Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryZechariah 1

Repentance Urged. This passage introduces the ministry of Zechariah, a prophet sent by God with a message for the people of Judah. Zechariah received God’s word directly, giving him the authority to speak as God’s messenger. His ministry began in the second year of King Darius of Persia, during a time when the Jewish people were still living under foreign rule because of their past sins. Zechariah’s message starts with a strong call to repentance before moving to visions or promises. The people had already heard the prophet Haggai, and because they listened, God sent Zechariah as another sign of His care for them. Zechariah’s family is listed to show his connection to other prophets, and some believe he may be the same Zechariah that was later killed for his faith (Matthew 23:35 ).

v. 2: Zechariah reminded the people that the Lord

v. 3: God called the people to return to Him. He said, “Turn to me…and I will turn to you, says the Lord

v. 4: Zechariah warned the people not to be stubborn like their ancestors. Their fathers ignored God’s prophets and refused to listen. Instead of following their bad example, the people should learn from their ancestors’ punishment. The old prophets had always called for repentance: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds” . If the people listened and changed, God would forgive them. If they refused, they would suffer as their fathers did (Jeremiah 44:17 ).

v. 5: Zechariah asked, “Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?” . The earlier generation and even the prophets were gone. Life is short, and everyone dies, but the word of God continues. We should think about those who have gone before us, knowing that we too will one day leave this world. The warnings and teachings of those who came before should guide how we live now (1 Peter 1:24-25 ).

v. 6: Even though people die, God’s words last forever. What He said through the prophets came true. The people could not escape God’s judgment, and later they admitted, “The Lord

The Vision of the Horses and the Myrtle Trees This section introduces Zechariah’s first vision. God gives Zechariah a picture to encourage the Jewish people who have just returned from exile. At this time, the Jews feel small and weak, and the world around them seems peaceful while they are struggling. God shows Zechariah that He has not forgotten His people, and that He is still in control, watching over them and ready to act on their behalf. v. 7: Zechariah receives this vision on the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, in the second year of King Darius. The timing is important—it comes three months after Zechariah’s first call for the people to repent. Now that the people have responded, God gives them a message of comfort through this vision.

v. 8: Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse, standing among myrtle trees in a low, shady valley. Behind him are other horses—red, speckled, and white. The man on the red horse is later shown to be the “Angel of the Lord

v. 9: Zechariah asks the angel what these things mean. The angel, who is talking with Zechariah, promises to show him the meaning. This shows that God is willing to explain His messages to those who sincerely want to understand.

v. 10: The man among the myrtle trees explains that these horses are messengers sent by the Lord

v. 11: The messengers report back, saying that the whole earth is at rest and peaceful. This means that while Israel suffers and struggles to rebuild, the other nations are living comfortably. It seems unfair, but God is aware of this situation.

v. 12: The Angel of the Lord

v. 13: God answers the Angel with “good and comforting words.” God is not angry forever. He promises to comfort His people and bring them hope.

v. 14: Zechariah is told to proclaim that God is very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion. This means God cares deeply for His people and will defend them fiercely, just like someone who is jealous for someone they love.

v. 15: God says He is angry with the nations that are at ease. He used them to punish Israel “a little,” but they went too far and made things worse. God is just and will hold the nations accountable for how they treated His people.

v. 16: God promises, “I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy.” The temple will be rebuilt, and the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem—meaning the city will be rebuilt and restored.

v. 17: Zechariah is told to proclaim again that God’s cities will overflow with prosperity, the Lord

Comfort for Jerusalem. This vision brings hope to Jerusalem. It shows that although enemies may attack God's people with great strength, God will also raise up help to protect and save them. The message is that when trouble comes, the Spirit of the Lord

v. 19: Zechariah asked the angel what these horns meant. The angel answered, These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem . This means that the horns were the powers and nations that caused suffering and division among God’s people. Their actions were so harsh that the people could not even lift their heads in hope.

v. 20-21: Then Zechariah saw four craftsmen (or carpenters or smiths). These craftsmen were sent by God to defeat and remove the horns. Just as there were four horns, there were also four craftsmen, showing that God provides the right help for every danger. The craftsmen had the skill and tools to break the horns. God always prepares people or ways to help His church, no matter how powerful the enemies are. Some believe these craftsmen might represent leaders like Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah, who helped rebuild Jerusalem and protect the people. The message is clear: whenever God’s people face trouble, He raises up others to defend and support them (Psalm 75:10 ). If the enemies try to destroy God’s work, God will always find ways to protect and continue it.