Strengthening in The Lord of Victory
June 10, 2021
Commentary
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– 12 (NET)
1 Ask the Lord for rain in the season of the late spring rains âthe Lord who causes thunderstormsâand he will give everyone showers of rain and green growth in the field. 2 For the household gods have spoken wickedness, the soothsayers have seen a lie, and the dreamers have disclosed emptiness and give comfort in vain. Therefore the people set out like sheep and become scattered because they have no shepherd. 3 âI am enraged at the shepherds and will punish the lead goats.
4 From him will come the cornerstone, the wall peg, the battle bow, and every ruler. 5 And they will be like warriors trampling the mud of the streets in battle. They will fight, for the Lord will be with them, and will defeat the enemy cavalry.
6 âI (says the Lord) will strengthen the kingdom of Judah and deliver the people of Joseph and will bring them back because of my compassion for them. They will be as though I had never rejected them, for I am the Lord their God, and therefore I will hear them. 7 The Ephraimites will be like warriors and will rejoice as if they had drunk wine. Their children will see it and rejoice; they will celebrate in the things of the Lord. 8 I will signal for them and gather them, for I have already redeemed them; then they will become as numerous as they were before. 9 Though I scatter them among the nations, they will remember in far-off placesâthey and their children will survive and return. 10 I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to the lands of Gilead and Lebanon, and there will not be enough room for them. 11 The Lord will cross the sea of storms and will calm its turbulence. The depths of the Nile will dry up, the pride of Assyria will be humbled, and the domination of Egypt will be no more. 12 Thus I will strengthen them by my power, and they will walk about in my name,â says the Lord.