Zechariah 12:4

“In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness, etc.] The meaning is, the enemies of God’s people shall be astonished at the failure of their attempts, and be filled with fury and madness because they cannot accomplish their designs; and shall be at their wits’ end, not knowing what course to take: perhaps reference is had to the Turkish armies, that shall be brought against Jerusalem to recover it into their possession, which generally consist of a large cavalry; (see <660916>Revelation 9:16,17): and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah; which phrase is sometimes used, as expressive of the wrath of God against his enemies,…”

“I will smite . . . horse--The arm of attack especially formidable to Judah, who was unprovided with cavalry. So in the overthrow of Pharaoh (Exo 15:19, Exo 15:21). open mine eyes upon . . . Judah--to watch over Judah's safety. Heretofore Jehovah seemed to have shut His eyes, as having no regard for her. blindness--so as to rush headlong on to their own ruin (compare Zac 14:12-13).”

“In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, stupefying - Zechariah revives the words concentrated by Moses, to express the stupefaction at their ills, which God would accumulate upon His people, if they perseveringly rebelled against Him. Each expresses the intensity of the visitation. “The horse and his rider” Deut. 27:28 had, through Moses’ song at the Red Sea, become the emblem of worldly power, overthrown. That song opens; “I will sing unto the Lord; for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath He cast into the sea” Exodus 15:1. The scared cavalry throws into confusion the ranks, of which it was the boast and strength. And on the house of…”

“I will open mine eyes - I will watch over my people for good. This eye of God open upon his people, is his wise, powerful, gracious providence for them. With blindness - All their warriors in their consults shall have as little of foresight, as a blind man hath of sight. Zechariah 12:5”

“12:4 Madness, blindness, and panic were among the curses threatened against Israel for covenant disobedience (Deut 28:28). The day of the Lord will witness a reversal as these curses are turned against Israel’s enemies (see 2 Kgs 7:6-7). • watch over (literally open my eyes): The open eyes of God represent divine provision for those in desperate need (see Gen 16:13-14; 21:19-21).”

“that day: Zac 12:3, Zac 12:6, Zac 12:8, Zac 12:9, Zac 12:11; Isa 24:21 I will smite: Zac 10:5, Zac 14:15; Deu 28:28; Kg2 6:14, Kg2 6:18; Psa 76:5-7; Eze 38:4, Eze 39:20 I will open: Zac 9:8; Kg1 8:29; Ch2 6:20, Ch2 6:40, Ch2 7:15; Neh 1:6; Isa 37:17; Jer 24:6; Dan 9:18; Act 17:30 Zechariah 12:5”