Zechariah 1: The First Two Visions: Three Horses and Four Horns

With the temple rebuilding stalled and God's people discouraged, the prophet Zechariah receives a series of stunning night visions. Who are the angelic horsemen patrolling a world that is dangerously "at ease"? And what are the four powerful horns and four mysterious craftsmen that signal a clash of cosmic powers? Professor Reed Lessing joins us as we explore God's passionate call to return, His promise of comfort for Jerusalem, and His pledge to bring judgment on all who oppose His people.

The Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, professor and chair of Old Testament Studies, director of the Pre-Seminary Program, and the director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 1.

To learn more about Concordia University, St. Paul, visit csp.edu.

The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God’s authority, calling His people to courage, repentance, and hope. In Ezra 5–8 the temple is completed, worship flourishes, and hearts are renewed in God’s Word. This series on Thy Strong Word follows the events in the order they happened, revealing how the Lord moves kings and prophets, overcomes opposition, and restores His people.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.