In our study of Zechariah chapter ten, we look at the promised victory of Israel over the demonic forces that lead the world astray.
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Ask ADONAI for rain in the spring, ADONAI who makes the rain clouds; and he will give them showers of rain, grass in the field to each one.
Most scholars agree that this verse belongs in chapter 9. As we recall, that chapter dealt with the return of Christ and the Millennial Reign. At that time, the land of Israel will be blessed with plenty of food for everyone. The rain in the spring speaks of a double blessing and this verse tells of the fact that God wants to give his people an abundant blessing.
For the household gods talk nonsense, the diviners have seen a lie; their dreams convey delusions, and the comfort they offer is in vain. Therefore they go their way like sheep in distress from lack of a shepherd.
Any victory begins with the recognition of the enemy. Here, we see God warn about diviners. This speaks of men that attempted to predict the future by examining the liver of a sacrificed animal. This is speaking of the occult and demonic inspiration. Satan imitates and even mocks the things of God. God has his prophets and the devil has his which are, in fact, false prophets. God's prophets communicate with him directly and share his word with the people. Here, we are warned that these false prophets will feed the people lies from Satan who is the father of lies. We also see that it is the so-called leaders who receive this demonic inspiration and tell the lies. The people are compared to sheep without a shepherd. When sheep are not properly led, they do not pay attention. As they graze for food, they will wander away from the flock where they can be devoured by predators. In the case of the last days, there will be false shepherds (leaders) who, through this demonic influence, mislead people.
"My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will vent it on the leaders of the flock." For ADONAI-Tzva'ot will care for his flock, the people of Y'hudah; he will make them like his royal war-horse.
This verse speaks to the fact that Yeshua Messiah (the true Shepherd) will handle these false prophets and Satan. He will protect his people and make them into a force to fight the final battle. This is speaking of the 144,000 witnesses of Revelation 7 who will share the truth with God's people during the Great Tribulation.
From them come cornerstone and tent peg, from them the bow for battle, from them all the rulers together.
A cornerstone ties two walls together and a tent peg holds a tent down so it is not blown away by the wind. This verse speaks of Christ as the One who will hold things together. In the last days, there will be a total rejection of God's authority to rule over his creation but this is only temporary. Yeshua will return as conqueror and ruler of all.
They will be like warriors trampling the mud of the streets in battle. They will fight, because ADONAI is with them; they will rout even those on horseback.
The prophet reassures his people that the final victory over the demonic forces is guaranteed. That same promise is for us as Christians. When Yeshua returns, it will be with the armies of heaven and the battle is short (see Revelation 20).
"I will strengthen the house of Y'hudah and save the house of Yosef. I will bring them back in my compassion for them; they will be as if I hadn't driven them out; for I am ADONAI their God, and I will answer them. Efrayim's men will be like warriors; their hearts will be cheered as if from wine. Their children will see it and rejoice, their hearts will be glad in ADONAI.
This passage speaks of the fact that the northern and southern kingdoms will be reunited. It will happen during the Millennial Reign and it will be a time of great joy.
"I will whistle for them and gather them, because I have redeemed them; they will be as numerous as they were before; and I will sow them among the peoples. In distant lands they will remember me; they will rear their children and then return.
The word "signal" literally means whistle much like a shepherd whistles to call his sheep. The Hebrew word is often used to describe rescuing someone from captivity. This speaks of the fact that it is only through the blood of Yeshua Messiah that people will enter into this new kingdom.
I will bring them back from the land of Egypt and gather them out of Ashur. I will bring them into Gil'ad and the L'vanon, until there is no more room for them.
God reassures his people that he will bring them safely back no matter where they are. The work of redemption was done by Yeshua on the cross. Now, they are just waiting for the Shepherd's whistle to lead them to the new land.
"Trouble will pass over the sea and stir up waves in the sea; all the depths of the Nile will be dried up, the pride of Ashur will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will leave.
The sea of trouble speaks of the period of time known as the Great Tribulation. This period of time has an end (seven years) and, at that time, the governments of this world that are led by the demonic influences will be judged.
But I will strengthen [Isra'el] in ADONAI; they will travel here and there in his name," says ADONAI.
It is only by the power of God that people survive this time of trouble. After the nations and the demonic forces are dealt with, there will finally be lasting peace and security.
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