Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

ZECHARIAH 2:6KJV
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Zechariah 2:6 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 2:6 mean?

Zechariah 2:6 is a call from God for His people to leave the "land of the north"—a way of referring to Babylon—and return to their homeland, because God has scattered them in all directions. The verse uses vivid language to urge the exiles to come out quickly, reminding them that their scattering was widespread, like the four winds of heaven.

In this verse, the prophet Zechariah is speaking to the Jewish people who were still living in exile after the Babylonian captivity. God, through Zechariah, is urging them not to remain in foreign lands but to return to Jerusalem, which is being restored. The mention of the "four winds" emphasizes how far the people have been dispersed, and the urgency in God's voice shows His desire to gather them back together.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 2:6

  • "Ho" (הוֹי, hoy): This word is a cry to get attention, often used to call out urgently. Here, it adds a sense of alarm and importance to God's message, signaling that what follows is not to be ignored.
  • "Flee" (נוּס, nus): This verb means to escape or run away quickly. God is not just inviting but commanding the people to leave Babylon without delay, highlighting the seriousness of the call.
  • "North" (צָפוֹן, tsafon): In the context of ancient Israel, "the land of the north" referred to Babylon, even though it was technically east. Invaders and exiles often came from the north due to geography, so this term became a shorthand for places of exile or danger.
  • "Abroad" (פָּרַשׂ, paras): This verb means to scatter or spread out. The image is of God having dispersed His people widely, not just to one place but in all directions, which makes the call to return even more significant.
  • "Four winds" (אַרְבַּע רוּחוֹת, arba ruachot): This phrase refers to the four directions (north, south, east, west), stressing the totality of the scattering. It shows that the exile was not limited but global for the people of Israel.

Why Zechariah 2:6 matters

  • Zechariah 2:6 clarifies that the exile was not just a single event but a widespread scattering, and God's call is for all His people, no matter how far they have gone, to return.
  • The urgency in God's words counters any sense of comfort or complacency the exiles might have felt in Babylon, reminding them that their true home is elsewhere.
  • This verse connects to the larger message of Zechariah, which is about restoration and hope for Jerusalem, showing that God is actively working to bring His people back and rebuild their community.

Where else these words appear

“Ho” Hebrew H1945 · used in 48 verses

  • Ruth 4:1 Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
  • Isaiah 29:1 Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices.
  • Ezekiel 13:3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

“abroad” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 25:11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

“flee” Hebrew H5127 · used in 143 verses

  • Genesis 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
  • Judges 8:12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.