Zechariah 10:1-12
Q.1. How does God compare with false prophets and idols? What will God do for His flock? How will they overcome their enemies? – (Zech.10:1-6)
A delegation led by Sharezer and Regemmelech had been sent by the town of Bethel – to seek the favour of the Lord (Zech.7:1-2). The Lord continued to speak through Zechariah, to address His concerns about the nation. God was angry with the false prophets who brought lying visions, and consulted with teraphim idols, rather than with their God (c.f. Ezk.34:6-10). Zechariah urged them to – Ask rain from the Lord at the time of the spring rain– The Lord who makes the storm clouds; And He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each man (Zech.10:1 c.f. Is.35:1-7). Zechariah saw a time when God will restore His flock (Zech.10:3b). They will be victorious in battle – for the Lord will be with them (Zech.10:5). However, before this referring to Christ, Someone will arise – From them will come the cornerstone, from them the tent peg, from them the bow of battle, from them every ruler, all of them together (Zech.10:4 c.f. Eph.2:20; 1 Pet.2:6).
Q.2. How will God treat His own people? Why? When will this promise be fulfilled? How will Israel fare before this eventual deliverance? – (Zech.10:6-12)
God will complete what He has begun in and through Israel, in spite of their unworthiness – I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back, because I have had compassion on them; And they will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them (Zech.10:6). We can only stand amazed at God’s grace towards rebellious Israel, and also towards rebellious sinners as we are. Like a shepherd – I will whistle for them to gather them together, for I have redeemed them; And they will be as numerous as they were before (Zech.10:8). God acts as the Covenant keeper, because of His relationship with His people. He will regather them to their land (Zech.10:9-10). As is often the case, there was a partial fulfilment around the time that Zechariah prophesied. However, some of the prophecy is yet future, since – they will pass through the sea of distress (Zech.10:11 c.f. Rom.11:28-32). Yet afterward – I will strengthen them in the Lord, and in His name, they will walk, declares the Lord (Zech.10:12).