Zechariah 1:17

be spread abroad Some would render "overflow," comparing Proverbs 5:16. But the more usual sense of the word, "spread abroad, or "disperse," gives a good meaning. Not only shall the Temple be rebuilt, and the metropolis restored, but cities, owned and blessed by God ("my cities"), shall be scattered throughout the land.

The scope, then, of the first vision is clear. It conveys a distinct promise and prophecy of three future events. "My house shall be built," Zechariah 1:16. This was accomplished four years later in the sixth year of Darius (Ezra 6:15). "A line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem," Zechariah 1:16. This was done some seventy years later, when the city was rebuilt by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:15). "My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad," Zechariah 1:17. The fulfilment of this is to be found in the history of the Jews under the Asmonean princes. Beyond this the first prophecy does not expressly go; though its concluding words, "The Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem," are at least an implied promise of better things, than any which befell the Jews before the coming of Christ.

The Second Vision. The four horns and the four workmen. Zechariah 1:18-21. (Heb., 2:1 4.) The scene changes. The first vision had foretold as certain the punishment of the heathen, with which the prosperity of Israel was bound up. This vision takes a step in advance and depicts that punishment as already come. The prophet turns again to the field of view, which he had ceased to contemplate while he gave heed to the words of the interpreting angel, or pursued the thoughts which those words suggested. Looking up, he sees now before him four mighty horns. The beast, or beasts, which bear them are hidden from his view. The horns alone stand out from the surrounding gloom (Zechariah 1:18). In answer to the question, which he addresses to the interpreting angel, he is told that these horns represent the powers which have scattered his people (Zechariah 1:19). And now he sees, in the unfolding of this vision granted him by Jehovah, four artificers or smiths coming out to view, and proceeding one towards each of the four towering horns (Zechariah 1:20). In answer to a further question by the prophet, the interpreting angel tells him that these artificers are come to demolish and drive away these horns (Zechariah 1:21).