Zechariah 10:5-12

5 They shall be like mighty men in battle, 1trampling the foe in the mud of the streets; they shall fight because the LORD is with them, and they shall put to shame 2the riders on horses.
6 3"I will strengthen the house of Judah, and 4I will save the house of Joseph. 5I will bring them back 6because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for 7I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.
7 Then Ephraim shall become like a mighty warrior, and 8their hearts shall be glad as with wine. Their children shall see it and be glad; their hearts shall rejoice in the LORD.
8 9"I will whistle for them and 10gather them in, for I have redeemed them, and 11they shall be as many as they were before.
9 12Though I scattered them among the nations, yet in far countries 13they shall remember me, and with their children they shall live and return.
10 14I will bring them home from the land of Egypt, and gather them from Assyria, and 15I will bring them to the land of Gilead and to Lebanon, 16till there is no room for them.
11 17He shall pass through the sea of troubles and strike down the waves of the sea, 18and all the depths of the Nile shall be dried up. The pride of Assyria shall be laid low, and 19the scepter of Egypt shall depart.
12 20I will make them strong in the LORD, and 21they shall walk in his name," declares the LORD.

Zechariah 10:5-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 10

This chapter is a prophecy of the conversion of the Jews in the latter day, when the fulness of the Gentiles is brought in, spoken of in the preceding chapter Zec 9:1-17. It begins with an exhortation to ask rain of the Lord; denounces wrath upon his enemies; and consists of various promises to his people. The exhortation to ask rain is in Zec 10:1 to which encouragement is given from its being of the Lord, from his willingness to grant it, and from the fruitfulness occasioned by it. The vanity of idols, and idolaters, who can not give it, is exposed; and the distress and confusion they were thrown into is observed, Zec 10:2. The anger of the Lord against the principal of them is declared; and his gracious visitation of the people of the Jews, whom he will honour and glorify, is taken notice of, Zec 10:3 from whom the Messiah sprung, than which a greater glory can not be enjoyed, Zec 10:4 and then follow various promises, relating to them; as of victory over their enemies, through the presence of the Lord with them, Zec 10:5 of strength and salvation to them, as owing to his free grace and mercy, Zec 10:6 of inward spiritual joy in them and theirs, Zec 10:7 of their effectual calling and spiritual increase, in consequence of redeeming grace, Zec 10:8 of their having a name and a place in Gospel churches, where they will remember the Lord, and live with their children, being converted, Zec 10:9 which conversion of theirs is represented in terms alluding to their deliverance from Egypt and Babylon, Zec 10:10,11 and the chapter is concluded with a promise of spiritual strength, so that they shall continue in their profession of faith in Christ, and persevere therein to the end, Zec 10:12.

Cross References 21

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.