Zechariah 1:7 On the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sh’vat, in the second year of Darius, came the word from Adonai to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah (Berekhyah), the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
This is the second time the L-rd spoke to Zechariah. This is about 3 months after the call to repentance.
Zechariah received 8 visions, not dreams. A vision occurs when the person is awake. They are recorded in Zech 1:7 thru 6:15.
All of the visions follow the same pattern:
Zechariah 1:8 I saw by night, and behold a man riding on 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.
“a man” is defined in v11 as “the angel of the L-rd”. He has authority over the others horses and riders.
The Jewish Sages in the Aggadah (Sanhedrin 93a), say that the man with the red horse "refers only to the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is said 'The L-rd is a man of war; the L-rd is His Name'" (Ex. 15:3).
Red is a symbol of war (blood shed) and Judgment.
White a symbol of victory.
“speckled” is also translated as “sorrel” brownish in color. A combination of the others.
Compare with Rev 6:1-8 - They are “messengers of vengeance”, they likely represent angels, who are frequently employed as G-d’s instruments of judgment.
“Myrtle” - The Hebrew word is “Hadhas” which is were we get the girls name “Hadassah” or “Esther” in English. It is associated with the “Feast of Tabernacles” and with Messianic blessing.
“in the bottom” - in a valley; probably symbolizing Israel at a low point.
Zechariah 1:9 Then said I, O my L-rd, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said to me, I will show you what these are.
The “angel” in this verse seems to be a different angel than the “Angel of the L-rd”
Zechariah 1:10 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom Adonai has sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
“Walk to and fro” - this is a description of the angels patrolling the earth. They appear to be studying the enemy and responding to G-d’s will in engaging the enemy triumphantly.
Satan and his demons, fallen angels, also patrol the earth. (See Job 1:6-7)
Zechariah 1:11 And they answered the angel of L-rd (YHVH) that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth is still, and is at peace.
“The angel of the L-rd” is Yeshua. This is a pre-Bethlehem appearance of Yeshua. He is the divine commander and chief of the angelic army.
The angels report in to Him. Things are peaceful and at rest at the moment. However, Israel is not at peace.
Zechariah 1:12 Then the angel of the L-RD (YHVH) answered and said, O L-RD (YHVH) of hosts, how long will you not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which you have been in indignation these threescore and ten years? (Seventy years)
Here we see the "Angel of the L-rd" (YHVH) talking with the L-rd (YHVH)!!!!!
How can this be?!?!?!?
The Angel of the L-rd, Yeshua, the Son intercedes with the Father, the L-rd of hosts, for Jerusalem and Judah. He asks how long will He, the Father, be angry at them. It has been 70 years. Wanting Him to remove His chastening hand.
Zechariah 1:13 And the L-RD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.
“The L-rd” here is the Father.
The Father replied with kind and comforting words.
Zechariah 1:14 So the angel that communed with me said to me, Cry thou, saying, Thus says the L-RD of hosts;(Adonai-Tzva’ot) I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.
Jealous - zealous
Zechariah 1:15 And I am very angry with the heathen (nations) that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they made worse the affliction.
G-d used the heathen to bring punishment on Israel. However, they overstepped their bounds.
Isaiah also prophesied a similar thing.
Isaiah 47:6,11 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into your hand: you did not show them any mercy; upon the ancient you have very heavily laid your yoke…Therefore evil will come on you; you will not know from where it rises: and mischief shall fall on you; you will not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come on you suddenly, which you will not know.
Zechariah 1:16 Therefore so says Adonai; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: My house shall be built in it, says the L-RD of hosts, and a (measuring) line shall be stretched out on Jerusalem.
The temple will be rebuilt and the city will be rebuilt.
Zechariah 1:17 Cry yet, saying, So says the L-RD of hosts; My cities through prosperity will yet be spread abroad; and the L-RD shall yet comfort Zion, and will yet choose Jerusalem.
Genesis 12:1-2 Now the L-RD had said to Abram, Get out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you: And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you will be a blessing: