Zechariah 12:4 kjv
In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.
Zechariah 12:4 nkjv
In that day," says the LORD, "I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.
Zechariah 12:4 niv
On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness," declares the LORD. "I will keep a watchful eye over Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations.
Zechariah 12:4 esv
On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.
Zechariah 12:4 nlt
"On that day," says the LORD, "I will cause every horse to panic and every rider to lose his nerve. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will blind all the horses of their enemies.
Zechariah 12 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Zec 12:4 | In that day, the LORD will strike with panic every horse and its rider. | Divine Intervention, Judgment |
| Zec 12:5 | Then the clans of Judah will say to themselves, "The inhabitants of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their God." | Divine Strength, Identity |
| Zec 12:6 | In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing torch in a woodpile, like a fiery | Divine Power, Protection |
| Zec 12:7 | The LORD will save Jerusalem's tents first, so that the glory of David's house and of Jerusalem's inhabitants may not | Divine Deliverance, Restoration |
| Zec 14:1-2 | Behold, a day is coming for the LORD, when the plunder from within you will be divided. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken... All nations against Jerusalem to battle... | Future Conflict, Judgment |
| Zec 14:3 | Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fought on a | Divine Warfare, Victory |
| Jer 4:11-12 | "At that time it will be said of this people and of Jerusalem, 'A hot wind from the | Divine Wrath, Destruction |
| Eze 38:18-19 | "On that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will unleash my fury... | Divine Judgment on Enemies |
| Isa 30:33 | For Topheth has long been prepared; it is made ready for the king. It is built on a high | Divine Judgment, Devastation |
| Psa 76:5-6 | The stouthearted were stilled and were no more. All their men of might could not lift a hand. | Divine Annihilation |
| Psa 46:6 | The nations make loud noise, the kingdoms totter; he raises his voice, the earth melts. | Divine Authority, Sovereignty |
| Josh 10:10 | And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, and they suffered great slaughter at Gibeon. | Divine Confusion, Victory |
| 1 Sam 7:10 | As Samuel was nearing his sacrifice, the Philistines drew near to fight Israel. But the LORD thundered with a | Divine Intervention, Deliverance |
| Exo 14:25 | He loosened the wheels of their chariots so that they drove them with difficulty. And the Egyptians said, “Let us | Divine Disruption of Enemy |
| Lev 26:17 | I will set my face against you, and you shall be beaten before your enemies. Those who hate you shall rule over you, | Divine Retribution |
| Jer 19:8 | And I will make this city a horror, a thing to be hissed at. Everyone who passes by it will be horrified and | Divine Condemnation |
| Nah 2:4 | The chariots charge furiously, the raiders crash through the streets, they gleam like torches, they dart like | Divine Judgment, Invasion |
| Isa 5:30 | They will roar over it on that day like the roaring of the sea. And if one looks toward the land, behold, | Divine Judgment, Darkness |
| Judg 7:19-21 | So Gideon and the hundred men with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch... | Divine Strategy, Victory |
| 1 Cor 1:18 | For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the | Divine Wisdom vs. Worldly Folly |
Zechariah 12 verses
Zechariah 12 4 Meaning
This verse describes the humbling and debilitating effect God will have on the armies that come against Jerusalem. It speaks of a catastrophic event where a portion of these armies will be struck by terror, leaving them unable to fight or even to care for their wounded. The focus is on the direct intervention of God in bringing confusion and helplessness to His enemies.
Zechariah 12 4 Context
Zechariah 12, in its broader context, depicts a future eschatological battle where Jerusalem and Judah will be attacked by a coalition of nations. However, instead of annihilation, the prophecy foretells divine intervention and protection. Verse 4 specifically sets the stage for this deliverance by describing the devastating confusion that will afflict the attackers. The chapter moves from describing the coming conflict to God’s active role in protecting His people and establishing His sovereign rule. Historically, the people of Israel often faced military threats, making these prophecies of divine rescue particularly significant for the original audience, offering hope in times of peril. This passage also speaks to a future fulfillment related to the establishment of God’s kingdom.
Zechariah 12 4 Word Analysis
- "In that day" (בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא - bayyōm hahûʾ):
- This phrase is a common prophetic indicator, signifying a future, appointed time of divine action. It connects the specific event to God's overall plan of salvation and judgment.
- "the LORD" (יְהוָ֔ה - YHWH):
- The Tetragrammaton, the personal covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and power in relation to His people.
- "will strike" (יַכֶּ֣ה - yakkê):
- Means to smite, strike, or smite with terror. It denotes a decisive and powerful blow, indicating divine judgment.
- "with panic" (בְּמֹחֶ֥ת - bemôḥeṯ):
- Relates to a state of extreme terror, bewilderment, or shock. It describes a psychological and perhaps supernatural disabling of the enemy. This term is found only here in the Hebrew Bible.
- "every horse" (כָּל־סוּס - kol-sûs):
- Refers to the warhorses, a crucial element of military might in ancient warfare. The targeting of the horses indicates the disruption of the entire war machine.
- "and its rider" (וְרֹכְב֗וֹ - wəroḵəḇô):
- The combination signifies the complete incapacitation of the military force – both the animal power and the human command and control.
Words Group Analysis:
- "strike with panic": This vivid expression conveys God's ability to directly influence the minds and senses of the enemy, causing paralyzing fear. It’s a direct assault on their capability and will to fight. This concept of God infusing fear or confusion into enemy ranks is seen elsewhere in Scripture.
Zechariah 12 4 Bonus Section
The unique term "bemôḥeṯ" (בְּמֹחֶ֥ת), meaning panic or confusion, used to describe how God strikes the enemy's horses and riders, highlights a specific type of divine incapacitation. This isn't just a physical defeat, but a psychological breakdown caused by God Himself. It’s a demonstration of His omnipotence extending even to the minds and perceptions of men and animals in battle, making the victory a testament to His direct power rather than solely the martial skill of His people. This verse contributes to the broader understanding in the prophets of God as a warrior who actively defends His covenant people against all adversaries.
Zechariah 12 4 Commentary
Zechariah 12:4 powerfully illustrates God’s sovereign power over earthly armies and the futility of resistance against Him when He chooses to act. The verse is not merely about military defeat but a supernatural incapacitation. The enemies, even with their horses and riders – symbols of strength and organized military might – will be rendered useless by a divinely induced terror. This emphasizes that the outcome of conflict ultimately rests with God. For believers, this is a profound assurance of divine protection against overwhelming opposition. The passage anticipates a future where God intervenves directly to defend Jerusalem and His people, a theme echoed in various prophetic texts concerning the end times and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom.