The vision, therefore, addresses the contemporary anxieties of a vulnerable community, assuring them of God's active involvement in their protection.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human history to hold nations accountable for their treatment of His people. The "horns" are not merely abstract symbols but represent concrete historical oppressors, whose judgment is now decreed. Secondly, it highlights **God's Protection and Deliverance** for His covenant people. Despite Judah's weakness and past suffering, God promises to raise up agents (the smiths) to dismantle the power of their adversaries, assuring them of future security and the ability to "lift up their head" again. This promise of restoration is a recurring motif in Zechariah, as seen in passages like [Zechariah 8:7-8](/zechariah/8-7-8 "God Promises to Restore His People"). Thirdly, the vision employs **Symbolism of Power and Resistance**. The "horns" are a classic biblical symbol of strength, dominion, and aggressive power, often representing kingdoms or rulers, as vividly depicted in [Daniel 7:7-8](/daniel/7-7-8 "Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts and Horns"). The "smiths" (or artisans) symbolize God's chosen instruments, who possess the skill and power to break down and destroy the oppressive "horns," signifying God's ultimate triumph over all opposing forces.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **horns (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** From H7161. This word literally refers to an animal's horn, but in biblical prophecy, it is a potent symbol of power, strength, and dominion, often representing kingdoms, rulers, or military might. In this context, the "horns" unequivocally symbolize the Gentile nations that have historically oppressed Judah, exerting their power to "scatter" and subjugate God's people. The repetition of the word emphasizes their aggressive and formidable nature.
* **scattered (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** From H2219. This primitive root means "to toss about," "to diffuse," or "to winnow." It conveys the idea of violent dispersion, like chaff scattered by the wind. Here, it vividly describes the devastating effect of the oppressive Gentile nations on Judah, leading to their exile and widespread dispersion, making it impossible for them to regain their national strength or dignity ("no man did lift up his head").
* **fray (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** From H2729. This root means "to shudder with terror," "to fear," or "to hasten (with anxiety)." In the Hiphil stem (causative), as used here, it means "to cause to tremble," "to terrify," or "to discomfit." The smiths are thus commissioned not merely to defeat but to utterly terrify and shatter the power of the oppressive horns, implying a complete and overwhelming destruction of their dominion over Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I, What come these to do?"**: This clause captures the prophet Zechariah's natural human curiosity and desire for understanding in the midst of a divine vision. Having just seen the four horns (representing oppressors) and then the four smiths (their apparent antagonists), Zechariah, acting as a representative for the people, seeks clarification on the purpose and identity of these new figures. This rhetorical question sets the stage for the angelic interpretation that follows.
* **"And he spake, saying, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head"**: The interpreting angel begins by reiterating the identity and destructive impact of the "horns" previously seen. These are the powerful Gentile nations (like Assyria and Babylon) that violently dispersed the people of Judah, stripping them of their national identity, dignity, and ability to prosper. The phrase "no man did lift up his head" powerfully conveys the humiliation, subjugation, and despair experienced by Judah under foreign domination, unable to assert themselves or live in freedom.
* **"but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it."**: This is the crux of the angelic explanation, revealing the smiths' divine mission. The "these" refers to the four smiths. Their purpose is twofold: "to fray them" (the horns) and "to cast out the horns of the Gentiles." "To fray" signifies to terrify, break, or discomfit, indicating a decisive and terrifying judgment. "To cast out" implies a forceful removal or expulsion. The repetition of "horns" and "scatter" underscores that God's retribution is directly proportional to the oppression Judah suffered. The smiths are God's agents of justice, sent to dismantle the power of the very nations that had so cruelly asserted their dominion ("lifted up their horn") over Judah and caused their dispersion.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 1:21 is rich in **Symbolism**, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The "horns" are a powerful symbol of aggressive political and military power, representing the Gentile empires that oppressed Judah. The "smiths" (or artisans) symbolize God's chosen agents who possess the divine skill and authority to dismantle these oppressive powers. The phrase "no man did lift up his head" is an example of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "head" represents the dignity, pride, and freedom of the nation. The prophet's initial question, "What come these to do?", serves as **Interrogative Rhetoric**, engaging the reader and setting up the divine revelation that follows. The entire passage functions as a **Divine Oracle**, a message from God conveyed through an angelic messenger, emphasizing its authoritative and prophetic nature. The repetition of "horns" and "scatter" throughout the verse also creates a sense of **Emphasis** and reinforces the central conflict and resolution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 1:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. It assures a struggling post-exilic community that despite their present weakness and past suffering, God sees their oppression and will actively intervene to bring justice. This vision highlights that the Lord is not a passive observer but the divine orchestrator of history, who raises up instruments—whether human or angelic—to execute His righteous judgment against those who oppose His purposes and harm His chosen ones. It underscores the biblical truth that no empire, however mighty, can ultimately thwart God's plan for His people or escape His reckoning. The promise of the "horns" being "frayed" and "cast out" offers profound comfort and hope, reminding believers across all ages that God will ultimately triumph over all forms of evil and oppression.

* [Psalm 75:10](/psalm/75-10 "God Will Cut Off the Horns of the Wicked")
* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah's Commission to Uproot and Plant")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Christ's Triumphant Return and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 1:21 offers a profound source of encouragement and a vital theological anchor for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice and oppression. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people or the arrogance of those who wield power unjustly. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, and the "horns" of worldly systems or spiritual adversaries appear insurmountable, this verse assures us that God has His "smiths"—His appointed agents and means—ready to dismantle and terrify those who oppose His will. This instills a deep sense of hope and trust, knowing that divine justice will ultimately prevail. For the individual, it means that even in personal struggles against overwhelming odds, or spiritual battles against unseen forces, God is on our side, actively working to bring deliverance and restore our dignity. We are called to stand firm in faith, knowing that the Lord of Hosts is sovereign over all nations and all circumstances, and He will ultimately make all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the world do you see "horns" of oppression or injustice that seem too strong to overcome?**
* **How does the assurance that God has "smiths" to "fray" and "cast out" these horns impact your sense of hope and trust in His sovereignty?**
* **What might it mean for you to "lift up your head" in faith and confidence, even when circumstances are challenging, knowing God is fighting for you?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "horns" and the "smiths" mentioned in Zechariah 1:21?**

Answer: In Zechariah's vision, the "horns" (Hebrew: _qeren_) symbolize powerful, aggressive Gentile nations or empires that have historically oppressed and scattered God's people, Judah. These would include empires like Assyria and Babylon, which led to the exile, and potentially Persia, under whose rule Judah still lived. They represent any force that seeks to dominate and prevent God's people from flourishing. The "smiths" (Hebrew: _charashim_), also translated as "carpenters" or "artisans," are God's divinely appointed agents of judgment. They are depicted as skilled workers who can break down or dismantle the power of the horns. While their exact identity is not specified (they could be angelic beings, future nations, or even human leaders raised by God), their role is clear: to terrify, discomfit, and cast out the oppressive powers, ensuring divine retribution and Judah's deliverance. This demonstrates God's active intervention in history to protect His covenant people, as seen throughout the prophetic books, such as when God raised up Cyrus to allow the exiles to return in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "God's Instrument, Cyrus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 1:21 speaks directly to the historical oppression of Judah by Gentile nations and God's promise of their deliverance, it finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "horns" represent the forces of evil, sin, and death that held humanity in bondage, scattering and humiliating us, preventing us from "lifting up our head" in true freedom and dignity. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "smith," the divine agent sent by God to "fray" and "cast out" these spiritual and cosmic "horns." Through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Christ decisively broke the power of sin ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Our Old Self Crucified with Christ")), death ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "Victory Over Death Through Christ")), and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Destroyed the Power of Death")). He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ Disarmed the Powers")). Just as the smiths ensured Judah could lift its head, Christ's victory enables all who believe in Him to live with new life, dignity, and freedom as children of God, no longer scattered by the forces of darkness but gathered into His eternal kingdom ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Came to Give Life Abundantly")). He is the one who will ultimately establish His righteous kingdom, where all opposing "horns" will be utterly shattered, and His people will dwell in eternal peace and security ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdoms of the World Become Christ's")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 75:10

All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; [but] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.

Lamentations 2:17

The LORD hath done [that] which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused [thine] enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.

Zechariah 1:19

And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

Psalms 75:4

I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:

Psalms 75:5

Lift not up your horn on high: speak [not with] a stiff neck.

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.