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Book of Zechariah - Chapter 1 - Verse 8

1:8
I 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.

Meaning

This verse comes from the book of Zechariah in the Old Testament, and it is part of a series of visions that the prophet Zechariah had. In this particular verse, Zechariah describes seeing a man riding upon a red horse among myrtle trees in a bottom or valley. Behind the man on the red horse are other horses, also red, speckled, and white in color. Scholars interpret this vision as symbolic of the divine judgment and protection that God provides. The colors of the horses represent different aspects of God's character and purpose. The red horse signifies war and bloodshed, the speckled horse represents famine and disease, and the white horse symbolizes victory, purity, and righteousness. The myrtle trees may symbolize peace and restoration after a period of trial or tribulation. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and his role in both judgment and salvation in the world.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Zechariah, there is a powerful vision of a man riding a red horse among the myrtle trees. The use of the color red in the Bible often symbolizes bloodshed, war, and judgment. This man on the red horse could be interpreted as an angel of the Lord who is prepared for battle or as a representation of divine judgment. The presence of red horses, speckled horses, and white horses behind him may symbolize different aspects of God's plan or different types of angels under His command. The myrtle trees mentioned in the vision are significant as well, as they are often associated with peace and restoration in the Bible. The juxtaposition of the man on the red horse with the peaceful myrtle trees could suggest a message of impending judgment followed by restoration and peace. This verse invites readers to contemplate the complexities of God's divine plan and the interplay between judgment and mercy in His actions.

American Standard Version

I saw in the 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 there were horses, red, sorrel, and white.
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