Zechariah 10

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.

Ask ye of the Lord rain, in the due season thereof, even the latter rain for the filling up of the fruits of the earth; so the Lord will, according to his promise, hear you, and give change of weather; causing the clouds to lead in store of rain, such as may plentifully water the earth, that it may yield store of grass in every field.

Zechariah 10:2

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in rain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

It is the Lord, that must help you: as for your idols whereto ye have hitherto trusted, they have vainly deluded you; and your wizards have abused you, in false visions and dreams, and have pretended to give you those comforts which have failed you in the issue: therefore, both they and you were driven into captivity, as a flock of sheep into the fold; and found no protection, but rather much discomfort and misery, because of the want of a shepherd to guide and defend you.

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.

Mine anger was kindled against the false prophets, and wicked rulers of my people; and I punished those rather goats than bell-wethers) which led my flock out of their way: for the Lord of Hosts hath sharply chastised the people of Judah; and hath designed them to hard conflicts, even as some stout horse is made for the day of battle.

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.

From his decree came forth all the plots of the siege: the tents pitched before their walls, the weapons of war which were used in that assault, and every oppressor that offered violence to them, did but execute his just pleasure upon them.

Zechariah 10:5

And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies, &c.

But this sad condition of theirs shall not last always; for the Lord hath determined happy success and victories unto his people: they shall be as mighty men, which tread upon their enemies, &c.

Zechariah 10:8

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

And I will, by the voice of my word, call them together into one Church; for I have redeemed them: and they shall multiply exceedingly.

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.

And I will so dispose of them, that they shall be sent all the world over, for the gathering of my Church; even as the seed is cast into several furrows of the large field, for a more plentiful increase: and they shall publish my Gospel in remote countries; and both they, and the children whom they beget unto the faith, shall live, and turn to their God and Saviour.

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.

And I will gather my Church out of all the coasts under heaven, out of Egypt, and Assyria, and all other countries; and, in type thereof, I will fetch up my people the Jews, from

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.

No seas or rivers shall hinder the propagation of the Gospel; as, in type thereof, when the Jews shall return towards their country, God will rather work miracles for them, than that they shall be hindered in the way: he will again cause the sea to give them passage, and will dry up Jordan before them; and subdue all those their proud enemies of Assyria and Egypt, which had prevailed against them.