B. Vision Two: Retribution Against Israel’s Enemies (1:18-21 [Heb 2:1-4])

This brief section supplies what is missing in the first vision where Yahweh, after declaring his anger against the nations, announces his intentions to restore Jerusalem and Judah. But his anger is not resolved until this second vision where the just destruction of Israel’s oppressors is declared (Smith, 279-80). Horns (qeren) were symbolic of invincible strength. The number four represents the sum total of Israel’s enemies, not unlike the four chariots in the eighth vision representing the points of the compass (6:1-15). The method used by the craftsmen is unclear, but the smith’s hammer would suit the imagery. Zechariah’s message of encouragement begins to build now as he assures Jerusalem’s inhabitants that they are safe from the world’s strong empires, even without city walls.