Zechariah Chapter 10
Promise to Gather Israel
A. The Superiority of the Messiah’s Reign
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.”
The prophet begins this section with a call to prayer, urging Israel to ask the LORD for rain in the time of the latter rain. In the land of Israel, the people depended entirely on rainfall from heaven, for they had no irrigation systems like those of Egypt or Mesopotamia. The former rain came in autumn to prepare the ground for plowing, while the latter rain came in spring to ripen the crops for harvest. This verse is both literal and symbolic, representing physical blessing as well as spiritual revival. The call is to trust in the LORD alone for provision rather than in idols or false gods. God Himself promises that He will make bright, flashing clouds and send abundant showers, causing fruitfulness and prosperity in the land.
This image of rain is also prophetic of the spiritual outpouring that will accompany the Messiah’s reign. The “latter rain” symbolizes the final and greatest spiritual blessing poured upon Israel in the millennial kingdom. God invites His people to ask, teaching that prayer is the appointed channel of His blessings. The statement, “He will give them showers of rain, grass in the field for everyone,” emphasizes divine generosity and equity. Man’s idea of equality often leads to shared poverty, but God’s idea of equality is universal abundance—each receiving provision directly from His hand.
Zechariah 10:2–5
“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. 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. Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together. 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.”
The prophet contrasts the futility of idolatry and false prophecy with the strength and victory of those who follow the LORD. The idols—called teraphim in Hebrew—were common household gods used in divination. These idols “spoke vanity” and the false prophets “envisioned lies,” giving false comfort to the people. Their deceit led Israel astray like lost sheep without a shepherd, wandering aimlessly and suffering affliction because godly leadership was absent. This mirrors the condition described in Ezekiel 34:5, “And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd.”
God’s response is one of righteous anger: “Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds.” The corrupt leaders, symbolized by goats, are condemned because they led the flock into confusion. Yet in His mercy, God promises to “visit His flock,” meaning He will intervene personally on their behalf. The LORD transforms His people from a helpless flock into His royal war horse—strong, majestic, and victorious in battle. The imagery signifies the transformation that comes through the Messiah’s reign.
From Judah, God will raise up the One who embodies divine authority and stability. “Out of him came forth the corner” refers to the cornerstone, the essential foundation of all structure and strength. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as prophesied in Isaiah 28:16: “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.” He is also “the stone which the builders refused,” as declared in Psalm 118:22–23, fulfilled in Matthew 21:42 and Acts 4:11.
“The nail” or “tent peg” represents security and dependability. Isaiah 22:23–24 says, “And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house.” Christ is that sure support upon which all things hang securely.
“The battle bow” points to Christ as the divine warrior who conquers all opposition. Isaiah 63:1–4 depicts Him coming from Edom, mighty to save, His garments stained with the blood of His enemies. Revelation 19:11–16 likewise reveals Him as the conquering King who rides forth to judge and make war, His name written “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Finally, “out of him every oppressor together” speaks of the unity and authority that flow from Christ’s reign. All true rulers will derive their legitimacy from Him alone. Under His leadership, God’s people will be as “mighty men” who trample their enemies like mud in the streets. They fight not in their own strength but “because the LORD is with them.” This assurance of divine presence guarantees their victory, and the riders on horses—the proud and powerful of the world—shall be put to shame.
This passage presents a picture of the Messiah’s superior reign: a kingdom of truth instead of deceit, of righteousness instead of corruption, and of victory instead of defeat. It anticipates the day when Christ will personally shepherd His people, empower them by His Spirit, and reign in righteousness from Jerusalem.
B. Israel Gathered and Strengthened
Zechariah 10:6–8
“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. 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.”
The Lord promises to renew and empower His people. He declares, “I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph,” uniting both the southern and northern tribes once divided after Solomon’s reign. The “house of Joseph” refers to Ephraim and Manasseh, symbolizing the northern kingdom that had long been conquered and scattered. Yet God’s mercy knows no boundaries, and His compassion extends to all twelve tribes of Israel.
He says, “They shall be as though I had not cast them off,” revealing His forgiving nature and covenant faithfulness. The restoration is so complete that it will seem as if their centuries of exile had never occurred. This restoration is based not on Israel’s merit, but solely upon God’s mercy: “for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them.” His hearing is an act of grace, signaling reconciliation and favor.
The Lord further promises that “they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man,” describing the spiritual and national revival of Israel. The tribe once characterized by rebellion will become courageous and victorious through divine empowerment. Their joy will overflow “as through wine,” a poetic image for spiritual elation and restored fellowship. Their children will witness the blessings of God’s faithfulness and will rejoice, recognizing that true joy flows from the LORD Himself.
This strengthening of Israel prefigures the spiritual strengthening of the Church. As Ephesians 6:10 commands, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” The same God who renews Israel also empowers believers for faithful service. The promise does not remove struggle or labor, but ensures divine strength within them. As Charles Spurgeon observed, the Lord does not promise to remove labor, but to enable His servants to perform it through His power. Thus, the mercy, strength, and joy of this passage reflect the unchanging nature of God’s covenant grace.
Zechariah 10:9–12
“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. 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. 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. And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.”
The Lord continues His promise, saying, “I will whistle for them and gather them,” a tender image of the Shepherd calling His sheep. The scattering of Israel among the nations was divinely permitted, but their regathering is divinely promised. God calls them not with force but with a whistle of affection, redeeming them and restoring them to their inheritance. The phrase, “I will sow them among the people,” suggests that even during dispersion, God had a purpose—He planted Israel among the nations so that His name would be known globally.
The Lord declares, “They shall remember Me in far countries,” meaning that wherever they were scattered, the faithful remnant would turn their hearts back to Him. This prophecy points toward a future national restoration, not merely spiritual renewal. God’s people will be gathered from “Egypt” and “Assyria,” symbolic of all lands of captivity and oppression. He will bring them into the full borders of the Promised Land—Gilead and Lebanon—until there is no more room for them, signifying overwhelming blessing and increase.
The imagery of “passing through the sea with affliction” and “smiting the waves” evokes memories of the Exodus. Just as God delivered Israel through the Red Sea, He will again perform miraculous acts of deliverance for His people. The “depths of the river” drying up recalls the crossing of the Jordan, symbolizing God’s complete removal of every obstacle to His people’s return. The “pride of Assyria” and the “sceptre of Egypt” will be broken, representing the fall of Israel’s historical enemies and the end of Gentile domination over the land.
The passage closes with a reaffirmation of divine strength: “So I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name.” Walking “in His name” means living under His authority, enjoying His protection, and glorifying Him in all things. It will be a time of freedom and victory, a restored relationship between God and His covenant nation.
This regathering began in part with the modern reestablishment of Israel in 1948, fulfilling prophecy partially. Yet, the complete fulfillment awaits the future when Israel will return to the land in faith, recognizing Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Then they will experience both physical restoration and spiritual revival under His millennial reign. This will mark the final and complete realization of God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
