When The Hammer Falls

O. T. #2275  "When The Hammer Falls"

Sept 8, 2022

Zechariah 1-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

The second vision that Zechariah had from God involved 4 horns and 4 carpenters (craftsmen).(verses 18-21) Details are given to the judgment of the nations who persecuted Israel, building upon God's promise to comfort His people. (1:13, 17)

First were the 4 horns, which were symbols of power and pride. Each horn represented either a nation or the head of that nation that attacked God's people. (Dan. 7:21) Some commentaries say they are referred to Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Medo-Persia or Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, all of which oppressed Israel. (MacArthur) 

Those are whom men say did the scattering of Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. (verse 19) They all oppressed Israel. Each empire was conquered by the next. We are reminded of God's promise to Abraham: I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. (Genesis12:3 NKJV)

A professional timeline provides a lot of history at a glance for us, down through the ages. Men desiring to be control instead of allowing God to rule. 

Have we been divided and scattered-families, churches, neighbors? Have we been divided by our standards for living, holding onto the principles of the Bible, politics, lack of values, sins?

LET IT GROW

The other part of the second vision dealt with 4 carpenters, smiths. craftsmen, which include skilled workers of wood, metal, and stone. They represent each empire being overthrown by the subsequent one, the last. Satan's empire during The Great Tribulation will be replaced by the Messiah's kingdom. (Daniel 7) The hammer dropped one by one as the nations were defeated. 

What a comfort that Jesus will one day reign! The evil ones will be no more. Religions will disappear, and only the Savior/Messiah will be worshiped. 

Aren't we glad to be on the side of Jesus?

LET IT GO

Your love never fail, never gives up on me, Jesus, Your love.