זכריה, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״ג

A dramatic shift in the balance of power is destined to unfold between the Israelites and the nations that currently hold them in captivity. God will lift His hand to strike down the foreign empires that oppress the Israelites and seek to take their wealth [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This divine blow against the plundering nations will be carried out by four craftsmen, who are appointed to cast down and defeat these oppressive powers [מלבי״ם].

The aftermath of this strike will bring about a complete reversal of roles. The nations that once ruled over the Israelites will themselves become the spoils. The Israelites, who currently live in exile and are forced to serve these foreign empires as slaves, will end up taking their former masters as plunder.

The ultimate purpose behind these dramatic events is to bring about a clear realization among the people. Once the prophecy comes to life and the events actually take place, the Israelites will know with absolute certainty that God sent the prophet and that the message came directly from Him [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Even if people harbor doubts right now about the prophet's credibility, the actual fulfillment of the warning not to harm Israel will retroactively confirm his divine mission [מלבי״ם]. This profound reversal of fortunes and the undeniable recognition of God's messenger are destined to occur in the future, during the era of the Messiah [רד״ק].