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More Zechariah commentaries
Zechariah 7:1-14
Hearts Like Flint
Zechariah 8:1-13
God’s Favor Extended to Both Jews and Gentiles
Zechariah 8:14-23
God Expects His People to be Truthful
Zechariah 9:1-10
Rejoice in the Coming King
Zechariah 9:11-17
God Helps His People Fight Their Battles
Zechariah 10:1-17
Strengthening in the Lord of Victory
Zechariah 11:1-11
The Rejection of the Worthy Shepherd
Zechariah 11:12-17
Thirty Pieces of Silver
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Strengthening in the Lord of Victory
Zechariah 10:1–17
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Missionary statesman Hudson Taylor had complete trust in God’s faithfulness. In his journal he wrote: Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning. He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wildernes … More
In this chapter Israel’s redemption and regathering are pictured. They are reminded that it is the Lord who they should ask, and He will supply the rain in response to their prayers (v. 1). “Latter rain” refers to the necessary rain just before the time of harvest which are as important as the “early rains.” As a farmer I used to know how important it was to get a good soaking rain right after we planted the corn and then again as the ears were being filled with kernels before the time of harvest. Israel is encouraged to not ask for blessing from idols and false prophets who cannot help them (v. 2). We often create idols of money, power, fame, or success and then we expect them to give us happiness. However these idols cannot supply what we need any more than a stone image can make it rain.
The disfavor on Israel because of her rejection of the true shepherd resulted in spiritual blindness. God’s anger is directed toward these false shepherds who have led the sheep in the wrong way. Evil rulers spoken of as “goats” (v. 3), these God will visit in judgment, but Israel He will visit in blessing. Only in the Messiah will all the promises to God’s people be fulfilled (v. 4). The Lord will not do all the fighting but He will empower His people to conquer like mighty men (v. 5). God promises to strengthen his people. When we stay closely connected to God, His Spirit will enable us to do His will despite the obstacles (vv. 6-7). They will be re-gathered from worldwide dispersion (vv. 8-10). Just as the Israelites returned from Egypt, Assyria and other lands they would continue to be protected by God’s miraculous power (v. 11). In regathering Israel to the land God will remove every obstacle to restoration. He will strengthen and deliver all Israel (v. 12).Application
God promises to strengthen His people. When I stay close to God and His Word, His Spirit will enable me to do His will despite the obstacles. When I stay away from God and His Word, I will be cut off from my power source.
Zechariah 10:1-17 (English Standard Version)
Ask rain from the LORD in the season of the spring rain, from the LORD who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. "My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic steed in battle. From him shall come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler--all of them together. They shall be like mighty men in battle, trampling the foe in the mud of the streets; they shall fight because the LORD is with them, and they shall put to shame the riders on horses. "I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them. Then Ephraim shall become like a mighty warrior, and their hearts shall be glad as with wine. Their children shall see it and be glad; their hearts shall rejoice in the LORD. "I will whistle for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them, and they shall be as many as they were before. Though I scattered them among the nations, yet in far countries they shall remember me, and with their children they shall live and return. I will bring them home from the land of Egypt, and gather them from Assyria, and I will bring them to the land of Gilead and to Lebanon, till there is no room for them. He shall pass through the sea of troubles and strike down the waves of the sea, and all the depths of the Nile shall be dried up. The pride of Assyria shall be laid low, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart. I will make them strong in the LORD, and they shall walk in his name," declares the LORD.
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