Definition: Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 1:21. It's a really important and complex verse in the Bible that speaks about the future of Israel and its relationship with the world. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where some people are actively trying to weaken and divide Israel, specifically Judah (which means “the tribe” of Benjamin). It's like a battle for control of a territory – and this battle is happening outside of Israel itself. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then said I, What come these to do?” - This sets the stage. The prophet Zechariah is saying, "What's happening? Why are these people doing this?" It implies a sense of urgency and something significant is unfolding. “…and he spake, saying…” - This is where the verse gets more dramatic. Zechariah’s voice is speaking about a plan or purpose behind this activity. “These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head.” – This is the core of the message. "Horns" here refers to the Jewish people themselves. The “scattering” part means they're being pushed out or divided. “No man lifted up his head” - This suggests a feeling of shame, humiliation, and despair among the Jewish people. They’re not standing tall or proud; they feel defeated. “But these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up [their] horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.” – This is where it gets really intense. "The Gentiles" are the Greeks and Romans, the "outside" world. The verse says: “Fray them” : They’re actively trying to weaken and destroy Israel. “Cast out the horns of the Gentiles” : This is a powerful image. The “horns” represent the Roman Empire . It's saying that the Romans are deliberately trying to undermine Israel by controlling its trade, politics, and influence in the world. They’re aiming to make Israel smaller and less important. “Scatter it” : This means they want to divide and conquer Israel completely – to take over its territory, its people, and its destiny. It's about establishing a new empire that dominates the region. In short, this verse is telling us about a strategic effort by forces outside of Israel to weaken and ultimately conquer it. It’s a warning about a growing threat to Jewish identity and territorial integrity. Important Context: This passage comes before the events of the Book of Daniel, so it's part of a larger story about God's plan for nations and empires. It speaks to the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors – particularly the Roman Empire – and the challenges that Israel faces in maintaining its independence. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse further? Provide a more detailed explanation of the historical context? Offer a different perspective on the meaning of this passage?