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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּעֲנ֞וּ
And they answered
H6030
וַֽיַּעֲנ֞וּ
And they answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 15
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָֽעֹמֵד֙
that stood
H5975
הָֽעֹמֵד֙
that stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
בֵּ֣ין
H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 15
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ
We have walked to and fro
H1980
הִתְהַלַּ֣כְנוּ
We have walked to and fro
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 15
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הָאָ֖רֶץ
and behold all the earth
H776
הָאָ֖רֶץ
and behold all the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
10 of 15
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֖רֶץ
and behold all the earth
H776
הָאָ֖רֶץ
and behold all the earth
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
13 of 15
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Cross References
Zechariah 1:10And 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 1:8I 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 1:15And 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.
Historical Context
Darius I's early reign (522-520 BC) saw widespread revolts throughout the Persian Empire. By 520 BC, he had suppressed these, bringing enforced peace. The Jewish remnant hoped these upheavals signaled messianic restoration, but instead Persia stabilized. This disappointed eschatological expectations, prompting God's reassurance through Zechariah that restoration would come on His timeline, not theirs.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the tension between Gentile peace and Israel's weakness challenge us to trust God's timing when circumstances seem contrary to promises?
- What does this report teach us about God's sovereignty over international affairs, not merely spiritual matters?
Analysis & Commentary
The angels' report: 'We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.' This describes world conditions circa 520 BC—Persia had stabilized after Darius suppressed rebellions. Yet this 'rest' is problematic; Israel remains weak under foreign rule while their oppressors enjoy peace. The report sets up the question: when will God judge nations and restore Israel? The angels' report creates tension between present reality (Gentile prosperity) and prophetic promise (Israel's restoration).