Zechariah Ten

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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Zechariah 10:1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

showers of rain. “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). This promise of rain, although specifically referring to the restoration of the ancient rainfall cycle to Israel, after long centuries of aridity, indicates that it is appropriate to pray for rain when rain is needed. Although rainfall is a natural phenomenon, controlled by natural causes, God can providentially organize the complex of causes in such a way that, when properly combined, they will yield rainfall. The same would be true of any other natural phenomenon. Such providential miracles—not requiring a suspension of the divinely-established laws of nature, but rather special organizing of the forces which produce the phenomenon—are frequently encountered in Scripture (note James 5:17-18).

Zechariah 10:2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

Zechariah 10:3 Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.

Zechariah 10:4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

came forth the corner. The “corner” (i.e., “cornerstone”) speaks of the coming Messiah (note Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:7). He is also “the nail in a sure place” (Isaiah 22:23), and the great “battle bow” (note Zechariah 9:13), as well as every “oppressor” (or better “suppressor”) of wickedness.

Zechariah 10:5 And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

Zechariah 10:6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.

house of Judah. Both the southern tribes, represented by Judah, and the northern kingdom, represented by Joseph, will be brought again to their land and placed there permanently.

Zechariah 10:7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

Zechariah 10:8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

hiss for them. That is, like a shepherd whistles for his sheep.

Zechariah 10:9 And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.

Zechariah 10:10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them.

Zechariah 10:11 And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.

Zechariah 10:12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.