Definition: In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 12:4. It's a really powerful and dramatic verse in the Bible, and it speaks to a serious warning about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to punish people who are too focused on themselves and their own desires, and that this punishment will be incredibly intense and destructive. It’s about a very specific kind of rebellion against God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “In that day…” : This refers to a future time – likely in the near future (think a few decades). It’s not just any day; it’s a specific point in time where something significant is about to happen. “Sayeth the LORD…” : This is God speaking directly to us, giving us a message. “…I will smite every horse with astonishment…” : This means God will be incredibly angry and surprised by the actions of people. He’ll be so shocked that he'll act in a way that feels overwhelming and bizarre. Think of it like a massive, unexpected event. "...and his rider with madness…” : This is the key part. The "rider" represents the people – the leaders and citizens of Judah (a nation in ancient Israel). God will make them experience a complete mental breakdown, a loss of reason and control. He’ll be driving them crazy! “…and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah…” : This refers to the people of Judah – specifically their kingdom. God is going to look down on them and see how they're behaving. "...and smite every horse of the people with blindness.” : This is a really brutal image. God will make it so difficult for people to see clearly that they become completely lost, unable to think rationally or understand what’s happening. It’s like a total mental blockage. What's the Big Picture? This verse paints a picture of a nation struggling with pride and selfishness. It warns us that if we lose our way, our focus on ourselves and our desires will lead to terrible consequences – chaos, destruction, and a loss of spiritual understanding. Important Note: This is often interpreted as a prophecy about the rise of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who sought to completely eradicate Jewish practices and beliefs. He used brutal methods to enforce his religious laws. It's a warning against complacency and resisting God’s will. In short, this verse is a serious warning about the dangers of pride, selfishness, and rebellion against God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be applied today?