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The Book of Zechariah
Chapter 10

The promise of prosperity and plenty at the end of chapter 9, leads the prophet to say just how to obtain them. That being, forget the idols and go to God in prayer! The worship of idols had already proved to be a calamity (Zec.10:1-3). The remainder of the chapter, like the preceding one, promises the Jews a restoration to their own land under rulers and governors, victory over their enemies, and much increase and prosperity; and this would be in an awesome and miraculous manner, that it is described in (Zec.10:4-12), by allusions to the deliverance from Egypt.

We saw in chapter 9 the future deliverance of both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and how God is going to use them in the future when they will serve, literally as priests, to the Gentile nations of the world. Some say that chapter 10 is just a continuation of chapter 9, while others say that only the first verse belongs to chapter 9, and that the remainder of the chapter 10 is separate. This chapter is a prophecy of the conversion of the Jews in the latter day, when the fullness of the Gentiles is brought in (Rom.11:25), spoken of in chapter 9.

The 15th prophecy in Zechariah (Zec.10:1-12, unfulfilled). Next one, Zec.11:1.

Zechariah 9:17 For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids. (KJV) . . . I have placed this verse here to show why some say 10:1 belongs in chapter 9.

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. (KJV)

Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain . . . this verse seems to continue the description of the prosperous conditions which shall prevail during the millennial reign of Christ on the Earth.

The rain mentioned here, I think is literal rain. God had promised Israel, who are an earthly people, earthly blessings. To the church He has not promised earthly blessings, but spiritual blessings. The fall and spring rainfall is very important to Israel's temporal blessings, that would make that land like the Garden of Eden.

Today, because judgment has come upon the land of Israel as well as upon the people of Israel, it has been God's judgment to withhold rain. Israel's greatest problem next to the warring Arabs today, is how to get more water. "Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain" is the prophet's advice. But, they simply will NOT turn o God! They will NOT accept Christ Jesus as the Messiah! IF they would turn to God, they would experience the physical and temporal blessings which would come through rain. But they have not returned to God, and the rain has not returned. This verse pertains to physical rainfall; although "rain" is also a symbol of spiritual refreshment (Deut.32:2; Ps.72:6; Isa.44:3-4; 55:10-11; Hos.10:12; 14:5; Mic.5:7). Both the prophecy in Joel 2:32 and the prophecy here in Zec.10:1 have definite reference to the Millennium Kingdom of the future. There will be a pouring out of the Spirit of God in that day. Therefore, the "rain" has a double meaning.

Judgment For Israel's Deception . . . Zec.10:2-3

Zechariah 10:2 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. (KJV)

For the idols have spoken vanity . . . NO vane idol of the Gentiles can give rain; even if they promise it, they speak lies! Only Almighty God can give rain! Therefore it must be asked of Him, NOT ridiculous idols! (Jer.14:22). The "idols" were images which before the captivity, they worshiped and consulted about future events (Judg.10:14; Isa.19:3).

And the diviners have seen a lie . . . diviners spoke it and others believed it, being 'spiritually blind,' because they received not the love of the truth (2 Thes.2:10-12). Their diviners prophesy falsehood, or preach false doctrine, as cult clergy do, who are meant by the diviners. The "diviners" soothsayers and consulters with familiar spirits, have seen a lie; foretold good, when all issued was evil, from which NO good came. Spiritually blind: (Isa.28:7; 42:18; 56:10; 59:10; Jer.5:21; Lam.4:14; Eze.12:2; Zep.1:17; Mat.6:23; 8:34; 13:13-15; Mk.8:18; Lk.6:39; Acts 28:26-27; Rom.11:25; 1 Cor.2:13-14; 2 Cor.3:14; 4:4; Eph.4:18; 2 Peter 1:9; Rev.3:17).

Witchcraft: (Ex.22:18; Lev.19:31; 20:6,27; Deut.18:10-12; 1 Sam.15:23; 28:3; 2 Ki.9:22; 21:6; 23:24; 1 Chron.10:13; 2 Chron.33:6; Isa.8:19; 19:3; 29:4; Mic.5:12-13; Nah.3:4; Gal. 5:20-21).

And have told false dreams . . . SO many false doctrines to build up people's hopes: transubstantiation, purgatory, justification by good works, baptism or sacraments, 'name it and claim it,' etc. . . . I could go on and on . . . false doctrines are EVIL and are compared to dreams (Jer.23:25-27), but are what SO many want to hear (Isa.30:9-11; 2 Tim.4:1-4). BEWARE!!! "Damnable heresies" will NEVER get you to Heaven! BEWARE!!! There are MANY heretics in today's world pretending to be God's messengers, saying that they receive a revelation from Heaven, but instead it was a dream of their own making, prompted and put on them by 'the father of lies' (Jn.8:44). BEWARE!!!
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_cults.1.htm
http://www.godcannotlie.org/f_falsehoods_rampant.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_damnable_heresies.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/false_doctrines_h_s.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_word_faith_movement.1.htm

They comfort in vain . . . their deceptive lies comfort the deceived (2 Thes.2:10-12), but these comforts are temporal, and are absolutely hopeless and useless in the saving of eternal souls. Only disastrous disappointment can follow. BEWARE!!! Catholics are known for selling pardons, and praying souls out of a nonexistent purgatory; and "word-faith heresies" promise vain hopes.
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_word_faith_avoid.1.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_word_faith_reasons_to_reject.1.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_word_faith_is_it_biblical.1.htm
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_1_false_teachers_word_faith.1.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_damnable_heresies_word_faith_gargage.htm

Therefore they went their way as a flock . . . "they" the majority of the Jews, as a flock of sheep straying from the fold, they are scattered as sheep are scattered (Eze.34:5-6). The Jews were/are hardened against the "Christian" religion, by the idolatry, lies and dreams of the diviners, and they stumble about in their mistakes and utter errors concerning the TRUE Messiah, Jesus Christ. This continues on to this day, and will be until "the man of sin" (2 Thes.2:3) is destroyed (Rev.19:19-20). It seems that nearly all the Jews were thus foolish in consulting and believing these liars, falling into misery, thinking they would escape. "Went their way" . . . they went into captivity into Babylon, "as a flock" the whole of the Jews.

They were troubled, because there was no shepherd . . . they are as sheep without a shepherd; relying instead on abominable diviners, the tellers of false dreams and idolaters, who assured them that the Messiah is not come. So now they are scattered, while they know not Messiah their Shepherd; typified in the state of the disciples, when they had forsaken Jesus and fled (Mat.26:56; Zec.13:7).

Zechariah 10:3 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. (KJV)

Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds . . . against the shepherds, the ones in charge, the officers in church and state, who neglected to keep the flock from straying, and who were ringleaders in idolatry and soothsaying (Isa.56:10).

And I punished the goats . . . the willful, lustful officers among them, which, like he-goats, push, shove, wound and trample under foot the weaker ones (Eze.34:16-25). These disrespectful bullies were more grievously punished by the Lord (Jer.29:21-23; 39:6-7).

For the Lord of hosts hath visited his flock, the house of Judah . . . visited His flock, in favor and mercy; to see to their needs and to relieve and comfort them.

And hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle . . . He changed their sheepish weakness and cowardice into strength, courage and gallantry; like that of a "goodly horse" in battle, when all his courage is stirred up, and he appears, as Job brings him forth, with "his neck clothed with thunder" (Job 39:19-25). This seems to say that when the Jews finally see the Truth, that Jesus IS their Messiah (Zec.12:10-11), they shall be bold for Him; bold and fearless for the Truth on Earth; and they shall be victorious over their enemies.

In Zec.9:13 the Jews were represented as bows and arrows, here they are the Lord's 'battle horse' (Song 1:9). God can make His people, timid as though they were sheep, OR bold and courageous as the charging battle horse.

Prophecy Of The Messiah Zec.10:4-12

Zechariah now looks on to the future, when the Messiah shall come. Do you see Christ in this next verse?

Zechariah 10:4 Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together. (KJV)

Out of him came forth the corner . . . Out of him . . . out of Judah, came the corner-stone, Messiah (Isa.28:16). The tribe of Judah: all strength, counsel and excellence came from that tribe. Messiah supports and binds together the Church, Jews and Gentiles, as does a "cornerstone" in a building.

Out of him the nail . . . the "nail" was a large peg outside an Oriental tent that secured the tent, and also there was a "nail" inside a tent, on which is hung most of its valuables. On Messiah hang all the glory and hope of His people. (Isa.22:23). That "nail" pictures Christ as the One on Whom the Father will hang all His glory. Isaiah 22:22-23 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. 23 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. (KJV) . . . Although this prophecy was directed to Eliakim, Rev.3:7 makes it clear that the final fulfillment will be in Christ Himself. Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; (KJV) . . . He, JESUS, is the One who will become a throne of honor to His Father's House, and only on Him will rest all the glory of His Father's House. My friend, to gain Christ is to gain that which is more precious than anything else in the world (Phil.1:21; 3:7-14; 1 Tim.6:6).

Out of him the battle bow . . . (Zec.9:13). Judah shall not need foreign soldiers. Messiah shall be her battle-bow (Ps.2:9; 45:2-6; 110:5-6; Isa.30:14; Rev.2:27; 19:15-16).

Out of him every oppressor together . . . the thought here is not that every oppressor comes from Judah, but "out of Judah" there shall be One Who shall expel every oppressor.

Matthew 21:42-44 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (KJV)

What kind of a relationship do you have with Jesus? Whatever happens to you, is determined by your relationship to the "Stone." You can fall on it . . . OR . . . it will fall on you. You can come to Him as a sinner (Rom.3:10,23; 1 Jn.1:8,10) and fall upon Him. You can trust Him, and rest upon Him, and you can accept Christ Jesus and receive Him as your Saviour and Lord. BUT . . . IF you reject Him, He will become the "Stone" that will fall on you and grind you to powder. It all lies in your hands!

Jesus the Messiah, is going to be your judge, be you a Jew or a Gentile! But ALL who reject Jesus, be they Jew or Gentile, shall be ground to powder! Daniel spoke of this in chapter 2. Daniel saw in a night vision, "a stone cut out without hands" (Dan.2:19,34,45), which Daniel interpreted to the king. That "Stone" represents the Lord Jesus Christ, and will smite the Earth . . . EVERY government and EVERY person in rebellion against God. Christ Jesus is that kind of a "Stone."

Now not only does Zechariah call Him the cornerstone, but also "out of him the nail." This is an interesting word. Nail is a stake or a peg used to secure a tent to the ground. In the wilderness tabernacle, the Israelites had tent pins which they used to keep the tabernacle from being swept away by the wind. They 'nailed' it down with pins driven deep into the desert sand. Christ is pictured as the nail or tent pin. He is the One who holds things down, safe and secure. Great picture of Him!

Zechariah also presents Christ as the "battle bow," meaning the warrior and conqueror. He is the one who is going to come to this Earth to put down all unrighteousness, and the armies of Heaven are going to follow Him (Rev.19:14). He is going to put down "every oppressor" ALL the false leaders, both religious and political, whom He has called "goats" (Mat.25:31-33,41,46).

Zechariah 10:5 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. (KJV)

And they shall be as mighty men . . . the converted Jews under their captains, shall be strong in faith, and shall be valiant, mighty warriors, taking cities, and beating down all those that oppose them, giving glory to the Messiah. They shall be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. His strength shall be made perfect in their weakness (2 Cor.12:9).

Which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle . . . and as in such cases, they tread upon the conquered as mire in the streets (2 Sam.22:43).

And they shall fight, because the LORD is with them . . . they shall fight bravely and successfully, because the Lord is with them, fighting for them and against all their inward and outward enemies, the good fight of faith, with great valor and courage.

And the riders on horses shall be confounded . . . the character of the Jews' enemies, is that they came with armed men, and a mighty cavalry, as Antiochus and others; but this availed little, for these horsemen were confounded, beaten, or fled away from a beating. When God was with Judah's enemies, they trod down Judah. Now God is reconciled to Judah and fights FOR Judah. Judah shall now succeed against his enemies, as before they did against him. "Riders on horses" . . . the enemy's horsemen. Though the Jews were forbidden by the law to "multiply horses" (Deut.17:16), they are made the Lord's "goodly" war horse (Zec.10:3; Ps.20:7), and so shall tread down the foe with all his cavalry (Eze.38:4; Dan.11:40). Cavalry was the chief strength of the Syro-Grecian army (I Maccabees 3:39).

Zechariah 10:6 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. (KJV)

And I wilt strengthen the house of Judah . . . with both internal and external strength, so they will be able to stand their ground against enemies of every kind.

And I will save the house of Joseph . . . I will save the house of Joseph; the remnant of the kingdom of Israel, the residue of the ten tribes, called the house of Joseph because Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons (Gen.46:20; 48:1), were part of that kingdom.

I will bring them again to place them . . . bring both Judah and Joseph, out of Babylonish captivity, to settle them in their own land, and in their own cities.

For I have mercy upon them . . . God's "MERCY" this is the fountain and source of all the above benefits promised, and those that are mentioned after this: the covenant and its blessings; the mission of Christ, salvation by Him; regeneration, pardon and eternal life! They had not been the people of God, but now they shall be His people. ALL those who had not obtained mercy shall in and through Christ Jesus, obtain it! God is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Pet.3:9), Jew or Gentile . . . BUT the decision is in the hands of the individual! Most disobey God and reject Jesus! (Mat.7:13; 1 Jn.5:10-12).

And they shall be as though I had not cast them off . . . or rejected them from being His people; which was done when the natural branches, the Jews, were broken off, and the Gentiles of the wild olive tree were "graffed in" (Rom.11:17-24). Israel's civil and church state were dissolved, and their city and temple destroyed because of unbelief.

For I am the LORD their God, and will hear them . . . they will pray, and He will hear, for they are His! They will seek Him as their God, and He will save them as His people. He is the Lord their God, in a perpetual covenant, which He will never break. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Zec.8:8).

Zechariah 10:7 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. (KJV)

And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man . . . do you think that the ten tribes got lost? "Ephraim" is one of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Ephraim was always known for its bravery. The ten tribes are NOT lost, just scattered! God knows exactly where they are! "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? - - - " (Hos.11:8). God did NOT give them up, and they are NOT lost! It is by His grace that they have been preserved as a nation. The records of how the Israelites stood against the Syrian conqueror, Antiochus Epiphanes is intriguing. His persecution of these people was horrific. Yet they were able to stand. "They of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man."

For more on Ephraim:
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5793-ephraim
For more on Antiochus Epiphanes:
http://www.ask.com/wiki/Antiochus_IV_Epiphanes

And their heart shall rejoice as through wine . . . they shall be filled with outward and inward, spiritual joy, because the love of God is shed abroad in their heart (Rom.5:5); and because the Gospel of Jesus Christ has a place there. It is only through the blessings of divine grace, that the amazing love of God, which flows out from the Gospel, can make glad the hearts of God's people. All this compares to the effect of wine on a person. Wine: (Ps.104:15; Ecc.9:7; Isa.62:8; Jer.40:12).

And their children shall see it, and be glad . . . see the strength, victory and salvation of their fathers, and the joy they shall possess, and join with them in it, sharing in the same blessings.

Their heart shall rejoice in the Lord . . . the goodness, power, wisdom and faithfulness of Almighty God shall be the reason for all this joy. Many of these people shall indeed rejoice in the Lord, in the Messiah.

Zechariah 10:8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased. (KJV)

I will hiss for them . . . "hiss," 'pssst,' call, whistle, yell for them. The Lord will call for the Jews, and although they are thoroughly scattered, and He will cause them to return. He will call, as a shepherd does, and they, as scattered sheep, shall run with speed back to the flock, away from the danger the shepherd warns about. God had called the Jews enemies this way once, and they came (Isa.5:26; 7:18-19); and His people will come when thus He calls to them.

And gather them . . . bringing them back together again. They shall return. We know that this "gathering" has not yet been fulfilled, because in the very next verse, Zechariah tells of their being scattered again among the nations. Even though there was a great number of Jews in Israel at the time of Christ, the Lord Jesus made it quite clear that Jerusalem would be destroyed (judgment of God), after He had gone. Christ Jesus was crucified about 30 A.D., and in 70 A.D., Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jews were scattered throughout the Roman Empire.

For I have redeemed them . . . the Lord raised Cyrus to do this (2 Chron.36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-2; Isa.44:28; 45:1-4). The Lord bestowed all nations and kingdoms on him, to restore the Jewish exiles, to replant Judah, and to rebuild the city and Temple.

For more on Cyrus: http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4828-cyrus

God gave the Messiah to the Jews to redeem them from sin, Satan, the Law, death, Hell, and every enemy, by His "precious Blood" (1 Pet.1:18-19), and the Sacrifice of Himself when here on Earth (Mat.27:37). When the Jews rejected their Messiah, it brought down on them the holy and righteous wrath of God in horrific judgments: Jerusalem and their Temple being destroyed, and them being scattered.

Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus alone, is the foundation and the effectual calling of any and every sinner! Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus ALONE, shall be the reason of the conversion and re-gathering of the Jews in the latter day; for they, as all people, are a people redeemed and purchased by the blood of Christ (Isa.43:1).

Redemption is the process of buying back, ransoming, recovering something by paying a price; deliverance from the enslavement of sin and release to a new freedom in Jesus Christ
God Is The Author Of Redemption: (Ex.6:6; 15:13; Deut.21:8; 24:18; 2 Sam.7:23; 1 Chron.17:21; Neh.1:10; Job 5:20; Ps.26:11; 31:5; 34:22; 44:26; 69:18; 71:23; 74:2; 77:15; 103:4; 107:2; 111:9; 130:7; 136:24; Isa.1:27; 29:22; 43:1; 44:22; 48:20; 52:9; 63:9; Jer.31:11; Mic.4:10; 6:4; Zec.10:8; Luke 1:68; 2:38; Eph.4:30).
Christ Is The ONLY WAY: (Isa.53:10; Mat.20:28; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:21; Acts 4:10-12; 20:28; Rom.3:24-26; 1 Cor.1:30; 6:20; 7:23; Gal.3:13-14; 4:5; Eph.1:7; Col.1:14,20-22; 1 Tim.2:5-6; Tit.2:14; Heb.9:12,15; 1 Pet.1:18; 2 Pet.2:1; Rev.5:9; 14:3).

They shall increase as they have increased . . . either when in Egypt (Deut.26:5; Ps.105:24), or in the days of Solomon. Their number shall be as the sand of the sea (Hos.1:10). Their nation shall be re-born at once; they shall be multiplied, and not just a few (Ex.1:7; Jer.31:18). The Lord shall make of them "a great nation" (Gen.46:3).

See more on Solomon:
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/13842-solomon

Zechariah 10:9 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. (KJV)

"I will sow them" . . . it might seem impossible to many, that the Jews would increase as thus stated, but God has promised to "sow them," so their increase would be like the increase of rich soil that has much seed cast on it (Jer.31:27; Hos.2:23).

And I will sow them among the people . . . the Lord shall "sow" (plant) the Jews in the Gentile world. This certainly has been fulfilled physically today, but NOT spiritually. But this has to mean the conversion of the Jews in the last days, when they will become the "seed." Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (KJV) . . . The vast majority of Israel today are NOT these! There are just a meager "few" (Mat.7:14) in today's world that find that "narrow way" (JESUS) and walk in it (Col.2:6; 1 Jn.1:7; 2:6; Rev.3:4).

And they shall remember me in far countries . . . among the Gentiles where they are dispersed, and there they would multiply. There they shall think of God, and long for Him, with a desperate desire to return to Jerusalem, and to God's Temple. "In far countries" . . . where ever they were driven, into the farthest parts of the Persian empire.

They shall live with their children . . . although captives and poor, they nor their children shall starve. Their children born to them shall live, and grow up with them; and these young ones shall fill the Earth.

Turn again . . . to God! The Jews who have returned to their land in our day have NOT returned to God. I think this refers to the last days when they finally accept the TRUE Messiah, Jesus! (Zec.12:9-11; Mat.24:30).

Zechariah 10:10 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. (KJV)

I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt . . . I think that Isaiah 11:11 and this Passage refer to the future restoration. (Isa.11:15-16; 19:23-25; 27:13; 52:4).

And gather them out of Assyria . . . some did not come out when most of the Jews left. It seemed they hated to leave. But when God "hisses" (calls) for them, they shall come out.

I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon . . . Gilead was the eastern border of the land of Canaan, and Lebanon was the north border of the land. Both were fruitful and pleasant, and here they are here mentioned as part for the whole. Gilead: http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/6674-gilead
Lebanon: http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/9696-lebanon

And place shall not be found for them . . . the land should be too "strait" for them (Isa.49:20; 54:2-3), it shall not be sufficient for them. This was in part fulfilled according to the historical and literal part, but shall be spiritually fulfilled in the last days. All Israel shall then be converted and saved (Rom.11:26; Ps.53:6), though their number will be as the sand of the sea (Hos.1:10).

Zechariah 10:11 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. (KJV)

And he shall pass through the sea with affliction . . . the Lord shall cause the sea to stop being an obstacle to Israel's return to their land (Isa.11:15-16). Just as Almighty God smote the Red Sea to make a passage for His people (Ex.14:16,21), so too shall He make a way through EVERY possible obstacle which opposes Israel's restoration. Believe this my friend!

And shall smite the waves in the sea . . . the Almighty Lord shall smite the waves, repress all afflictions (which are like the proud waves), not allowing them to proceed further as to hinder His glory and His people's good. Waters: (Ex.14:21-22,27-29; Josh.3:15-17; 2 Ki.2:8,14; Ps.66:10-12; 77:16-20; 114:3,5; Isa.11:15-16; 42:15-16; 43:2; Rev.16:12)

He shall remove ALL obstacles in their way (Isa.11:15); and destroy their enemies, which are like the dangerous waters, that otherwise overwhelm them. This is especially so for the heathen states, at the pouring out of the vials, signified by the sea, and by fountains and rivers (Rev.16:3). Some say the "sea" is a multitude of the people, which certainly could be, because "waters" is a symbol for many people. Waters = people: (Isa.5:30; 8:7-8; 17:12-13; 28:17; Jer.6:23; 47:2; 51:13,42,55; Ps.18:4; 65:7; 93:3-4; Rev.13:1; 17:1,15).

And all the deeps of the river shall dry up . . . I do not think this means the Nile River of Egypt, as some say, but the Euphrates River in the last days (Rev.16:12).

And the pride of Assyria shall be brought down . . . Assyria which has been large and powerful, shall be destroyed; this will be at the passing away of the "second woe;" and shall quickly bring on the "third woe" (Rev.11:14).

And the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away . . . all power and government shall cease, meaning that the kingdom of the Antichrist, the beast of Rome (Rev.17:3), called "Egypt" (Rev.11:8). This will be at the blowing of the "seventh trumpet" (Rev.11:15), on through the pouring out of the seven vials (Rev.16:1,2,3,8,10,12,17; 17:1; 21:9).

Zechariah 10:12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD. (KJV)

And I will strengthen them in the Lord . . . "I will strengthen them" (Zec.10:6). "In the Lord" . . . their God (Hos.1:7). "My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor.12:9). "When I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Cor.12:10). God will strengthen them in the Name of the Lord, meaning the obvious power of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God.

And they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord . . . walk in Christ Jesus, the ONLY Way to the Father, and the ONLY Way to Heaven and eternal life (Jn.14:6). They shall finally walk according to His Gospel, and call on His Name, professing Him as their Redeemer and Saviour, and worshipping Him, and walking according to His will (Mic.4:5-7).

Both this chapter and the preceding one refer to the times of the Messiah in the last days. "They shall walk up and down" . . . "walk" . . . "in His Name" . . . live obedient to Him, continually under His protection, and according to His will. Walking: (Gen.5:22; 6:9; Ps.20:1-2,7; Isa.2:5; Mic.4:2-5; Mat.10:40; Jn.1:12-13; 14:6; 2 Cor.5:7; Gal.2:20; Eph.4:1-3; 5:1-2; Phil.1:27; Col.2:6-7; 3:17; 1 Thes.4:1; 1 Jn.2:6; 5:10-12,20; 2 Jn.1:9; ).

God shall restore His people Zec.10:6-12

This Passage contains precious Promises to the people of God, Jews and Gentiles alike! YES! Zechariah was writing to the Jews! But, IF we Gentiles are wise, we will pay attention to what has done throughout history to the disobedient and rebellious Jews. His holy and righteous wrath came down HARD on them! Beware my friend, if you are in a state of rebellious sin against the Almighty God.

Preaching the Gospel is God's call to souls, ALL souls, Jew and Gentile, to come to Jesus Christ. Only those whom Christ has redeemed by His "precious Blood" (1 Pet.1:18-19) will God gather by His grace. The first "gathering" is the Rapture (1 Thes.4:13-18), which COULD occur at any moment! Are you ready? (Mat.24:44). Are you watching? (Lk.21:36). Are you looking for "the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Tit.2:13).

When I use the term 'Rapture,' I mean the "catching up" of TRUE Christians to meet the Lord in the air, who then shall eventually go to the Heaven with Christ to become settled in their eternal, "reserved" mansions (Jn.14:1-3; 1 Pet.1:4), that He has gone on to prepare for them. Verses referring to the Rapture: (Mat.24:37-42; 1 Cor.15:51-58; 1 Thes.2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 3:4; Jam.5:7-8; Rev.4:1).

God Himself will be their strength, and ours too! When we "submit to God," we can "resist the devil" and overcome our spiritual enemies (Jam.4:7). Our hearts shall then rejoice! As God strengthen us, we must busy ourselves in our 'duties' of the Christian life (Mat.28:19-20). We must be active in God's work or we are disobedient children, and it all must be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus. We must always consider that one day we ALL shall stand before the Great Judge Jesus! (1 Cor.3:10-15).

Book of Zachariah

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