,

Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

SERMONS
ON ZECHARIAH
I
"THE FOUR CRAFTSMEN"
Zechariah 1:18-21; Acts 4:23-33
Olien it is the case that revelation
comes to man through vision experi-
ences, rather than through verbal com-
munication. The visions God granted to
Hisprophets dramatically opened to their
mind's eye what their physical eye could
not see. It effectively raised them above
the blur and confusion caused by the
strife and uncertainty ofbistory. It did so
by offering to them a fuller glimpse of
rea\ity--area\itythatincludedthespiritual
realm.Suchaviewwouldimpanapeace
that passes all understanding, for then
would they see things as God saw them.
In the Sclipture text before us we
come upon Zechariah's second vision.
His first vision of the angelic horsemen
was designed to instill in him a sense of
comfon due to the overwhehning pres-
enceofGodinbehalfofHispeopleIsrael.
The multitudinous angelic horsemen
were sent as agents of God to control the
ebb and flow ofhistOlY, all for the glory
of His Name and the benefit of His
people.
In this second vision we have a con-
tinuation and carrying forward of the
promise of comfon and hope provided
in the first vision. The previous vision
opened Zechariah's eyes to the resources
available to Judah. In the present vision,
which is composed of two pans (v. 18,
v. 20) we move a step funher. It shows
Judah the means as to how God's will
would be accomplished. In met, this
vision expands on what God said in
Zechariah 1: 15. And though granted
originally for andentjudah'ssituation, it
provides us comfon by extension and
application, as well.
l.etustum,now,toaconsiderationof
the Vision of the Four Craftsmen. As we
begin, we will notice again the backdrop
regarding:
1. The Opposition
to God's People
More often than not, we experience
difficulty in comprehending prophetic
visions. This is largely due to our distant
separation from the life and culture of the
day, which makes the figures involved
unfumiliar. But if we would strive to put
ourselves back into the environment of
ancient Israel, we would grasp the sig-
nificance a little more easily.
In the first ponion of the vision we are
confrontedwith"fourhorns."Nowhorns
had a spedal significance for andent,
pastoral israeL These are not horns that
are blown as a trumpet for giving a battle
call. Rather these horns are those on an
ox or bull. As such they represent the
great strength of the wild oxorthe raging
bull, whose power lay in their
stronghorns. These were animals the
ancientjewswere quite fumiliarwithand
constantly ran up against. In mct, there
was even a special law governing the
ownership of dangerous oxen, because
they were so strong (Prov. 14:4) and
could ldll a man so easily (Exo. 21:28,
29).
But even today we sense something
of the impressiveness of the bull's horns
when we see the advertisement for
Mertill-Lynch, which proclaims they are
"bullish on America." In those
commericals we have ponrayed for us a
majesticscene of stampeding bulls. This
impressive sight is designed to impan a
sense of the strength of that company's
stock transactions.
The horns, then, represented strength
to Israel. In Amos 6: 13 we have a clear
picture of horns as a symbol of strength.
Almost always the symbol of horns had
to do with the political power of nations
through the exercise of military might.
The horns generally carried with them
the connotation of power that could
relentlessly push back or move a people
from theirterritory, Deut. 33: 17 ("wild
ox," NASB), &e. 34:21. In one place
horns are even crafted out of iron to
emphasize their unbreakable power, 1
Kgs.22:11.
So then, horns represent awesome
political and military strength, a power
with which to be reckoned. Now we
must ask, What did these horns do and
why are there four of them?
It is clear from the context that these
horns were employed in the scattering of
judah, Israel, andjerusalem(w. 19,21).
Consequently, they represented military
and political power brought to bear
against God's Old Testament people.
Some have suggested that these might
represent the four successive imperial
kingdoms signified in Daniel's visions in
Daniel 2 and 7. Those kingdoms --
Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome --
were ponrayed there as destined for
destruction to make way for the king-
dom of Christ. But this does not seem to
December, 1991 f TIlE COUNSEL of Chalcedon f 29
be the proper interpretation here. This is
so for at least two reasons.
Here the four horns seem to point to
past scattering acts by political entities,
not to future ones such as the Grecianand
Roman empires several hundred years
away, Zech.l :19,21. inaddition, neither
the Persian nor Greek empires did any-
thing to "scatter" or harm Israel. In fact,
the Persian Empire allowed Israel to re-
turn to the land and rebuild the temple.
There is evidence in Zechariah for a
better understanding of the meaning of
there being four horns. These four seem
to represent the four points of the com-
pass, that is, the foumess represents "all
directions." Just a few verses earlier
inZechariah 1:10, the first vision indi-
cated the angelic horsemen had traveled
"to and fro" in the earth, cettainlyindicat-
ingtheywent in "all directions." Justa few
verses later in Zechariah 2:6, the "four
winds" are mentioned in conjunction
With the ''land of the north" and in such a
way as to suggest the actual four points of
the compass.
Furthermore, the imagerywe suggest
would fit well With the notion of "scatter-
ing" that is prominent in the shott vision,
beingmentionedthreetimesinfourverses.
Israel was scattered in "all directions," as
it were.
This, then, would speak not only of
Israel's most recent, massive deportation
to Babylon in the north. It would also
suggestherbeingsurroundedonallsides
by enemies that constantly taunted and
plagued her: Egypt to the South, the
Philistines to the West, Samaria to the
North, and the Moabites and Ammo-
nites in the East. This idea is also hinted
atin Zechariah 2:5, where God promises
protection on all sides. Judah was well
aware of her precarious situation among
these mortal enemies. And God was
aware, too! She had been scattered and
she was still taunted. In fact, many ofher
peoplewerestiUin Babylon, despite their
being allowed to leave.
But also by application the enemies
that lay all aroundJudah arerepresenta-
tive of all the enemies of all God's people
in all times. This is hinted at in the terms
of the vision: though Zechariah minis-
tered to Judah, he speaks of "Judah,
Israel, andJerusalem." Thisindicateshis
concem for all people of God.
We may say this involves us todayin
that we are God's people and are a con-
tinuation of Israel, being called the
"children of Abraham" (Gal. 3:29), "the
drcumcision"(phil3:3),'jewsinwarclly"
(Rom. 2:29), "the temple of God" (2 Cor.
6: 16), etc. Furthermore, Paul teachesus
that the things that happened to Israel
happenedforourexample(ICor.lO:11).
As Israel was surrounded With enemies,
so shall we be. And all of this issues forth
from the fact thatinEden Godforewamed
Adam and Eve that there would be a
struggle in history between Satan's seed
and the woman's seed, between the
unrighteous and the righteous.
Christians, we are surrounded on all
sides byenemies. Theycontrol themajor
entertainment and news media, filtering
most of our information on the world
and life through an anti-Christian
framework. They control much of the
educational and political realm, which
are bent on expanding anti-Christian
culture. Weareengaged,asPaulsays, in
"spiritual warfare" all around us (2 Cor.
10:5). And being aware of the war is half
the battle becauseof"Satan'swiles" (Eph.
6: 13)and"subtlety" (2 Cor. 11:3). Christ
said the world, as such, would hate us
Golm 7:7; 15:18; 1 John 3:13).
The four horns that would smash and
scatterusarealiveandwellonplanetearth.
Consequently, wemust ''besober, bevigi-
Iant; because [our adversary the devil, as a
roaringlion, walkethabout,seekingwhom
he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).
2. The Consternation in God's people
Because of the scattering and torment
of its pagan neighbors, Israel was in great
consternation. This is indicated by the
30 TIlE COUNSEL of Chalcedon December 1991
statement, "These are the horns which
havescatteredJudah,so that no man did
liftuphishead,"Zech. 1:21. Aswehave
noted before, the unity and securiry of
Israel in the Promised land was a major
featureofGod'scovenantaiblessingupon
them(Deut.28:1-i4). When this ended
it was a sure indicator of the chastening
wrath of God (Dent. 28: 15ft). And their
scattering and captivity for seventy years
was still in their memory as they tried to
rebuild their broken dties.
But Israel ceased the work of the very
temple God intended for them to build,
when He released them from their
Babylonian bondage. Theyallowed resis-
tancefromtheSamaritansandtheAmorite
(Ezra4:8;Neh.4:7-8). Inotherwords,in
the very midst of blessing (freedom from
captivity) they failed again! They allowed
their heads to bang low in despair.
The spiritual and political history of
pre-exilic Israel is one of unfaithfulness,
compromise, confusion, division, and
decline. Israel's unfaithful kings engaged
themselves in leagues With pagan powers
that fmally pulled her down. She did not
believe God's prophets who wamed her,
nor did she trust in the God that had
brought her out of the house of bondage
Withamightyupliftedann. She trusted in
horses and chariots, but not in God (Psa.
20:7). But the ann offlesh did not deliver.
How disappointing it is today to see
the Christian Church in retreat in so
marly areas. Whole denominations are
now electing women elders, encourag-
ing the increase of the welfare state, and
supporting communist liberation move-
ments and despising God's Law. Chris-
tianity Today, a major evangelical maga-
zine, has bowed to pro-abonion mental-
ity, women's liberation advocates, and
so-called Chrisrian sodalism. Even his-
torically conservative Reformed Theo-
logical Seminary has recently brought a
new theology teacher on that endorses
women's ordination and denies infant
baptism. Too few Christians are willing
to stand up for biblical truths, such as a
six day creation, the application of bib li-
cal law, pro-life advocacy, and such.
How often is it that we ourselves are
ashamed of the gospel of Christ? How
often do we turn our faces when the
Name of Christ is blasphemed? Or
Scripture is mocked? Or wickedness is
praised? Are we numbered among those
who dare not to lift their heads? Are we
afraid of the numbers and the wealth and
prestige of the secular world? Are we
embarrassed by the truths of Scripture?
Despitelsrael'shistoricallysmallnum-
bers (Dent. 7:7) andherpresentreduction
through warandscattering, God willsend
help to overcome the opposition.
ls the opposition from all sides? Are
there symbolicallyfouropponents round
about? Then God will send four smiths
against them. Whatever number there
may be, from whatever direction they
may come, GodhasinHisplan the forces
that will thwart the enemy. Hence, there
are foursmithsto'counterthe four horns.
51:20 says to Cyrus of Persia: "Thou art
my battle axe and weapons of war,forwith
thee will T break in pieces the nations, and
withtheewillTdestroykingdoms." Thesame
would be true of any future foes of God's
faithful people. God will raise up an
opponent against them.
We learn from this that though horns
of opposition might arise, God will cause
smiths of defense to arise, as well. Even
though the Church faces enemies from
all corners, conflict does not imply de-
3. The Retribution for
God's People
But the point of the vision
is to instill hope in the people,
not to impress them with the
strength of the opposition.
Just as the eye of revelation
and faith saw the angelic hosts
of God in the first vision, now
in the second visionitseesthe
smiths who are ready to wear
down the enemies. Though
the terrifYing and powerful
horns of opposition are all
around, God has determined
"We must not unfaithfully hang our
heads as Christians. We should lift
them high, for if the Lord be for us,
who can be against us? Are we not
ambassadors for Christ, the King of
kings and Lord of lords, in whom are
feat. The heathen may rage
and imagine and vain thing
and set themselves against the
Lordand His anointed, butHe
thatsitteth in the heavens shall
laugh when He puts them in
derision (Psa. 2:1-3).
We must trust in the pro-
tective providence of God. He
causes all things to work to-
gether for our good (Rom.
8:28). As the physical temple
would be rebuilt of old, so
shall God's spiritual temple,
hidden all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge? Is not our faith that
which overcomes the world?"
which is His Church, be built
today (l Cor. 3:16; 6:19; 2
to send His "smiths" or "craftsmen" (ac-
cording to newer versions) against those
horns, Zechariah 1:20. This word in-
cludes all who work with tools, particu-
larly iron workers, but also carpenters.
The main point of the vision is clear:
God will overcome the opposition to His
people, Zechariah 1:21. One would
think that little Israel would have been
utterly doomed through the horrible
scattering by Babylon. But the prophet is
given divine insight in explanation of her
continuance and of her future.
This prophecy is primarily directed
to the particular circumstances of the
day: Judah's difficulties encountered in
the buildingofJerusalemandthetemple.
As Hesaidbefore (1:16-17), these would
definitely be rebuilt. Now He notes it will
be despite anyandall opposition that has
or will arise against it.
God is not ournumbered. He controls
worldwide power in all directions. He
will supply the adequate resources.
These four smiths represent the his-
torical forces that will be employed for
wearing down the opposition. The idea
of their being smiths seems to be that
they come with files, hammers, and saws
to wear away, beatdown,andcutupthe
antagonists. There is some debate as to
whether the word translated "fray" in the
IqV means "frighten" or "rub down" as
with a file or other tool. Probably the
latter is true. Despite the strength of the
horns, there are tools available for their
destruction.
Again we are reminded that God has
His will in the annies of heaven and
earth. Did Babylon afflict Israel and
Judah? Then God sent Cyrus of Persia to
destroy them (lsa. 44-45). Jeremiah
Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9).
Christ has promised that the Gates ofhell
will not prevail against the Church (Matt.
16:18).
That is true forus, which was true for
lsrael. lsaiah 54: 17 promised then and
promises today: "Noweapon thatis formed
against thee shall prosper; and every tongue
that shall rise against thee in judgment thou
shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the
servants of the LORD, and their righteous-
ness is ofme,saith UleLORD." Isaiah 59: 19
promises: "Soshall they fearthe name of the
LORD from the west, and his glory from the
risingofthesun. When the enemyshall come
inlikeajlood, theSpiritoftheLORD shall lift
up a standard against him."
We must not unfaithfully hang our
heads as Christians. We should lift them
high, for if the Lord be forus, who can be
(CONCLUDED ON PAGE 28)
December, 1991 TIlE COUNSEL of Chalcedon 31
unjust judge will grant the persistent
requests of a petitioner, will not our
heavenly Father do likewise, who is,
without question, concerned about our
justice.
Perseverance in prayer does not ne-
gate fuith as some might think; it actually
demonstrates the preciousness of that
faith. Persistence is faithin action. Persis-
tence indicates a continual recognition
that our heavenly Father is the source of
all blessings. To persist in prayer really
glOrifies God because we are constantly
recognizing Him as out sustainer and
redeemer. Remember, we shouldn't be
praying for that which doesn't have His
glory in mind. Thus, when we persist in
prayer, we are continually pleading with
God to do that which He already desires.
What could be more pleasing to Him?
We must learn that persistence in
prayer means that God doesn't always
immediately give us what we desire.
When there is a delay, Godhas a particu-
lar purpose for doing so. For one, God
knows the best tinting to bting to pass
what we pray for. God knows best when
our soul is ripened to receive with most
joy what we have prayed. God wants to
build patience in our lives. He wants us
to learn that God's timetable is what is
most glorifying to Him. It is through
persevering, confident, and praising
prayer that oursouls grow into full union
with our Lord. Throughdelay, Godactu-
ally strengthens the already present faith.
The longer we wait, fuith has an oppor-
tunity to reaffirm what it knows is right.
Faith knows it will succeed. In persis-
tence, faith moves us to continue in
praise and thanksgiving. Each believing
prayeris one step closer to the realization
of ourpetitions. God doesn't delay longer
than necessary; we must rerrtain stead-
fust to the end so that we can reap the
haIvest of our prayers.
What prevents us from persevering
in prayer? For one, it is because we are
spiJ;itual sluggards. Persistence in prayer
requires effon, and we usually opt for the
easy way out. Second, there is the ele-
ment of unbelief. We give up because
our faith had no abiding quality. We
asswne our request was invalid. Ifwe are
in communion with God, we have no
right to give up; for, our prayer should
have been in accordance with God's will
in the first place.
Oh, Christian, pleaseseekyour Lord's
fuce continually. Please have the fuith
which can lay hold of God's immense
promises. Please persevere with your
prayeroffaith. Thedominionoftheearth
is at stake! 0
(GEN1RY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31)
against us? Are we not ambassadors for
Christ, the King of kings and Lord of
lords, in Whom is hidden all the trea-
sures of wisdom and knowledge? Is not
ourfaiththatwhichovercomestheworld?
illtimately the work of the Church is
spiritually to fray or the wear down the
opposition by the graceofGod, bymeans
of the spiritoal presence of Christ, 2 Cor.
10:4,5. Christ is on the throne waiting
for all His enemies to become the foot-
stool for His feet.
It is interesting that Christ was a
carpenter, a worker with tools for wear-
ing down and splitting wood. The pro-
pbetic word is a powerful word that
overcomes the opposition, like tools
overcome wood and iron resistance. ill-
timately it is God's Word that controls
the forces of history. Hosea 6:4-5:
"Therefore have I hewed them by the
prophets; I have slain them by the words of
my mouth: and thy judgments are as the
light thai goeth forth
Let us serve the Lord without fear,
knowing that our labor is not in vain in
the Lord, 1 Cor. 15:58.0
Rev. Ken Gentry.is Pastor of Reedy
River Presbyterian Church (PCA) in
Mauldin, Sc. This series of sermons
onthe book of Zechariah were deliv-
ered beginning in December 1989.
28 TIlE COUNSEL of Chalcedon December 1991