Zechariah 1:10

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.

And the man {H376} that stood {H5975} among the myrtle trees {H1918} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, These are they whom the LORD {H3068} hath sent {H7971} to walk {H1980} to and fro through the earth {H776}.

The man standing among the myrtles said, "These are those whom ADONAI has sent to wander throughout the earth."

Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.”

And the man that stood among the myrtle-trees answered and said, These are they whom Jehovah hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

Context

Zechariah 1:10 is part of the prophet Zechariah's first vision, given to him in the second year of Darius's reign (around 520 BC). This was a crucial time for the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian exile. They were disheartened and struggling to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This vision, along with others, was intended to offer encouragement and assurance of God's continued presence and control over world affairs, despite Israel's vulnerable state. The scene involves an angelic horseman among myrtle trees, who is communicating with Zechariah and another interpreting angel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Surveillance and Control: The verse reveals that God has active agents, symbolized by the horsemen, who "walk to and fro through the earth." This signifies God's omnipresence and His constant monitoring of global events. Nothing happens outside of His knowledge or ultimate control.
  • God's Knowledge of Earthly Affairs: The horsemen are not merely wandering; they are sent by the LORD to observe and report back (as seen in Zechariah 1:11). This assures the struggling post-exilic community that God is fully aware of their circumstances and the state of the nations around them.
  • The Angel of the Lord: The "man that stood among the myrtle trees" is widely understood to be the Angel of the Lord, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. He acts as an intermediary, answering Zechariah's questions and interceding on behalf of Israel (Zechariah 1:12). His presence underscores the divine authority and comfort in the vision, especially concerning the restoration of Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "walk to and fro through the earth" (Hebrew: hithhallek) implies a thorough and purposeful movement, not aimless wandering. It suggests a comprehensive survey or inspection. While this phrase is sometimes used negatively in scripture (e.g., of Satan in Job 1:7), here it describes divine messengers carrying out God's will and gathering intelligence. The "myrtle trees" (Hebrew: hadas) are often associated with peace, prosperity, and joy, perhaps symbolizing Israel in its present lowly state, yet with the promise of future flourishing and restoration.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 1:10 offers profound comfort and a call to trust.

  • God is in Control: In times of global uncertainty or personal distress, this verse reminds us that God is not distant or unaware. He has His agents actively observing and overseeing all events on earth. This truth provides a foundation for peace, knowing that God's plan is unfolding, even when we don't fully understand it (Isaiah 55:9).
  • Encouragement in Adversity: Just as the returned exiles needed assurance, we too can find encouragement. Our struggles, our nation's challenges, and the world's turmoil are all under the watchful eye of the sovereign LORD. He knows, and He cares.
  • Divine Presence: The presence of the Angel of the Lord signifies God's active involvement and compassion for His people. We are not left to face difficulties alone; God's divine presence is with us, interceding and guiding us through every circumstance.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 1:11

    And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

  • Zechariah 6:5

    And the angel answered and said unto me, These [are] the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.

  • Zechariah 6:8

    Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

  • Hebrews 1:14

    Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

  • Job 2:1

    ¶ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

  • Job 2:2

    And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

  • Job 1:7

    And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

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