Zech 1:7-17 In a dream, Zechariah sees an angel of the LORD riding a red horse. The rider has stopped among myrtle trees in a valley and is surrounded by other horses.
Myrtle branches form the roofs of temporary shelters during the festival of Sukkot (Yoninah)
Zechariah is told that these represent God's messengers who report on the state of the surrounding nations. They tell God "We have gone through all the earth, and everything is calm and quiet." (Zechariah 1:11)
The angel asks God how long it will be before he shows mercy to Judah. The LORD says, “I have a strong love for Jerusalem. And I am angry with the nations that feel so safe… So... I will return to Jerusalem with mercy. My Temple will be rebuilt... My towns will be rich again.” (Zechariah 1:14-17)
Zech 1:18-21 Zechariah has another vision. He sees four ox horns that stand for the world powers that have scattered the people of Judah and Israel. He is then shown four craftsmen who chisel away at the horns – symbolising the destruction of these four nations.