Zechariah 12:4

In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

In that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, I will smite {H5221} every horse {H5483} with astonishment {H8541}, and his rider {H7392} with madness {H7697}: and I will open {H6491} mine eyes {H5869} upon the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}, and will smite {H5221} every horse {H5483} of the people {H5971} with blindness {H5788}.

When that day comes," says ADONAI, "I will strike all the horses with panic and their riders with madness; I will keep watch over Y'hudah, but I will strike blind all the horses of the peoples.

On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations.

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 blindness.

Zechariah 12:4 is a powerful prophetic declaration, part of a larger section (Zechariah 12-14) foretelling God's future deliverance of Jerusalem and Judah from all surrounding nations. This verse specifically describes the divine intervention that will incapacitate the invading armies.

Context

This verse is set within a prophetic vision concerning "that day," a common biblical phrase referring to a future, decisive period, often associated with the Day of the Lord or the End Times. In Zechariah 12, this day sees all nations gathered against Jerusalem, a recurring theme in prophetic literature. The preceding verses establish Jerusalem as a "burdensome stone" and a "cup of trembling" for the surrounding peoples, indicating their inevitable downfall when they oppose God's chosen city. Verse 4 details the supernatural nature of God's defense.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection of Judah and Jerusalem: The core message is God's unwavering commitment to protect His people. While nations gather against them, the Lord Himself intervenes directly and decisively. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs and military might.
  • Supernatural Judgment on Enemies: The Lord declares He will "smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness," and later "smite every horse of the people with blindness." Horses and riders represent military power and leadership. Their incapacitation through confusion, insanity, and blindness signifies a complete and humiliating defeat, not by human strength, but by God's direct hand. This echoes similar instances of divine intervention, such as the confusion of the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:20) or the blinding of the Syrians (2 Kings 6:18).
  • God's Attentive Gaze: The phrase "I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah" signifies God's watchful care, favor, and specific attention towards His people, in stark contrast to the judgment meted out to their adversaries. It assures Judah of God's constant presence and protection, reinforcing His promise that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "astonishment" (timmahon) implies confusion, stupor, or panic, suggesting a sudden, overwhelming disorientation.
  • "Madness" (shigga'on) denotes a state of insanity, frenzy, or delusion, rendering the riders utterly ineffective and perhaps even turning them against each other.
  • "Blindness" (ivvaron) can refer to physical sightlessness, but in this context, it also powerfully conveys mental and strategic incapacitation, preventing the enemy from executing their plans. These terms vividly portray a psychological and physical collapse divinely orchestrated.

Related Scriptures

The theme of God's supernatural intervention against overwhelming odds is seen throughout scripture. Similar divine judgments on enemy forces can be found in Ezekiel 38:22-23, where God uses pestilence, bloodshed, and hailstones against the invading armies of Gog. The concept of God opening His eyes upon His people for their good is consistent with Jeremiah 24:6.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 12:4 offers profound reassurance. It teaches us that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition, God is sovereign and actively involved in the affairs of humanity. He protects His people and will ultimately defeat all forces that stand against His divine plan. This verse encourages us to trust in God's power to deliver, knowing that His watchful eye is upon those who are His. It reminds us that our ultimate security does not lie in human strength or military might, but in the unfailing power and fidelity of the Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 12:3

    And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

  • Deuteronomy 28:28

    The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:

  • Zechariah 12:6

    In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

  • Ezekiel 39:20

    Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 38:4

    And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts [of armour, even] a great company [with] bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

  • Acts 17:30

    And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

  • 1 Kings 8:29

    That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.

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