Zechariah 10

Fate of Judah and Ephraim

1 Ask the LORD for rain when it is time for the spring rain. The LORD is the one who makes the thunderstorms. He gives them rain showers. He gives vegetation in the field to each of them.

2 The household divine images speak idolatry, and diviners see lies. They interpret dreams falsely and provide empty comfort. Therefore, they wander like sheep, but they are oppressed because there is no shepherd.

3 My anger burns hot against the shepherds; I will punish the goats. The LORD of heavenly forces will take care of his splendor, the house of Judah. He will make them like his majestic horse in battle.

4 The cornerstone, the tent peg, and the bow used in battle will come from Judah. Every oppressor will leave Judah simultaneously.

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 Commentary

Chapter 10

Blessings to be sought from the Lord. (1-5) God will restore his people. (6-12)

Verses 1-5 Spiritual blessings had been promised under figurative allusions to earthly plenty. Seasonable rain is a great mercy, which we may ask of God when there is most need of it, and we may look for it to come. We must in our prayers ask for mercies in their proper time. The Lord would make bright clouds, and give showers of rain. This may be an exhortation to seek the influences of the Holy Spirit, in faith and by prayer, through which the blessings held forth in the promises are obtained and enjoyed. The prophet shows the folly of making addresses to idols, as their fathers had done. The Lord visited the remnant of his flock in mercy, and was about to renew their courage and strength for conflict and victory. Every creature is to us what God makes it to be. Every one raised to support the nation, as a corner-stone does the building, or to unite those that differ, as nails join the different timbers, must come from the Lord; and those employed to overcome their enemies, must have strength and success from him. This may be applied to Christ; to him we must look to raise up persons to unite, support, and defend his people. He never will say, Seek ye me in vain.

Verses 6-12 Here are precious promises to the people of God, which look to the state of the Jews, and even to the latter days of the church. Preaching the gospel is God's call for souls to come to Jesus Christ. Those whom Christ redeemed by his blood, God will gather by his grace. Difficulties shall be got over easily, and effectually, as those in the way of the deliverance out of Egypt. God himself will be their strength, and their song. When we resist, and so overcome our spiritual enemies, then our hearts shall rejoice. If God strengthen us, we must bestir ourselves in all the duties of the Christian life, must be active in the work of God; and we must do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Footnotes

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

Chapter Summary

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.