Zechariah 1:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they answered {H6030} the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} that stood {H5975} among the myrtle trees {H1918}, and said {H559}, We have walked to and fro {H1980} through the earth {H776}, and, behold, all the earth {H776} sitteth still {H3427}, and is at rest {H8252}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they themselves answered the angel of ADONAI standing among the myrtles, "We have been wandering throughout the earth, and the whole world is quiet and at peace."

Berean Standard Bible

And the riders answered the angel of the LORD who was standing among the myrtle trees, “We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is at rest and tranquil.”

American Standard Version

And they answered the angel of Jehovah 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 1:11 presents the report of the angelic horsemen, divine emissaries sent by the Lord to survey the earth. Their observation reveals a surprising global tranquility and stillness, a stark contrast to the ongoing distress and desolation experienced by the returned Jewish exiles in Jerusalem. This report serves as a pivotal moment, setting the stage for the Lord's compassionate response and renewed promises of restoration for His people and their city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 1:11 is embedded within the prophet Zechariah's first of eight nocturnal visions, specifically [Zechariah 1:7-17](/zechariah/1-7-17 "Zechariah's First Vision: The Horsemen"). This vision opens with Zechariah seeing a man, identified as the "angel of the LORD," standing among myrtle trees, accompanied by horsemen mounted on various colored horses. In [Zechariah 1:10](/zechariah/1-10 "Zechariah 1:10 - The Horsemen's Mission"), these horsemen reveal their purpose: they are those "whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth." Verse 11 delivers their direct report, which then prompts a lament from the angel of the LORD in [Zechariah 1:12](/zechariah/1-12 "Zechariah 1:12 - The Angel's Intercession") and a comforting divine response in [Zechariah 1:13-17](/zechariah/1-13-17 "Zechariah 1:13-17 - God's Comforting Words"). The report of global rest is crucial, as it highlights the anomaly of Judah's continued desolation, thereby justifying God's subsequent intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs in the "second year of Darius" ([Zechariah 1:7](/zechariah/1-7 "Zechariah 1:7 - Dating the Vision")), placing it around 520 BC. This period was approximately 16 years after the initial return of Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity, following Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"). While the foundation of the Second Temple had been laid, progress had stalled for years due to local opposition and a lack of zeal among the returnees, as detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding"). The Persian Empire, under Darius I, was largely stable, and the surrounding nations were experiencing relative peace. This geopolitical calm contrasts sharply with the internal struggles, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy plaguing the Jewish community in Judah and Jerusalem. The report of the earth being "at rest" would have underscored the seemingly forgotten state of Jerusalem and intensified the people's longing for God's promised restoration.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 1:11 significantly contributes to several key themes within the book of Zechariah and broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**, demonstrating that God is fully aware of all global affairs, even those seemingly hidden or insignificant to human eyes. The horsemen's reconnaissance mission confirms that no corner of the earth escapes the Lord's watchful gaze, aligning with the broader message of God's active involvement in history found in [Zechariah 4:10](/zechariah/4-10 "Zechariah 4:10 - The Eyes of the Lord"). Second, the verse introduces the theme of **Contrasting Realities**, highlighting the perplexing disparity between the nations' peace and Judah's ongoing distress. This tension sets the stage for God's compassionate intervention, emphasizing that His people's suffering is not overlooked. Finally, it foreshadows the theme of **Divine Intervention and Restoration**, as the angel of the LORD's immediate intercession in [Zechariah 1:12](/zechariah/1-12 "Zechariah 1:12 - The Angel's Intercession") and God's subsequent comforting words in [Zechariah 1:13-17](/zechariah/1-13-17 "Zechariah 1:13-17 - God's Comfort and Promises to Jerusalem") directly follow this report, affirming God's unwavering commitment to Jerusalem's rebuilding and future glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** H4397. This term, derived from a root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," refers to a messenger, specifically an angel of God. In the Old Testament, the "angel of the LORD" (often capitalized in English translations) is a unique figure, frequently understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ or a divine representative bearing the authority and very presence of God. Here, it signifies a divine agent through whom God communicates and acts.
* **walked to and fro (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** H1980. A primitive root meaning "to walk" with a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it describes the extensive, pervasive movement of the horsemen across the earth, indicating a thorough and comprehensive survey. It conveys the idea of continuous, active reconnaissance.
* **sitteth still (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** H3427. A primitive root meaning "to sit down," but also implying "to dwell," "to remain," or "to be settled." Here, it vividly portrays a state of quietude, stability, and lack of disturbance. It's not merely a passive state but an established, settled peace, contrasting sharply with the unrest in Jerusalem.
* **at rest (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** H8252. A primitive root meaning "to repose," usually figuratively. It denotes a state of quietness, tranquility, and cessation of turmoil. When combined with "sitteth still," it emphasizes a profound and pervasive calm throughout the earth, indicating that no major conflicts or disturbances are occurring among the nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said,"**: This clause identifies the speakers as the horsemen, responding to the "angel of the LORD" who is presented as the central figure of the vision, positioned among the myrtle trees. This setting in a peaceful, verdant valley (implied by the myrtle trees) contrasts with the desolation of Jerusalem, adding symbolic depth to the subsequent report. The horsemen are reporting to their divine superior.
* **"We have walked to and fro through the earth,"**: This phrase confirms the successful completion of the horsemen's mission as described in [Zechariah 1:10](/zechariah/1-10 "Zechariah 1:10 - The Horsemen's Mission"). It emphasizes the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of their survey, implying that their report is based on a complete global observation.
* **"and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest."**: This is the core of their report. The repetition of similar concepts ("sitteth still," "is at rest") emphasizes the pervasive and profound tranquility across the globe. "Sitteth still" (Hebrew _yashab_) suggests a settled, stable condition, while "is at rest" (Hebrew _shaqat_) implies a cessation of conflict or disturbance. For the struggling exiles in Jerusalem, this report of widespread peace would have been deeply perplexing, as their own situation was far from settled or at rest.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 1:11 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "horsemen" and their "horses" symbolize divine agents or angels dispatched by God to observe and execute His will across the earth. Their "walking to and fro" is symbolic of comprehensive divine surveillance, indicating God's omnipresence and active awareness of all global affairs. The "myrtle trees" among which the angel of the LORD stands may symbolize peace, humility, or even the hidden state of God's people (as myrtles often grow in valleys and are not as grand as cedars), providing a subtle backdrop to the report. Furthermore, the phrase "all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest" uses **Parallelism** (specifically, synonymous parallelism) to emphasize the profound and widespread tranquility among the nations. This repetition creates a sense of an almost unnerving calm, especially when contrasted with the implied turmoil and desolation in Jerusalem, setting up a powerful **Juxtaposition** between the world's peace and Judah's distress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 1:11 profoundly impacts our understanding of divine providence and God's relationship with His people. The report of global peace, while seemingly positive, highlights a theological tension: why is the world at ease when God's chosen city, Jerusalem, remains desolate and His people struggle? This tension underscores God's active awareness of His people's plight, even when it seems He is silent or inactive. It sets the stage for the crucial truth that God's timing and methods are often mysterious, but His commitment to His covenant promises is unwavering. The divine surveillance ensures that no injustice or suffering of His people goes unnoticed, leading to His eventual, perfect intervention.

* [Psalm 37:7](/psalm/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 62:6-7](/isaiah/62-6-7 "Isaiah 62:6-7 - Watchmen on the Walls")
* [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits its Appointed Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 1:11 offers a powerful reminder that even when the world appears indifferent or at peace while we face personal or communal struggles, God is neither unaware nor inactive. The angelic horsemen's report signifies God's continuous, comprehensive surveillance of all earthly affairs. This truth should bring immense comfort: our prayers, our struggles, and the global state of affairs are all known to the Lord. His apparent "silence" or the world's "rest" does not equate to His absence or apathy. Instead, it often precedes His perfect timing for intervention, stirring, and fulfillment of His promises. It calls us to cultivate patience, trust, and persistent prayer, knowing that the Lord sees, hears, and will act in due time, bringing His ultimate justice and restoration. Our faith is not in the visible circumstances but in the invisible, active God who dispatches His messengers and hears the cries of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge that God's "angelic horsemen" are constantly surveying the earth impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **When you observe apparent peace or indifference in the world while experiencing personal or communal distress, how does Zechariah 1:11 encourage you to respond?**
* **What specific promises of God's intervention and restoration does this verse lead you to reflect upon in your own life or for your community?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "myrtle trees" in Zechariah 1:11?**

Answer: The myrtle trees (H1918, _hădaç_) are significant for several reasons. They are evergreen, symbolizing enduring life and peace. In ancient Near Eastern culture, myrtle was often associated with peace, prosperity, and joy, and was used in festivals (e.g., [Nehemiah 8:15](/nehemiah/8-15 "Nehemiah 8:15 - Booths of Myrtle")). Placing the angel of the LORD among them in a valley suggests a humble, peaceful setting, perhaps symbolizing the quiet, watchful presence of God amidst the desolation of Jerusalem. It contrasts with the grandeur of other trees, hinting at the humble beginnings of restoration before the full glory. The myrtle trees also appear in [Isaiah 41:19](/isaiah/41-19 "Isaiah 41:19 - God's Provision for His People") and [Isaiah 55:13](/isaiah/55-13 "Isaiah 55:13 - Joyful Restoration"), where they are associated with God's blessing and the transformation of the wilderness, further hinting at future restoration.

**Why would the "earth being at rest" be a concerning report for the angel of the LORD and the prophet?**

Answer: While "rest" (H8252, _shâqaṭ_) and "stillness" (H3427, _yâshab_) might seem positive, for the Jewish exiles struggling to rebuild Jerusalem, it was perplexing and even concerning. The surrounding nations were at peace and prospering, yet Jerusalem remained in ruins, her people facing opposition and hardship. This apparent global tranquility meant that there was no divine stirring among the nations that might lead to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning Jerusalem's restoration and the punishment of her oppressors (e.g., [Isaiah 60:10-14](/isaiah/60-10-14 "Isaiah 60:10-14 - Gentiles Serving Jerusalem")). The angel of the LORD's immediate intercession in [Zechariah 1:12](/zechariah/1-12 "Zechariah 1:12 - The Angel's Intercession") confirms that this "rest" was not God's desired state for Jerusalem, but rather an indication that the time for her full restoration and the judgment of the nations had not yet come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 1:11, with its depiction of divine messengers surveying the earth and reporting to the "angel of the LORD," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "angel of the LORD" (H4397, _mălʼâk'_), often understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, is presented as the one to whom the report is given, highlighting His supreme authority and active involvement in divine oversight. Just as these horsemen report to Him concerning the state of the world, so too does Christ, as the ascended Lord, possess all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the one who "walks to and fro" among His churches, knowing their state ([Revelation 2:1](/revelation/2-1 "Revelation 2:1 - Christ Walking Among the Lampstands")). The "rest" of the earth, while Jerusalem suffered, foreshadows the cosmic tension between the apparent peace of a world under the sway of the evil one ([1 John 5:19](/1_john/5-19 "1 John 5:19 - The Whole World Lies in the Power of the Evil One")) and the ongoing struggles of God's people in a fallen world. Yet, Christ's intercession, mirroring the angel's lament in [Zechariah 1:12](/zechariah/1-12 "Zechariah 1:12 - The Angel's Intercession"), assures believers that He continually pleads their cause before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). Ultimately, the promise of Jerusalem's restoration finds its grand fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God and His people, where Christ reigns supreme and there will be no more sorrow or crying ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). He is the one who will finally bring true and lasting rest to His people and to the earth, when all things are subjected to Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

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 1:10

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.

Zechariah 1:8

I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that [were] in the bottom; and behind him [were there] red horses, speckled, and white.

Zechariah 1:15

And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

Psalms 103:20

Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Psalms 103:21

Bless ye the LORD, all [ye] his hosts; [ye] ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Zechariah 6:7

And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.