Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.
Ver. 18. Then I lift up mine eyes, and saw] That is, I gave good heed to this second vision also; which was added purposely for confirmation of the former promises; which should be certainly accomplished to the Church, notwithstanding her many and mighty enemies. Horns they are called for their might and mischievousness; by a metaphor, a feris cornupetis, from fierce beasts, whose strength and wrath lie in their horns; or else from warriors, who wore iron horns upon their helmets.
And behold four horns] Not the four monarchies, for the Grecians and Romans were not yet; and this is spoken here for the present comfort of the afflicted Church, but the enemies of Israel from all the four parts of the world, see Psalms 107:2,3, for they were surrounded: on the north were the Syrians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. (Ab Aquilone nihil boni, Jeremiah 4:6; Jer 6:1). On the east the Ammonites and Moabites. On the south the Edomites and Egyptians. On the west the Philistines, as may be gathered out of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Geneva is at this day a small people, environed with enemies, French, Spanish, Savoy, Pope; and barred out from all aid of neighbours, cities, and churches; yet, by the mighty arm of God, strangely and strongly upheld and defended. This Mr Beza represented in a most elegant emblem of a city depainted as hanged by a twined thread; sustained and maintained by the mighty hand of God alone. Would any man take the Church's picture? saith Luther; then let him paint a silly poor maid, sitting in a wood or wilderness, compassed about with hungry wolves, lions, boars, and bears, and with all manner of cruel and hurtful beasts; and in the midst of a great many furious men assaulting her every moment and minute; for this is her condition in the world.