Zechariah 12:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 12:4 is a vivid prophetic declaration of God's decisive and supernatural intervention on behalf of Judah and Jerusalem in the "day" when all nations gather against them. It portrays the Lord's direct action to incapacitate the invading armies by striking their military strength (horses and riders) with confusion, insanity, and blindness, while simultaneously extending His watchful favor and protection over His chosen people. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human conflict and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 12:4 is an integral part of Zechariah 12-14, a major prophetic oracle often referred to as the "Burden of the Word of the Lord concerning Israel" (Zechariah 12:1). This section shifts from earlier visions to a direct prophetic declaration about the eschatological "Day of the Lord," focusing on Jerusalem's ultimate vindication and the defeat of its enemies. The preceding verses (Zechariah 12:1-3) establish Jerusalem as an immovable "burdensome stone" and a "cup of trembling" for all nations that gather against it, setting the stage for the divine judgment detailed in verse 4. The subsequent verses (Zechariah 12:5-9) describe Judah's empowerment and the complete destruction of the surrounding nations, culminating in a profound spiritual awakening for Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Zechariah's prophecies often have immediate post-exilic applications, this particular oracle points to a future, decisive conflict. Historically, Jerusalem was frequently besieged by various empires (Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome). The imagery of horses and riders represents the primary military power of ancient armies. The concept of divine intervention through psychological and physical incapacitation of enemies (like astonishment, madness, and blindness) echoes ancient Near Eastern warfare narratives and biblical accounts, where God often fought for His people by supernatural means rather than relying solely on human strength. This context highlights the vulnerability of Judah and Jerusalem to powerful empires, making God's promise of direct intervention all the more significant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. It emphasizes the **Divine Protection of Judah and Jerusalem**, asserting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and city, even when faced with overwhelming opposition. The Lord's declaration to "smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness" illustrates **Supernatural Judgment on Enemies**, demonstrating that the defeat of hostile forces will be a direct act of God, not merely a result of human military strategy. This divine incapacitation of military strength (represented by horses and riders) is a recurring motif of God's power over human might, seen in passages like the defeat of Pharaoh's chariots at the Red Sea [Exodus 14:24-25](/exodus/14-24-25 "Exodus 14:24-25 - God Confounds Egypt's Army"). Furthermore, the phrase "I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah" highlights **God's Attentive Gaze and Favor** toward His people, signifying His watchful care and active presence, in stark contrast to the judgment meted out to their adversaries. This theme resonates with God's promise to never forsake His people, as seen in [Psalm 121:4](/psalms/121-4 "Psalm 121:4 - The Lord, Israel's Keeper, Neither Slumbers Nor Sleeps").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This verb (H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it denotes a forceful, decisive blow from God, indicating a direct and powerful act of judgment. It conveys the certainty and severity of the divine intervention against the opposing forces.
* **astonishment (Hebrew, _timmâhôwn'_):** Derived from H8541, this word signifies "consternation" or "stupefaction." It describes a state of overwhelming confusion, panic, and mental disorientation that will seize the enemy's horses, rendering them uncontrollable and ineffective. This is not merely a physical blow but a psychological one, designed to sow chaos.
* **madness (Hebrew, _shiggâʻôwn'_):** From H7697, this term refers to "craziness" or "frenzy." Applied to the riders, it indicates a state of insanity, delusion, or uncontrollable rage, causing them to lose all reason and strategic capability. This divinely induced mental collapse would turn their own strength against them, leading to self-destruction or utter disarray.
* **open (Hebrew, _pâqach'_):** This primitive root (H6491) means "to open (the senses, especially the eyes)" or figuratively, "to be observant." When God declares, "I will open mine eyes," it signifies His active, attentive, and favorable gaze upon Judah. It implies a deliberate act of divine focus, care, and intervention for their protection and blessing, contrasting sharply with the judgment upon their foes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day, saith the LORD,"**: This introductory phrase sets the eschatological stage, pointing to a specific future time of decisive divine action, often associated with the "Day of the Lord." The declaration "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) emphasizes the divine authority and certainty of the prophecy, underscoring that this is a direct, unchangeable word from the covenant God of Israel.
* **"I will smite every horse with astonishment,"**: This clause reveals the first aspect of God's judgment. "Every horse" represents the military might and mobility of the invading armies. God's act of "smiting" them with "astonishment" implies a supernatural infusion of panic and confusion, causing the horses to become uncontrollable, disoriented, and useless for warfare, thereby crippling the enemy's primary offensive capability.
* **"and his rider with madness:"**: Following the incapacitation of the horses, the riders—representing the military leadership and fighting force—are struck with "madness." This signifies a divinely induced insanity or frenzy that would shatter their morale, strategic thinking, and cohesion, rendering them utterly ineffective and perhaps even turning them against one another. It's a complete mental and psychological collapse orchestrated by God.
* **"and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah,"**: In stark contrast to the judgment on the enemies, this clause highlights God's benevolent gaze upon "the house of Judah," representing His chosen people. "Opening His eyes" signifies active attention, watchful care, favor, and protective oversight. It assures Judah of God's constant presence and specific, positive intervention on their behalf, distinguishing them as the recipients of His grace amidst the chaos.
* **"and will smite every horse of the people with blindness."**: This final clause reiterates and intensifies the judgment on the enemy. "Every horse of the people" refers to the collective cavalry of the invading nations. The specific affliction of "blindness" (Hebrew: _ʻivvârôwn_) can be physical or, more profoundly, a spiritual and strategic incapacitation, preventing the enemy from perceiving their surroundings, executing plans, or discerning their path, leading to utter disarray and defeat. This echoes instances like the blinding of the Syrian army in [2 Kings 6:18](/2_kings/6-18 "2 Kings 6:18 - Elisha Prays for Blindness").

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 12:4 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical structure of divine action: God smites the horses and riders, and then again smites the horses with blindness, creating a balanced yet escalating sense of judgment. The use of **Anthropomorphism** is clear in "I will open mine eyes," attributing human characteristics (eyes, opening them) to God to convey His attentive and active presence. **Metonymy** is present in "horse" and "rider," which stand for the entire military might and personnel of the invading armies. The descriptions of "astonishment," "madness," and "blindness" are powerful **Imagery**, creating vivid mental pictures of utter chaos and incapacitation among the enemy forces. These terms also function as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and supernatural nature of God's intervention, far beyond any human military strategy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 12:4 profoundly illustrates the biblical theme of divine sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes over all human opposition. It reveals a God who is not passive but actively intervenes in history, especially on behalf of His covenant people. The contrast between the judgment upon the nations and the favor upon Judah underscores God's justice and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true security and victory come not from human strength or military might, but from the direct, supernatural intervention of the Lord. It highlights the eschatological hope that God will decisively defeat all who oppose His kingdom and establish His people in peace and security.

* [Ezekiel 38:22-23](/ezekiel/38-22-23 "Ezekiel 38:22-23 - God's Judgment on Gog")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King Saved by Great Army")
* [Isaiah 41:10-12](/isaiah/41-10-12 "Isaiah 41:10-12 - God Sustains His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 12:4 offers profound reassurance and a call to trust for believers today. In a world often marked by conflict, fear, and overwhelming challenges, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in human institutions, military power, or political alliances, but in the sovereign hand of God. Just as He promised to incapacitate the enemies of Judah, so too does He watch over His people today, capable of disorienting and defeating spiritual and physical adversaries that seem insurmountable. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep faith in God's active involvement in our lives and in the unfolding of history. It invites us to pray with confidence, knowing that the Lord's eyes are open upon His church, and His power is sufficient to overcome every obstacle. We are called to rest in His protective care, remembering that His kingdom will ultimately prevail, and all opposition to His righteous rule will be brought to nothing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of horses and riders being struck with "astonishment," "madness," and "blindness" challenge our reliance on conventional sources of strength and security?**
* **What does God's declaration, "I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah," reveal about His character and His relationship with His people? How does this apply to believers today?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to trust in God's supernatural intervention rather than human effort?**
* **How does this prophecy about God's future deliverance of Jerusalem inform your understanding of His faithfulness to His promises?**

### FAQ

**What does "In that day" refer to in Zechariah 12:4?**

Answer: "In that day" (Hebrew: _yôwm_) is a common prophetic phrase throughout the Old Testament, particularly in books like Zechariah, Joel, and Isaiah. It refers to a future, decisive period of divine intervention, often associated with the "Day of the Lord." This is a time when God will directly act in history to judge His enemies, deliver His people, and establish His kingdom. In Zechariah 12-14, it specifically points to an eschatological conflict where all nations gather against Jerusalem, leading to God's ultimate triumph and the vindication of His chosen city and people. It signifies a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, as seen in [Joel 3:14](/joel/3-14 "Joel 3:14 - Multitudes in the Valley of Decision").

**How does God "open His eyes" upon the house of Judah?**

Answer: The phrase "I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah" is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human characteristic (eyes, opening them) to God. Theologically, it signifies God's active, attentive, and favorable gaze. It means He is watching over His people with specific care, protection, and benevolent intent. Unlike the enemies who are struck with blindness, Judah is the object of God's clear sight and protective presence. This implies divine favor, active intervention, and a commitment to their well-being and security, assuring them of His constant vigilance, as promised in [Jeremiah 24:6](/jeremiah/24-6 "Jeremiah 24:6 - God's Watchful Care").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 12:4 vividly portrays God's future, physical deliverance of Jerusalem and Judah from their enemies, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate victory of Christ over all spiritual and temporal adversaries. The "day" of the Lord's intervention finds its ultimate culmination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true "house of Judah" (the Lion of the Tribe of Judah) upon whom God's eyes are opened in favor, and through whom God's people are protected. The incapacitation of the enemy's horses and riders with "astonishment," "madness," and "blindness" foreshadows Christ's decisive triumph over the powers of darkness, sin, and death. At the cross, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities"). His resurrection is the ultimate declaration that the forces of evil have been struck with a spiritual "madness" and "blindness," unable to comprehend or ultimately thwart God's redemptive plan. Ultimately, the future return of Christ will bring the final, cosmic fulfillment of this prophecy, where every foe will be utterly defeated and His kingdom established in perfect peace and righteousness, as described in [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Return and Defeat of Enemies"), where He rides forth to smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron.

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

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.