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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 1:10 reveals the crucial mission of the angelic horsemen seen in Zechariah's first vision: they are divine agents dispatched by the LORD to comprehensively survey and monitor the entire earth. This declaration, made by the "man among the myrtle trees," assures the post-exilic Jewish community that despite their vulnerable state and the apparent dormancy of God's promises, He remains sovereignly aware of and actively involved in all global affairs, overseeing the nations and preparing the way for Jerusalem's restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 1:10 is an integral part of Zechariah's first nocturnal vision, which spans [Zechariah 1:7-17](/zechariah/1-7-17 "Zechariah's First Vision"). The preceding verses introduce the prophet's call for repentance ([Zechariah 1:1-6](/zechariah/1-1-6 "Zechariah's Call to Repentance")) and then transition into the vision itself, beginning with the prophet seeing horsemen among myrtle trees ([Zechariah 1:8-9](/zechariah/1-8-9 "Zechariah 1:8-9 - The Horsemen Among the Myrtle Trees")). Our verse provides the initial explanation of who these horsemen are and what their purpose is, setting the stage for their report in [Zechariah 1:11](/zechariah/1-11 "Zechariah 1:11 - The Horsemen's Report") and the subsequent intercession by the Angel of the Lord for Jerusalem in [Zechariah 1:12](/zechariah/1-12 "Zechariah 1:12 - The Angel's Intercession"). This explanation is foundational to understanding God's active involvement in the world, which undergirds the subsequent visions of Judah's restoration and the nations' judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions of Zechariah were given around 520 BC, during the second year of King Darius's reign, approximately 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. This was a period of significant discouragement for the repatriated community. The initial fervor for rebuilding the Temple had waned, opposition from surrounding peoples was strong, and the promises of a glorious future seemed distant. The people were vulnerable, economically struggling, and living under Persian rule. In this context, God sent Zechariah and Haggai to encourage the people to resume the Temple reconstruction. Zechariah's visions, including this one, served to remind them that God had not forgotten them, that He was fully aware of their circumstances and the state of the nations, and that His ultimate plan for their restoration and the establishment of His kingdom was still in motion. The "myrtle trees" may symbolize Israel in its current humble, post-exilic state, yet with the promise of future flourishing and peace.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among them is **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**, demonstrating that God is not distant but actively aware of and controlling all earthly affairs. The "walking to and fro through the earth" highlights God's **Active Surveillance of the Nations**, ensuring that nothing transpires outside of His knowledge or ultimate plan. This theme provides immense **Encouragement and Assurance** to the struggling post-exilic community, reminding them that their plight and the global political landscape are under God's watchful eye. Furthermore, the presence and role of "the man that stood among the myrtle trees," widely understood as the **Angel of the Lord**, underscores God's personal involvement and His compassionate intercession on behalf of His people, a theme that anticipates the ultimate intercessory work of Christ. These themes collectively build towards the ultimate **Restoration of Jerusalem and Judah** and the establishment of God's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term, while generally meaning "man" or "individual," here refers to a specific, significant figure. In the context of Zechariah's visions and other Old Testament appearances (e.g., [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Genesis 18 - Abraham and the Three Visitors"), [Joshua 5:13-15](/joshua/5-13-15 "Joshua 5:13-15 - The Commander of the LORD's Army")), "the man" is often understood as the Angel of the Lord, a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ. His presence signifies divine authority, revelation, and intercession.
* **myrtle trees (Hebrew, _hădaç'_):** Myrtle trees are evergreen, fragrant, and associated with peace, prosperity, and joy (e.g., [Isaiah 41:19](/isaiah/41-19 "Isaiah 41:19 - God will plant trees in the wilderness"), [Isaiah 55:13](/isaiah/55-13 "Isaiah 55:13 - Instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree")). In this context, their presence in a ravine (implied by [Zechariah 1:8](/zechariah/1-8 "Zechariah 1:8 - The Horsemen in the Ravine")) may symbolize Israel's current humble and low state after the exile, yet with the promise of future growth, peace, and flourishing under divine care.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its use here emphasizes that the mission of the horsemen is not arbitrary but originates from the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God of Israel. It underscores His supreme authority, faithfulness, and active involvement in the affairs of His people and the world.
* **walk to and fro (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This verb implies purposeful, thorough, and comprehensive movement, not aimless wandering. While it can describe negative actions (e.g., Satan in [Job 1:7](/job/1-7 "Job 1:7 - Satan walking to and fro")), here it denotes a divine commission for surveillance and intelligence gathering. The horsemen are meticulously observing and reporting on the state of the earth, signifying God's omnipresent awareness and active engagement with global events.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said":** This identifies the speaker as the mysterious "man" introduced in [Zechariah 1:8](/zechariah/1-8 "Zechariah 1:8 - The Man Among the Myrtle Trees"). His position "among the myrtle trees" is symbolic, linking him to Israel's current state and future hope. His "answering" implies a prior question or unspoken inquiry from Zechariah, or a response to the interpreting angel's communication, indicating his role as a revealer of divine truth.
* **"These [are they] whom the LORD hath sent":** The "these" refers directly to the horsemen seen previously in the vision. The crucial phrase "whom the LORD hath sent" establishes their divine commission and authority. They are not independent agents but obedient messengers, acting under the direct command and purpose of the sovereign God, Yahweh. This emphasizes God's initiative and control over their mission.
* **"to walk to and fro through the earth":** This clause defines the specific mission of the sent horsemen. "To walk to and fro" (Hebrew: _hithhallek_) denotes a thorough, comprehensive, and purposeful survey or reconnaissance. They are not merely observing; they are actively gathering information on the state of the entire world ("through the earth"). This signifies God's active, omnipresent surveillance of all nations and events, ensuring His full awareness of the global political and spiritual landscape.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 1:10 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the **myrtle trees**, which, as noted, likely symbolize Israel in its humble post-exilic state, yet holding the promise of future peace and flourishing. The **horsemen** themselves are symbolic of divine agents, representing swiftness, power, and the extensive reach of God's surveillance. The figure of "the man that stood among the myrtle trees" is an instance of **Theophany** or **Christophany**, a visible manifestation of God or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, underscoring the divine authority and significance of the message. The entire vision functions as an **Allegory**, where the elements (horsemen, trees, the man) represent deeper spiritual realities concerning God's sovereignty and His relationship with His people and the nations. The statement itself is a **Divine Commission**, clearly articulating the purpose and origin of the horsemen's activity, emphasizing God's direct involvement in world affairs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 1:10 profoundly reinforces the theological truth of God's active sovereignty and omnipresence. It assures us that God is not a distant, disengaged deity, but one who is intimately aware of every detail of human history and global events. The horsemen's mission of "walking to and fro through the earth" signifies God's comprehensive intelligence-gathering, demonstrating that no nation, no political maneuver, and no human suffering or triumph escapes His notice. This divine surveillance is not for idle curiosity but for the execution of His righteous purposes, particularly in relation to His covenant people and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. For a people disheartened by their circumstances, this vision declares that God is fully cognizant of their plight and the state of the world around them, providing a foundation for trust in His ultimate plan for justice and restoration.

* [2 Chronicles 16:9](/2_chronicles/16-9 "2 Chronicles 16:9 - God's Eyes Range Throughout the Earth")
* [Psalm 33:13-15](/psalm/33-13-15 "Psalm 33:13-15 - The LORD Looks Down from Heaven")
* [Amos 9:8-9](/amos/9-8-9 "Amos 9:8-9 - God's Eyes on the Sinful Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 1:10 offers profound comfort and a call to trust for believers today. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and seemingly unchecked evil, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is neither unaware nor inactive. His "eyes" are continually ranging throughout the earth, and His divine agents are actively observing and reporting on every situation. This truth provides a deep well of peace, knowing that our personal struggles, the challenges facing our communities, and the turmoil of global events are all under the watchful eye of the sovereign LORD. We are not left to the whims of fate or the machinations of human powers; instead, we live under the providential care of a God who knows, cares, and is actively working out His purposes. This should inspire us to live with confidence, to pray with conviction, and to trust that even when circumstances seem bleak, God remains firmly on His throne, orchestrating all things for His glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's constant surveillance of the earth comfort you in times of personal or global uncertainty?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to know that God is fully aware of every detail, even those you might consider insignificant?**
* **In what ways might this verse challenge you to live more consciously under the watchful eye of the Lord, knowing He observes all things?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the man that stood among the myrtle trees"?**
Answer: This figure is widely interpreted by biblical scholars as the Angel of the Lord, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. He acts as a divine messenger and interpreter, revealing God's will and interceding on behalf of His people, as seen later in [Zechariah 1:12](/zechariah/1-12 "Zechariah 1:12 - The Angel of the Lord's Intercession"). His presence signifies the divine authority and compassion behind the vision.

**What do the "myrtle trees" symbolize in this context?**
Answer: The myrtle trees are generally associated with peace, prosperity, and joy in biblical imagery ([Isaiah 41:19](/isaiah/41-19 "Isaiah 41:19 - God will plant trees in the wilderness"), [Isaiah 55:13](/isaiah/55-13 "Isaiah 55:13 - Instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree")). In Zechariah 1:10, they are often seen as symbolizing Israel in its current humble, post-exilic state, dwelling in a low place (implied by the ravine in [Zechariah 1:8](/zechariah/1-8 "Zechariah 1:8 - The Horsemen in the Ravine")), yet holding the promise of future flourishing, peace, and restoration under God's watchful care. They represent a state of quiet waiting and potential.

**What is the significance of the horsemen being "sent to walk to and fro through the earth"?**
Answer: This phrase describes a divine mission of comprehensive surveillance, not aimless wandering. The horsemen are God's agents, dispatched to meticulously observe and gather intelligence on the state of the entire world. This signifies God's omnipresence and omniscience, assuring the reader that He is fully aware of all global events, the conditions of nations, and the circumstances of His people. It underscores His active involvement and ultimate control over history, even when it appears chaotic or unjust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 1:10, with its portrayal of divine agents actively surveying the earth under the command of the LORD, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The "man that stood among the myrtle trees," commonly identified as the Angel of the Lord, is a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, who is the ultimate revealer of God's will and the primary intercessor for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Always Lives to Intercede")). While the horsemen are "sent to walk to and fro through the earth" to observe, Christ Himself, in His incarnation, literally walked the earth, not merely as an observer, but as God incarnate, actively redeeming, healing, teaching, and ultimately laying down His life for the salvation of humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Now, as the resurrected and ascended Lord, Jesus possesses "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He actively governs and upholds the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). He is the true Shepherd who knows His sheep and watches over His flock ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), ensuring that God's sovereign plan for redemption and the establishment of His eternal kingdom will be perfectly accomplished. The divine surveillance depicted in Zechariah is now embodied and executed by the omnipresent Christ, who is ever watchful over His church and the world, bringing all things to their appointed end.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.