His Secret
Chapter 11
The Man Amongst the Myrtle Trees
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, [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.
[9] Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be. [10] 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. [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. – Zechariah 1:7-11
Zechariah has a dream about a rider on a red horse among the myrtle trees. There are other horses behind this rider on the red horse. There is also an interesting conversation that occurs. Zechariah asks the angel what these are. The angel replies and says to Zechariah that he (The angel) will show Zechariah what these are.
But then the rider on the red horse answers the question. Then someone else gives an answer to the angel. Who are these riders and who do they represent? What exactly is being answered here and who is doing the answering to the second response? What does this dream mean and to what purpose is it relevant?
First of all, let’s identify who exactly is present. Zechariah and an angel is present. There is a rider on a red horse and there are other horses behind him. Are there red, speckled and white horses as in horses that have all of those colors on them? Or are there red horses, speckled horses, and white horses behind him?
We already have the color coding from the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and Zechariah, chapter 6. If we divide these three colors into the horses that we know, they would be red horses, (Serpents) white horses (Multitude) and speckled horses? (Scorpions) Scorpions would be the only one left to the previous color coding however the color speckled has not been encountered yet. Let’s look at the definition for that color and see if it will give us the identification of this speckled horse.
Speckled is defined as; bright red (as piercing to the sight), i.e. bay:--speckled. [1]
The bright red could throw one off for it will give you the indication of the red horses. Remember the definition for the bay colored horse? In that definition for bay, we found; of a strong color, i.e. red. [2] In this definition for the word speckled, we find; bright red (as piercing to the sight). These two definitions appear to be speaking about the same color. Bright red and a strong color, i.e. red.
Let’s look a bit further. One thing that is obvious in this definition for the word speckled is the color bay. That is the same color that is used for the bay horse which are the Scorpions in Zechariah 6. There is another clue with the phrase (piercing to the sight).
In the definition for the Scorpions in the 5th trumpet you will find; and meaning to pierce); a "scorpion" (from its sting):--scorpion. [3] This is a direct connection between these two definitions.
When we take a look at the under-definition for speckled we will find; properly, to be shrill, i.e. to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn):--hiss. [4] This is exactly what the Scorpions do to the Multitude; they mock them, scorn them, and they hiss at them showing their hatred and disapproval.
Now that we have the identifications of who is there, the Serpents, (Red horses) the Scorpions, (Speckled horses) and the Multitude (White horses) we can begin to unravel this puzzle. There is the man on the red horse though. Who is he? He is sitting on a red horse, so he would have to be a Serpent. He is in front of the other groups of the horses so that would make him somewhat of a leader. The leader of the Serpents is the False Prophet. This is the man sitting on the red horse. He is also in the bottom amongst the Myrtle trees. What do these things mean?
The word bottom is defined as; shade:--bottom. [5] The under-definition is; to shade, as twilight or an opaque object:--begin to be dark, shadowing. [6]
All of these groups are in the bottom. The bottom would be referring to the Lord taking them down from their high places and bringing them low. Babylon is fallen, is fallen, [7] they are in the valley (Bottom) of decision, [8] they are in the valley of the shadow of death, [9] and the city (Spiritual Jerusalem) is low, in a low place. [10]
They are in the shade or are darkened. Who is darkened or shadowed? All of them are darkened. The sun (Scorpions) becomes black as sackcloth of hair. [11] The moon turns into blood [12] and no longer shows brightness, the stars withdraw their shining. [13] Darkness covers the land. Let’s look at some verses with the words darkness and shadow in them.
And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof. - Isaiah 5:30
The roaring of the sea is referring to the sea of Babylon which will be covered later in this writing. The land is dark and the heavens, celestial (Spiritual) sun, moon, and stars are darkened.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. - Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness and have seen a great light are the Multitude. They dwell in the land of the shadow of death, but the light of the Lord is shining upon them as they march off to their physical death.
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. - Isaiah 29:18
The Multitude who is currently blind and deaf to the truth; for they are in their refuge of lies hiding in the dens will see out of the darkness and shadows.
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. - Isaiah 42:7
The Multitude will be in prison cells and their eyes will be opened. They will be brought out of the prison houses upon their death. They come out of the spiritual prison house when their eyes are opened and they accept the truth about their predicament.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness thepeople: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. - Isaiah 60:2
The darkness covers the whole earth (Church) and the people of the church. But the Multitude will have the Lord arise upon them and His glory shall be seen upon the Multitude.
Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. - Jeremiah 23:12
The year of their visitation (Tribulation) shall come upon them as darkness and they will fall.
All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD. - Ezekiel 32:8
The celestial (Spiritual) sun, moon, and stars will be darkened and darkness will be upon the land. (Church)
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. - Joel 2:31
The sun (Scorpions) is turned into darkness, and the moon (Multitude) into blood. Look at the word before. This word indicates that these things happen before the great and terrible day of the Lord. The great and terrible day of the Lord is the Tribulation. How can this be? These things happen within the Tribulation, not before the Tribulation.
Looking at the word before, you will find the words; presence, also, sight, by reason of, through (+out), with (in). [14] Translating this word before and applying it to the context of the passage using the knowledge that we know about the sequence of events; we can conclude that the word before can be translated in the presence of, or within the Tribulation. Basing this upon other verses as proof texts, this is exactly how this happens. The sun is turned into darkness and the moon is turned into blood during or within the Tribulation.
We can compare this rendering with Acts 2:20 when Peter repeats this verse to the Multitude.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: - Acts 2:20
Again, the word before is used in this verse, but within the definition we can find something different. Before is defined as; prior, sooner:--before (that), ere. [15] This could indicate that this is definitely making reference to this happening prior to the Tribulation. Let’s look at the under-definition.
The under-definition of before means; "fore", i.e. in front of, prior. [16] This can be seen to be a bit different. Fore and in front of can mean before, but it can also mean that this happens at the fore or at the beginning of the Tribulation. The Scorpions, Serpents, and the Multitude are darkened right at the very beginning of the Tribulation. In fact, that is the very first thing that happens. Thus, the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars occurs in the front of the Tribulation. It occurs at the forefront of the Tribulation. It is actually the starting point for the fall of all three groups when they are darkened and sink to the bottom and the Tribulation follows. This puts a different view and understanding upon these verses.
Let’s now investigate the Myrtle trees that the rider on the red horse is standing amongst. There must be some significance to these trees. Otherwise, why would they be mentioned?
The Myrtle tree is a tree that bears white flowers. It produces berries that are eaten by birds. [17] Do you see the connection? The Myrtle trees are a metaphor for the Multitude. The white flowers represent the white of the white robes and the white horse. (Multitude) The fruit of the Myrtle tree is eaten by birds. The fruit are what the flowers produce this being their possessions and works. What the Multitude has produced are eaten by the birds, (Scorpions) This is an interesting picture. This actually tells us that the signature of God’s creation follows all the way through. The rider on the red horse (Serpent) is standing amongst the Myrtle trees. This looks to be the forest that by his command is cut down.
The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; (Serpents) for they shall march with an army, and come against her (The Multitude) with axes, as hewers of wood. They (The Serpents) shall cut down her forest, (The Multitude) saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more (Stronger) than the grasshoppers, (Scorpions) and are innumerable. (Not counted for the seed) - Jeremiah 46:22, 23
Things aren’t looking good for the Multitude. Keep in mind that they are the overcomers, they shall be faithful unto the death, and the Lord will have mercy upon them. They will make it to the end. Iit just won’t be pretty what they have to endure.
Let’s now decipher the conversation to determine who is being referenced and what this is speaking about.
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 1:10
The rider on the red horse (Serpents) is the one that answers the question pertaining to Zechariah’s question “Then said I, O my lord, what are these?”
He states that these are the ones that the Lord has sent to walk to and fro the earth. Based upon the understanding of the passages in Zechariah 6 about the color coded chariots, the ones that walk to and fro the earth are the Scorpions.
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. – Zechariah 1:11
The ones that walk to and fro the earth (Scorpions) answer back and say “We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.”
Try to picture this encounter. Zechariah is standing there with an angel and sees this man on a red horse among the Myrtle trees in the bottom. Behind him are red horses, white horses, and speckled horses.
Then you can almost see Zechariah motioning with his hand and pointing to the speckled horses and asking the angel “What are these?” The angel replies and says (Paraphrased) “I will show you what these are.” Then the rider on the red horse replies instead; (Paraphrased) “These are the ones that walk to and fro the earth.” (They will search out the Multitude and bring them into captivity.) (Paraphrased) “These are the Scorpions.”
Then the Scorpions reply and state that “We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.” (We have identified the Multitude and turned them in and there are none left for us to find.)
Can you see the interactions within this encounter once you can identify the players? There is a very important clue located in this last verse. In all of the verses concerning running to and fro, they are all speaking about what the Scorpions are going to do in the future.
This verse is in the past tense. In other words, they have completed the task that they were given. The last of the Multitude has been captured and they are finished with their duties. The rider on the red horse states this in the present tense. They state this in the past tense which means that their statement pertains to the end of the Tribulation when all of the Multitude is in captivity and have been silenced.
Notice what the Scorpions say next. “And, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.” Because of the completed job that the Scorpions have accomplished, the earth sits still and is at rest. This compares to the verse in Zechariah 6 where the Lord states that those that go into the north country have quieted His spirit.
When all of the Multitude is taken into captivity and have been silenced, the earth is at rest. The anger and wrath of the Lord has been quieted. It has been accomplished. The Tribulation is nearing a close.
The lineups with the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse, the four chariots of Zechariah chapter 6, and these horses within Zechariah chapter 1 keep interconnecting with other scripture. We are about to explore the four beasts of Daniel. What we will find there will amaze you.
Footnotes
[1]. Strong’s 8320
[2]. Strong’s 554
[3]. Strong’s 4651
[4]. Strong’s 8319
[5]. Strong’s 4699
[6]. Strong’s 6751
[7]. Revelation 14:8, 18:2, Isaiah 21:9
[8]. Joel 3:14
[9]. Psalm 23:4
[10]. Isaiah 32:19
[11]. Revelation 6:12
[12]. Revelation 6:12, Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20
[13]. Joel 2:10, Joel 3:15
[14]. Strong’s 6440
[15]. Strong’s 4250
[16]. Strong’s 4253
[17]. World Book Encyclopedia
[9] Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be. [10] 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. [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. – Zechariah 1:7-11
Zechariah has a dream about a rider on a red horse among the myrtle trees. There are other horses behind this rider on the red horse. There is also an interesting conversation that occurs. Zechariah asks the angel what these are. The angel replies and says to Zechariah that he (The angel) will show Zechariah what these are.
But then the rider on the red horse answers the question. Then someone else gives an answer to the angel. Who are these riders and who do they represent? What exactly is being answered here and who is doing the answering to the second response? What does this dream mean and to what purpose is it relevant?
First of all, let’s identify who exactly is present. Zechariah and an angel is present. There is a rider on a red horse and there are other horses behind him. Are there red, speckled and white horses as in horses that have all of those colors on them? Or are there red horses, speckled horses, and white horses behind him?
We already have the color coding from the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and Zechariah, chapter 6. If we divide these three colors into the horses that we know, they would be red horses, (Serpents) white horses (Multitude) and speckled horses? (Scorpions) Scorpions would be the only one left to the previous color coding however the color speckled has not been encountered yet. Let’s look at the definition for that color and see if it will give us the identification of this speckled horse.
Speckled is defined as; bright red (as piercing to the sight), i.e. bay:--speckled. [1]
The bright red could throw one off for it will give you the indication of the red horses. Remember the definition for the bay colored horse? In that definition for bay, we found; of a strong color, i.e. red. [2] In this definition for the word speckled, we find; bright red (as piercing to the sight). These two definitions appear to be speaking about the same color. Bright red and a strong color, i.e. red.
Let’s look a bit further. One thing that is obvious in this definition for the word speckled is the color bay. That is the same color that is used for the bay horse which are the Scorpions in Zechariah 6. There is another clue with the phrase (piercing to the sight).
In the definition for the Scorpions in the 5th trumpet you will find; and meaning to pierce); a "scorpion" (from its sting):--scorpion. [3] This is a direct connection between these two definitions.
When we take a look at the under-definition for speckled we will find; properly, to be shrill, i.e. to whistle or hiss (as a call or in scorn):--hiss. [4] This is exactly what the Scorpions do to the Multitude; they mock them, scorn them, and they hiss at them showing their hatred and disapproval.
Now that we have the identifications of who is there, the Serpents, (Red horses) the Scorpions, (Speckled horses) and the Multitude (White horses) we can begin to unravel this puzzle. There is the man on the red horse though. Who is he? He is sitting on a red horse, so he would have to be a Serpent. He is in front of the other groups of the horses so that would make him somewhat of a leader. The leader of the Serpents is the False Prophet. This is the man sitting on the red horse. He is also in the bottom amongst the Myrtle trees. What do these things mean?
The word bottom is defined as; shade:--bottom. [5] The under-definition is; to shade, as twilight or an opaque object:--begin to be dark, shadowing. [6]
All of these groups are in the bottom. The bottom would be referring to the Lord taking them down from their high places and bringing them low. Babylon is fallen, is fallen, [7] they are in the valley (Bottom) of decision, [8] they are in the valley of the shadow of death, [9] and the city (Spiritual Jerusalem) is low, in a low place. [10]
They are in the shade or are darkened. Who is darkened or shadowed? All of them are darkened. The sun (Scorpions) becomes black as sackcloth of hair. [11] The moon turns into blood [12] and no longer shows brightness, the stars withdraw their shining. [13] Darkness covers the land. Let’s look at some verses with the words darkness and shadow in them.
And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof. - Isaiah 5:30
The roaring of the sea is referring to the sea of Babylon which will be covered later in this writing. The land is dark and the heavens, celestial (Spiritual) sun, moon, and stars are darkened.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. - Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness and have seen a great light are the Multitude. They dwell in the land of the shadow of death, but the light of the Lord is shining upon them as they march off to their physical death.
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. - Isaiah 29:18
The Multitude who is currently blind and deaf to the truth; for they are in their refuge of lies hiding in the dens will see out of the darkness and shadows.
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. - Isaiah 42:7
The Multitude will be in prison cells and their eyes will be opened. They will be brought out of the prison houses upon their death. They come out of the spiritual prison house when their eyes are opened and they accept the truth about their predicament.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness thepeople: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. - Isaiah 60:2
The darkness covers the whole earth (Church) and the people of the church. But the Multitude will have the Lord arise upon them and His glory shall be seen upon the Multitude.
Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. - Jeremiah 23:12
The year of their visitation (Tribulation) shall come upon them as darkness and they will fall.
All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD. - Ezekiel 32:8
The celestial (Spiritual) sun, moon, and stars will be darkened and darkness will be upon the land. (Church)
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. - Joel 2:31
The sun (Scorpions) is turned into darkness, and the moon (Multitude) into blood. Look at the word before. This word indicates that these things happen before the great and terrible day of the Lord. The great and terrible day of the Lord is the Tribulation. How can this be? These things happen within the Tribulation, not before the Tribulation.
Looking at the word before, you will find the words; presence, also, sight, by reason of, through (+out), with (in). [14] Translating this word before and applying it to the context of the passage using the knowledge that we know about the sequence of events; we can conclude that the word before can be translated in the presence of, or within the Tribulation. Basing this upon other verses as proof texts, this is exactly how this happens. The sun is turned into darkness and the moon is turned into blood during or within the Tribulation.
We can compare this rendering with Acts 2:20 when Peter repeats this verse to the Multitude.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: - Acts 2:20
Again, the word before is used in this verse, but within the definition we can find something different. Before is defined as; prior, sooner:--before (that), ere. [15] This could indicate that this is definitely making reference to this happening prior to the Tribulation. Let’s look at the under-definition.
The under-definition of before means; "fore", i.e. in front of, prior. [16] This can be seen to be a bit different. Fore and in front of can mean before, but it can also mean that this happens at the fore or at the beginning of the Tribulation. The Scorpions, Serpents, and the Multitude are darkened right at the very beginning of the Tribulation. In fact, that is the very first thing that happens. Thus, the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars occurs in the front of the Tribulation. It occurs at the forefront of the Tribulation. It is actually the starting point for the fall of all three groups when they are darkened and sink to the bottom and the Tribulation follows. This puts a different view and understanding upon these verses.
Let’s now investigate the Myrtle trees that the rider on the red horse is standing amongst. There must be some significance to these trees. Otherwise, why would they be mentioned?
The Myrtle tree is a tree that bears white flowers. It produces berries that are eaten by birds. [17] Do you see the connection? The Myrtle trees are a metaphor for the Multitude. The white flowers represent the white of the white robes and the white horse. (Multitude) The fruit of the Myrtle tree is eaten by birds. The fruit are what the flowers produce this being their possessions and works. What the Multitude has produced are eaten by the birds, (Scorpions) This is an interesting picture. This actually tells us that the signature of God’s creation follows all the way through. The rider on the red horse (Serpent) is standing amongst the Myrtle trees. This looks to be the forest that by his command is cut down.
The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; (Serpents) for they shall march with an army, and come against her (The Multitude) with axes, as hewers of wood. They (The Serpents) shall cut down her forest, (The Multitude) saith the LORD, though it cannot be searched; because they are more (Stronger) than the grasshoppers, (Scorpions) and are innumerable. (Not counted for the seed) - Jeremiah 46:22, 23
Things aren’t looking good for the Multitude. Keep in mind that they are the overcomers, they shall be faithful unto the death, and the Lord will have mercy upon them. They will make it to the end. Iit just won’t be pretty what they have to endure.
Let’s now decipher the conversation to determine who is being referenced and what this is speaking about.
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 1:10
The rider on the red horse (Serpents) is the one that answers the question pertaining to Zechariah’s question “Then said I, O my lord, what are these?”
He states that these are the ones that the Lord has sent to walk to and fro the earth. Based upon the understanding of the passages in Zechariah 6 about the color coded chariots, the ones that walk to and fro the earth are the Scorpions.
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. – Zechariah 1:11
The ones that walk to and fro the earth (Scorpions) answer back and say “We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.”
Try to picture this encounter. Zechariah is standing there with an angel and sees this man on a red horse among the Myrtle trees in the bottom. Behind him are red horses, white horses, and speckled horses.
Then you can almost see Zechariah motioning with his hand and pointing to the speckled horses and asking the angel “What are these?” The angel replies and says (Paraphrased) “I will show you what these are.” Then the rider on the red horse replies instead; (Paraphrased) “These are the ones that walk to and fro the earth.” (They will search out the Multitude and bring them into captivity.) (Paraphrased) “These are the Scorpions.”
Then the Scorpions reply and state that “We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.” (We have identified the Multitude and turned them in and there are none left for us to find.)
Can you see the interactions within this encounter once you can identify the players? There is a very important clue located in this last verse. In all of the verses concerning running to and fro, they are all speaking about what the Scorpions are going to do in the future.
This verse is in the past tense. In other words, they have completed the task that they were given. The last of the Multitude has been captured and they are finished with their duties. The rider on the red horse states this in the present tense. They state this in the past tense which means that their statement pertains to the end of the Tribulation when all of the Multitude is in captivity and have been silenced.
Notice what the Scorpions say next. “And, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.” Because of the completed job that the Scorpions have accomplished, the earth sits still and is at rest. This compares to the verse in Zechariah 6 where the Lord states that those that go into the north country have quieted His spirit.
When all of the Multitude is taken into captivity and have been silenced, the earth is at rest. The anger and wrath of the Lord has been quieted. It has been accomplished. The Tribulation is nearing a close.
The lineups with the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse, the four chariots of Zechariah chapter 6, and these horses within Zechariah chapter 1 keep interconnecting with other scripture. We are about to explore the four beasts of Daniel. What we will find there will amaze you.
Footnotes
[1]. Strong’s 8320
[2]. Strong’s 554
[3]. Strong’s 4651
[4]. Strong’s 8319
[5]. Strong’s 4699
[6]. Strong’s 6751
[7]. Revelation 14:8, 18:2, Isaiah 21:9
[8]. Joel 3:14
[9]. Psalm 23:4
[10]. Isaiah 32:19
[11]. Revelation 6:12
[12]. Revelation 6:12, Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20
[13]. Joel 2:10, Joel 3:15
[14]. Strong’s 6440
[15]. Strong’s 4250
[16]. Strong’s 4253
[17]. World Book Encyclopedia