Zechariah 10:5-12

5 Judah will be like warriors, trampling through the muddy streets during battle. They will do battle because the LORD is with them. All the cavalry will be ashamed.

6 I will strengthen the house of Judah and deliver the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I hadn't rejected them, for I am the LORD their God; I will respond to them.

7 Ephraim will be like a warrior. They will be as glad as if they were drinking wine. Their children will watch and be glad. Their hearts will rejoice in the LORD.

8 I will whistle for them and gather them, because I have ransomed them. They will be as numerous as they were previously.

9 Though I sowed them among the peoples, they will remember me in the distant places where they are living with their children until they return.

10 I will bring them back from the land of Egypt; I will collect them from Assyria. I will bring them to the land of Gilead and Lebanon until there is no more room for them.

11 They will pass through the sea of distress and strike the sea with waves. All the depths of the river will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be brought down; the scepter of Egypt will turn away.

12 I will strengthen them in the LORD, and they will walk in his name, says 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or I will restore them
• [b]. LXX; MT he
• [c]. Heb uncertain