“These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head …”
(Zech 1:21, NKJV)
In this section on the false horns of the altar it is important to highlight a certain aspect which was briefly mentioned earlier. To jolt your memory – In Zech 1:21 Zechariah asks the Angel “What are these coming to do?” So he said, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head …”
Irenaeus, one of the fathers of the early church who lived toward the end of the second century (discipled by Polycarp, who in turn was discipled by Christ’s beloved disciple John) once made this important statement – “Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest it being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced … more true than the truth itself.” (from: Against heresies).
In the Scripture reference above the word “scattered”, in its original Hebrew context, means “to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed”. It is often linked to the wind (Jer 39:32; 49:36; Ezec 5:2 & 10; 12:14) and this is very important – these false horns of the altar often bring extreme confusion through “every wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14). Thus believers are “tossed to and fro … by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting”.
This scattering has three important consequences for the Body of Christ. Firstly it brings about a (unexplainable) spiritual depression and oppression, those afflicted by it unable to lift their heads. See Job 10:15 – “If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion …” Secondly it brings about a “spirit of confusion” (Isa 19:14, ESV), which we shall later explore in more detail. Thirdly it breaks the bonds of spiritual unity and authority (John 17:11, Gen 11:9 and Ps 133).
If you have been affected by these false horns – the fruit stated above shall be your guide line – it is important to break away from them (Ps 75:10). Then you should allow the Lifter of your head (Ps 3:3) to do just that (Ps 27:6; 110:7). “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.” (Ps 24:7)!
- Sela: With the help of the Holy Spirit, determine if you bear any of the spiritual fruit stated above, and if so, get God’s wisdom in removing it.
- Read: 1 Kings 8; Ecc 4; 1 Tim 5
- Memorise: 1 Tim 5:18
- For a deeper understanding: Listen to Prince Olesegun’s teaching (on cd) – The horns on the land.
