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 1:10KJV
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Zechariah 1:10 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 1:10 mean?

Zechariah 1:10 describes a man standing among myrtle trees who explains that certain figures have been sent by the LORD to travel throughout the earth. The verse shows that these figures are on a mission from God, moving across the world under His direction.

In this scene, Zechariah is witnessing a vision where an angelic figure stands among myrtle trees in a valley. The man answers either Zechariah or another angel, clarifying that the riders seen earlier are messengers sent by the LORD (the Hebrew name יְהוָה, YHWH) to observe or patrol the earth. This sets up the message that God is actively watching over the nations and events of the world.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 1:10

  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated as "Yahweh" or "the LORD"): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the mission comes directly from Israel’s covenant God, not just a generic deity.
  • שָׁלַח (shalach, "sent"): This word highlights that the riders are not acting on their own, but are commissioned by the LORD, underlining their authority and purpose.
  • הָלַךְ (halakh, "walk"): In Hebrew, this word often means to go or travel, and here it suggests an active, ongoing movement across the earth, not just a single journey.
  • אֶרֶץ (erets, "earth" or "land"): This can mean the whole world or the land of Israel, but in this context, it likely refers to the broader earth, showing the scope of the LORD’s concern.

Why Zechariah 1:10 matters

  • Zechariah 1:10 clarifies that the vision is not just symbolic but involves real messengers with a specific task from God, which helps the reader understand the seriousness of the mission.
  • The verse connects the vision to the larger theme of God’s oversight and involvement in world affairs, reassuring the original audience that God is aware of what is happening everywhere.
  • By identifying the figures as sent by the LORD, the verse sets up the following dialogue and the message of comfort and hope that God has not forgotten His people.