Zechariah 1:10 kjv
And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
Zechariah 1:10 nkjv
And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, "These are the ones whom the LORD has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth."
Zechariah 1:10 niv
Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, "They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth."
Zechariah 1:10 esv
So the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered, 'These are they whom the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.'
Zechariah 1:10 nlt
The rider standing among the myrtle trees then explained, "They are the ones the LORD has sent out to patrol the earth."
Zechariah 1 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Zech 1:9 | Then I said, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, These are… | Identifies the speakers (horsemen/riders). |
| Zech 1:11 | And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have... | Echoes the horsemen's report in the subsequent verse. |
| 2 Chr 16:9 | For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong... | Divine surveillance and knowledge of earthly affairs. |
| Job 1:7 | And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From | Motif of spiritual beings going "to and fro" over the earth. |
| Rev 7:1-3 | And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the… | Angels holding power or restraining forces on earth. |
| Ps 33:13-14 | The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he… | God's omnipresent observation of the world. |
| Heb 1:14 | Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? | Role of angels as God's messengers and servants. |
| Ps 103:20-21 | Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto… | Angels as instruments of God's will and power. |
| Dan 4:13, 17 | I saw, and behold a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; ...This matter is by the decree… | Concept of heavenly watchers observing earthly events. |
| Ps 76:10 | Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. | God's control over human affairs and the stillness of nations. |
| Isa 14:7 | The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. | Prophecy of earth's rest under Messiah's rule or God's peace. |
| Judg 5:31 | So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth… | "Rest" (שׁקת shaqat) often linked to God's victory and peace. |
| Ps 94:13 | That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. | God grants rest to His people amidst trials. |
| 1 Chr 22:9 | Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from… | A son of "rest" (Solomon) signifies peace from enemies. |
| Jer 30:10 | Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for,… | Assurance of Israel's return and future undisturbed dwelling. |
| Hag 2:6-7 | For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and… | God will eventually shake all nations, contrasting with present stillness. |
| Zech 1:12-17 | Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy… | The "rest" of the earth prompts the Angel of the LORD's plea for Judah's restoration, followed by God's comfort and promises. |
| Ezek 28:24-26 | And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn… | Promise of peace and security for Israel when surrounding nations are subdued. |
| Isa 32:17-18 | And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and… | Righteousness leads to true peace and quiet dwelling. |
| Phil 4:6-7 | Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your… | Inner spiritual "rest" from anxieties, contrasting outer turmoil. (Though less direct). |
Zechariah 1 verses
Zechariah 1 10 Meaning
Zechariah 1:10 describes the report given by the angelic horsemen to the Angel of the LORD. These divine messengers, having diligently surveyed the entire earth, reported that it was tranquil and undisturbed. This observation serves as a foundational element within Zechariah’s first vision, highlighting the paradox of global peace while God’s own people in Jerusalem remain in distress, with their temple still unbuilt.
Zechariah 1 10 Context
Zechariah 1:10 is part of Zechariah's first major vision (1:7-17), which occurred on the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, in the second year of King Darius's reign (circa 520 BC). This was about two years after the initial return of the exiles to Jerusalem. The exiles had begun rebuilding the temple under the encouragement of Zechariah and Haggai, but the work had stalled due to opposition, discouragement, and the general dilapidated state of the city. The people were weary, and the promised restoration seemed slow in coming.
The vision introduces several figures: the prophet Zechariah, an interpreting angel, the Angel of the LORD, and angelic horsemen. These horsemen had been sent to patrol the earth. Verse 10 presents their report: the world is "at rest." This "rest" stood in stark contrast to the unrest, desolation, and distress experienced by the people of Judah and Jerusalem. This contrast sets up a crucial dialogue between the Angel of the LORD and the Almighty, as the Angel questions the continued suffering of Jerusalem despite global tranquility. It leads to God's comforting declaration and renewed promises for His city and people, underscoring that divine concern for Judah far outweighs the state of other nations.
Zechariah 1 10 Word analysis
- And they answered: Refers to the "riders upon the red horses, speckled, and white" from Zech 1:8, understood as heavenly messengers or angelic patrolmen. Their answering implies they were asked for a report by the interpreting angel, or were responding to the vision’s unfolding.
- the angel of the LORD: Hebrew mal'akh Yahweh (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה). A unique figure in the Old Testament, often seen as a manifestation of God Himself, a pre-incarnate Christ, or a particularly eminent divine messenger possessing divine authority and attributes. He stands among the myrtle trees, often symbolizing Israel, perhaps in their present humbled, yet protected, state.
- that stood among the myrtle trees: Hebrew `omêd bên hahadassim (עֹמֵד בֵּין הַהֲדַסִּים). The myrtle tree is a symbol of peace, fertility, and renewal in ancient Near Eastern thought (Isa 41:19, 55:13). Its location implies the Angel of the LORD's deep connection to, and protection of, Israel even in their lowliness or during this period of desolation.
- and said: Marks the beginning of their official report to their superior.
- We have walked to and fro through the earth: Hebrew hithallakhnu ba'arets (הִתְהַלַּכְנוּ בָאָרֶץ). Signifies a thorough and extensive patrolling or scouting mission across the entire globe. This echoes Job 1:7 and 2:2, where Satan describes his similar roving of the earth, highlighting divine surveillance as comprehensive as any evil agency, but for different purposes (observation vs. temptation).
- and, behold,: Hebrew v'hinneh (וְהִנֵּה). An interjection used to draw attention, signaling an important or noteworthy observation or discovery, sometimes one that is surprising or contrasting.
- all the earth: Hebrew kol ha'arets (כָּל הָאָרֶץ). Emphasizes the universality of their observation; it's not a localized report but a global assessment.
- sitteth still, and is at rest: Hebrew yôshęḇeṯ wəšōqęṯeṯ (יֹשֶׁבֶת וְשֹׁקֶטֶת). Two distinct but reinforcing verbs.
- Yôshęḇeṯ (יֹשֶׁבֶת) from yashab means "to sit," "to dwell," or "to remain." Here it implies a state of settledness, inactivity, or a lack of motion.
- Wəšōqęṯeṯ (וְשֹׁקֶטֶת) from shaqat means "to be quiet," "to be undisturbed," "to be at peace," or "to rest." It conveys an absence of agitation, conflict, or tumult.
- Combined, the phrase indicates a comprehensive tranquility, an unexpected global calm, especially given the state of God's people and the previous years of upheaval and exile.
Zechariah 1 10 Bonus section
The concept of the earth "sitteth still, and is at rest" during a time when God’s people are in distress can be seen as an ironic stillness. It is not necessarily a divinely ordained state of peace, but rather an absence of events that might force the Gentile nations to acknowledge God’s sovereignty or to change their ways. This contrast between the outward calm of the nations and the inward anguish and material desolation of Judah underscores the Lord’s enduring love and specific promises to Israel, highlighting that His plan for their restoration will proceed regardless of (or perhaps, because of) the present complacency of the world powers. The silence of the nations effectively allows God’s prophetic focus to shift entirely back to Jerusalem and the covenant.
Zechariah 1 10 Commentary
Zechariah 1:10 is a pivotal verse, setting the stage for the rest of Zechariah's visions and prophetic message. The horsemen's report of a universally "still and at rest" earth highlights a cosmic paradox. From a human perspective, if the world is calm, Judah should also experience peace and rapid rebuilding. However, the Jewish remnant is struggling in desolation. This disparity draws attention to God’s particular, urgent concern for His covenant people. The stillness of the nations implies God’s hand restraining their movements, ensuring that they do not further oppress Judah. This momentary calm prepares the way for God's divine intervention and powerful reassurances concerning Jerusalem's restoration and future glory. It teaches that even when global affairs seem undisturbed, God remains intimately involved in the specific welfare of His chosen people, ultimately prompting Him to act on their behalf with compassion and zeal.