Then the LORD showed me
This phrase indicates divine revelation, a common theme in prophetic literature where God communicates directly with the prophet. The LORD, Yahweh, is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with Israel. This revelation is part of a series of visions given to Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet, to encourage the Jewish people during the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The act of God showing something to a prophet underscores the idea that true understanding and insight come from God alone.

four craftsmen.
The term "craftsmen" refers to skilled workers, possibly metalworkers or builders, who are often associated with construction and creation. In the context of Zechariah's vision, these craftsmen are symbolic agents of God's judgment and restoration. The number four is significant, often representing universality or completeness in biblical literature, suggesting that these craftsmen have a comprehensive role in God's plan. This vision follows the one of the four horns, which represented the nations that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. The craftsmen are seen as those who will counteract or overthrow these oppressive powers. This imagery can be connected to other biblical passages where God raises up deliverers or agents to fulfill His purposes, such as the judges in the Book of Judges or the anointed leaders like Cyrus in Isaiah 45. The craftsmen can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate restorer and builder of God's kingdom, overcoming the forces of evil and establishing peace.

1. Zechariah
A prophet who received visions from God during the post-exilic period, encouraging the Israelites to rebuild the temple and renew their covenant with God.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who reveals His plans and purposes to Zechariah through visions.

3. Four Craftsmen
Symbolic figures shown to Zechariah, representing God's agents of change and restoration. The Hebrew word for "craftsmen" is (charash), which can mean artisans or skilled workers.

4. The Vision
Part of a series of visions given to Zechariah, this one follows the vision of the four horns, which represent powers that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

5. Post-Exilic Jerusalem
The setting of Zechariah's prophecies, where the Jewish people are returning from Babylonian exile and are tasked with rebuilding the temple and their community.God's Sovereignty in Restoration
God is actively involved in the restoration of His people. The vision of the craftsmen shows that God has a plan to counteract the forces that oppose His people.

Divine Intervention
Just as God raised up craftsmen to deal with the horns, He raises up individuals and circumstances in our lives to bring about His purposes and to protect us from harm.

Hope in Times of Opposition
The vision encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when faced with powerful adversaries. God equips and sends His agents to bring about justice and restoration.

Role of Skilled Workers in God's Plan
The term "craftsmen" highlights the importance of skills and talents in God's work. Believers are called to use their God-given abilities for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

Encouragement for Rebuilding
Just as the Israelites were called to rebuild the temple, believers are encouraged to participate in the spiritual rebuilding of their communities, trusting in God's provision and guidance.1. What is the meaning of Zechariah 1:20?

2. How do the "four craftsmen" in Zechariah 1:20 symbolize God's intervention today?

3. What role do the "four craftsmen" play in God's plan for restoration?

4. How does Zechariah 1:20 connect with God's promises in Jeremiah 29:11?

5. How can we identify and combat spiritual "horns" in our lives?

6. In what ways can we be "craftsmen" to support God's work around us?

7. What is the significance of the four craftsmen in Zechariah 1:20?

8. How do the four craftsmen relate to the horns mentioned earlier in Zechariah 1?

9. What historical context is necessary to understand Zechariah 1:20?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 1?

11. What are the symbolic meanings of Zechariah's visions?

12. What visions and messages did Zechariah receive from God?

13. How can the vision of four horses (Zechariah 6:1-8) be harmonized with the four horsemen described in Revelation 6:1-8?

14. Why does God apparently endorse Jehu's violent actions in 2 Kings 10:30, when other passages condemn such bloodshed?Then

• The word links directly to the preceding scene (Zechariah 1:18-19), where four horns had scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. By saying “Then,” the Spirit signals that what follows is God’s immediate answer to that threat—He never leaves His people dangling in despair (cf. Psalm 34:19; Haggai 2:20-23).

• It also establishes sequence: first the problem is exposed, then the remedy is unveiled, just as in Exodus 3:7-8 where the LORD first hears the cry of Israel, then announces His plan of deliverance.

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the LORD

• The initiative belongs to “the LORD,” the covenant name Yahweh. He is not a passive observer but the active Author of history (Isaiah 46:9-10; Daniel 4:35).

• His personal involvement underscores covenant faithfulness: the same LORD who promised Abraham a land (Genesis 17:8) now intervenes to protect it.

• Since He alone reveals the vision, the message carries divine authority; compare this with Amos 3:7, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”

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showed me

• Zechariah is not imagining; he is being shown—God is opening his eyes to spiritual realities (2 Kings 6:17; Jeremiah 24:1-3).

• The phrase assures us that Scripture records what the prophet genuinely witnessed, giving us confidence to take the text at face value (Revelation 1:1-2).

• It also hints at pastoral care: the LORD lets His servant see both the danger (horns) and the solution (craftsmen), fostering hope (Psalm 119:18).

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four craftsmen

• “Four” matches the number of horns, indicating a perfectly adequate response (Zechariah 1:21). God never under-resources His mission (Philippians 4:19).

• “Craftsmen” (artisans) are skilled builders and metalworkers, the kind God used to construct the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 31:1-5; 1 Kings 7:13-14). They symbolize:

– Judgment: they have the tools to demolish the oppressive horns (Isaiah 54:16-17).

– Restoration: they also possess the skill to rebuild what enemies ruined (Ezra 5:2; Nehemiah 2:20).

• Whether these craftsmen represent angelic beings, world powers raised up by God (Persia, Greece, etc.), or specific leaders such as Joshua and Zerubbabel, the central truth stands: the LORD appoints capable agents to tear down hostility and to advance His kingdom (Jeremiah 1:10; Revelation 11:15).

• Practical takeaway: when opposition looks overwhelming, remember that God already has His “craftsmen” in place—even if we have not yet seen them (Acts 18:9-10).

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summary

Zechariah 1:20 reveals a seamless sequence of divine action: right after exposing the forces that scattered His people, the LORD Himself shows Zechariah the skilled agents who will counteract and repair the damage. The verse assures believers that God remains the sovereign initiator, the faithful covenant keeper, the revealer of truth, and the supplier of perfectly matched deliverers. When threats loom, trust that He has already prepared the remedy—His “craftsmen” are on the way.

Verse 20. - Four carpenters; craftsmen; Revised Version, smiths, in which case "the horns" would be made of iron. The word is applied to workers in wood, stone, and metal; therefore an ambiguous rendering seems most suitable here. LXX., τέκτονας; Vulgate, fabros. They represent the human agencies employed by God to overthrow the powers hostile to the Church. Their number is the same as that of the "horns," thus showing their adequacy for the work which they have to execute. It is quite unnecessary to attempt to identify the four "craftsmen." Some take them to be Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah; or Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Cambyses, and Alexander the Great; or the four evangelists; or generally, angels. We shall be safer if we look upon them merely as God's instruments and servants without further identification.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

showed
וַיַּרְאֵ֣נִי (way·yar·’ê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

me four
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה (’ar·bā·‘āh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 702: Four

craftsmen.
חָרָשִֽׁים׃ (ḥā·rā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2796: A fabricator, any material


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OT Prophets: Zechariah 1:20 Yahweh showed me four craftsmen (Zech. Zec Zc)