Welcome to the next Bible Study of the book of Zechariah, Chapter 10:

Verse 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.”

This verse encourages us to bring our requests to GOD, especially for spiritual rejuvenation. The “latter rain” signifies a time of blessing and abundance, suggesting that GOD is ready to provide for our needs when we ask.

Verse 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.”

Idols provide no real comfort or truth, and those who follow them end up misguided. This highlights the necessity of true guidance and the need for a good shepherd, pointing to the importance of having CHRIST as our spiritual leader.

Verse 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.”

Here, GOD expresses His anger against false leaders (or shepherds) for leading His people astray. However, GOD also emphasizes His tenderness towards His true flock and His empowering presence in the midst of battles.

Verse 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.”

This verse reflects the strength and support that GOD provides through His appointed leaders. He is the cornerstone of our faith, and out of Him comes every aspect of victory and strength needed in our lives.

Verse 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.”

When the LORD is with us, we are empowered to overcome obstacles and enemies. This verse emphasizes that it is GOD’S mighty presence that turns the tide of battle, causing confusion among our adversaries.

Verse 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.”

Here, our almighty GOD reaffirms His commitment to restore and save His people. His mercy and grace erase the feeling of abandonment, reminding us that He is always there to listen and respond to our cries.

Verse 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.”

GOD promises joy and strength to His people (Ephraim), resulting in communal rejoicing. The joy that comes from the LORD fills hearts and has a ripple effect, influencing future generations.

Verse 8: “I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.”

GOD’S redemption is an active call to His people. He will gather those who are scattered and bring them back into His fold, ensuring growth and increase in their lives as a testament to His faithfulness.

Verse 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.”

This speaks of GOD’S sovereign divine plan for His people to be a blessing even in foreign lands. He desires for them to remain connected with Him and to return, acknowledging Him as their GOD, regardless of where they find themselves.

Verse 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.”

Symbolically, Egypt and Assyria represent places of oppression and exile. GOD’S determination to bring His people back to a place of promise indicates His desire for restoration and abundance.

Verse 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.”

This verse highlights GOD’S mighty power over nature and nations. Just as He delivered Israel from the sea, He will triumph over prideful forces and deliver His people from oppression.

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

The strength of believers comes from the LORD. Walking in His name portrays a lifestyle of integrity, faith, and dependence on Him. It is the way we are called to live as witnesses of His truth, mighty, fulfilling name.

Verse 13: “When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.”

This metaphor illustrates the unity and strength that GOD creates among His people, empowering them to confront challenges. GOD equips His people to be effective warriors in spiritual battles.

Verse 14: “And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.”

This verse depicts GOD’S visibility and action in the midst of His people. His presence is likened to lightning, powerful and unmistakable, while He communicates His purposes and direction to His people with clarity and urgency.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging Your goodness and mercy. Thank You for Your promises to strengthen and restore us as Your people. We ask for Your Spirit to rain upon us, bringing renewal and life to our souls. Help us to turn away from distractions and idols, and fix our eyes solely on You, our Good Shepherd. We seek Your wisdom and guidance as we face challenges in life. Equip us to fight our battles with the assurance that You are with us, filling us with joy and strength. Let us walk through Your mighty name, reflecting Your infinite love and light to the world. Thank You dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, for always hearing our prayers and for Your unwavering commitment to gather us to Yourself. May we always remember Your faithfulness, and may our lives be a testimony of Your greatness.
We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!