Zechariah 1:18 Commentary and Bible Study

Zechariah now sees another vision – the four horns. In the language of prophecy, the horn always stands for power and rule. We might think of the type of horns found on large cattle, and are something to keep out of the way of. The one with the biggest horns was the most powerful animal in the herd. So there are four powerful and ruling nations. It is tempting to say that they are the same four that were identified by Daniel: the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Medo-Persian Empire, and the Romans. But that is probably not what is referred to here, because what follows includes some of these empires and makes them the scourge of these four. The four probably refer to the four compass points and indicate all the nations in existence at the time. These represent the various powers which have been the oppressors of Israel and Judah, most logically, up to the time that they lived in. This would include Babylon which has now been displaced by the Medo-Persian Empire. That currently is showing favour to Judah, but its essential nature is antagonistic, and in due time it too will be removed.