Victory over all Enemies

Intro: In the same night that Zechariah saw the vision of the man in the myrtle bushes he saw the horns and craftsmen.

I. God wants us to know there is Hope- Vs 18-19

A. Zechariah second vision 4 horns appeared

The horn was symbolic of military power and, therefore, here was representative of a nation or kingdom which had a military force. (It is still a symbol of strength and power today. TV ads display the head of a ram sheep and say, horns and says, “Dodge trucks are built ram tough.”)

Zechariah inquired of the meaning of the four horns and was told that they represent the four kingdoms that have scattered (oppressed) Israel and Judah, V. 19. (He makes special mention of Jerusalem which was the chief city of the Hebrew people.)

Although the nations are not named, it appears that the horns represen

Egypt, the long time enemy of the Hebrews.

Assyria, to whom the northern kingdom, Israel, fell

Babylon, to whom the southern kingdom, Judah, fell

The Medo-Persian kingdom, which was in power at that time

B. Then Zechariah saw four skilled craftsmen, V. 20.

Again Zechariah had to ask what these represent (V. 21) and was told that these had come to drive out the four horns, the Gentiles, who had scattered and oppressed Israel and Judah.

It should be noted that Egypt, Assyria and Babylon had been already driven out. (This was not a mere coincident. It was the work of God.)

At that very time the Greeks were preparing to drive out the Medes and Persians. (This, too, was not a mere coincidence. It, too, was the work of God.)

The implication is that whatever other Gentile power might occupy the holy land and oppress and scatter the Jewish people would also be driven out. (History now reveals that this includes the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Syrians, the Romans and the Turks. )

II. God’s desire for us to know the scriptures, it good for us to ask question.

A. It is not a disgrace to have to ask for an understanding of Holy Scripture.

Even though Zechariah was a prophet of God yet he had to ask.

Even though he was the very prophet to whom the vision was given, yet he had to ask its meaning.

Twice he had to ask.

2. It should not seem strange if we do not at first understand such books as Zechariah, Daniel and Revelation.

3. But we can study the scriptures and we can ask God for understanding. (He knows all the answers.)

B. Canaan belongs to Israel.

1. It really belongs to God, but He has given it to Israel to dwell in.

2. The PLO and other Arabs seek to control the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and part of the city of Jerusalem.

3. Prophesy foretells a time when Canaan will be overrun by the forces of the Anti-Christ.

4. But all of these will be driven out.

C. The enemy will be overcome.

1. The real enemy of Judah and Israel is Satan.

2. He is also the real enemy of Christians.

3. He has done untold damage to Christian lives and to the Lord’s churches.

4 He has caused untold numbers of Christians to be martyred.

5. But one of these days he, too, will be cast out, Rev. 20:10.

Conclusion:

Having Victory over our enemies is by God alone. We can not accomplish that feat, especially when it comes to Satan. We need God in our corner. With God on our side we will have victory over all enemies.