Zechariah 1:19-21

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Zechariah 1:19 tn See the note on the expression “angelic messenger” in v. 9.
2. Zechariah 1:19 sn An animal’s horn is a common OT metaphor for military power (Pss 18:2; 75:10; Jer 48:25; Mic 4:13). The fact that there are four horns here (as well as four blacksmiths, v. 20) shows a correspondence to the four horses of v. 8 which go to four parts of the world, i.e., the whole world.
3. Zechariah 1:20 tn Heb “craftsmen” (so NASB, NIV; KJV “carpenters”), a generic term which can mean “metalworker, smith, armorer” (HALOT 358 s.v. חָרָשׁ). “Blacksmiths” was chosen for the present translation because of its relative familiarity among contemporary English readers.sn The horns are perhaps made of iron, the strongest of all metals known to the ancient Near Eastern world, since military activity is implied in the context. Only blacksmiths can cut the horns off. If the horns represent oppressive nations, the blacksmiths must represent deliverers whom the Lord raises up, kings like Cyrus of Persia (cf. Isa 54:16).
4. Zechariah 1:21 tn Heb “so that no man lifts up his head.”
5. Zechariah 1:21 tn Heb “terrify them”; the referent (Judah’s enemies) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6. Zechariah 1:21 tn Heb “to scatter it.” The word “people” has been supplied in the translation for clarity.