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.

And the bay {H554} went forth {H3318}, and sought {H1245} to go {H3212} that they might walk to and fro {H1980} through the earth {H776}: and he said {H559}, Get you hence {H3212}, walk to and fro {H1980} through the earth {H776}. So they walked to and fro {H1980} through the earth {H776}.

Then the gray ones went out and were seeking to go and wander throughout the whole earth, when he said, "Wander throughout the whole earth"; and they did wander throughout the whole earth.

As the strong horses went out, they were eager to go and patrol the earth; and the LORD said, “Go and patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth.

And the strong 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.

Commentary

Zechariah 6:7 is a continuation of the prophet Zechariah’s eighth and final vision, which depicts four chariots emerging from between two mountains of brass. These chariots, each drawn by horses of different colors, symbolize divine emissaries or spirits dispatched by God to patrol and execute His will throughout the earth.

Context of Zechariah 6:7

This verse specifically focuses on the "bay" (or dappled/grisled, as some translations render it) horses, which are part of the fourth chariot. The preceding verses (Zechariah 6:1-6) introduce the four chariots and their respective horses, each associated with a direction or purpose. The vision concludes with the angel explaining that these are "the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth" (Zechariah 6:5). Verse 7 highlights the eager readiness of these specific agents to fulfill their mission, receiving direct command to "walk to and fro through the earth," emphasizing their role in overseeing or influencing global events under divine authority.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The primary message is God's absolute control over all earthly affairs. Even seemingly random events or the movements of nations are ultimately under His watchful eye and direction. This vision assures the post-exilic community that God is actively engaged in the world, working out His purposes.
  • Execution of God's Will: The "walking to and fro" signifies the active and diligent carrying out of God's commands. These spiritual agents are not passive observers but are dispatched to ensure the fulfillment of God's plans, whether in judgment or providence. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of God sending His messengers, as seen in angels being ministering spirits.
  • Spiritual Forces at Work: The vision unveils the unseen spiritual realm, revealing that God utilizes various spiritual forces to accomplish His will on earth. While their exact nature (whether literal angels or symbolic representations of divine judgments/providences) is debated, their function as agents of God is clear.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "bay" for the horses (Hebrew: ’amutsim / אֲמֻצִּים) is also translated as "dappled" or "grisled" in other versions. The exact shade or pattern is less important than the identification of this specific group of horses. The phrase "walk to and fro" (Hebrew: hithhallekh / הִתְהַלֵּךְ) is significant. It implies a purposeful and extensive movement, often used to describe patrolling or surveying. Interestingly, the same Hebrew phrase is used to describe Satan "walking to and fro in the earth" in Job 1:7, highlighting a divine permission for such movement, whether for good or ill purposes under God's ultimate sovereignty.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 6:7 offers profound comfort and a call to trust. In a world that often feels chaotic and out of control, this verse reminds us that God is actively involved. He dispatches His agents and orchestrates events according to His divine plan. This understanding should foster a sense of security and peace, knowing that the Lord of all the earth is sovereign. It encourages us to pray with confidence, knowing that He hears and is able to send forth His power and influence into the world to accomplish His purposes, much like the angels who do His commandments.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 16:9

    For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

  • Daniel 7:19

    Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

  • Daniel 7:24

    And the ten horns out of this kingdom [are] ten kings [that] shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

  • Job 1:6

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

  • 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.

  • 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.
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