Glorious Future for God’s People

¹ Ask the LORD for rain in the spring (latter), for He makes the storm clouds (lightning). And He will send showers of rain, so every field becomes a lush pasture. ² Household gods (teraphim) give worthless advice, fortune-tellers (diviners) predict only lies, and interpreters of dreams (dreamer) pronounce falsehoods (lies) that give no comfort. My people are wandering like lost sheep; they are attacked because they have no shepherd…. ⁶ “I will strengthen Judah and save Israel (also known as Ephraim, who was Joseph’s son); I will restore them because of My compassion (mercy). It will be as though I had never rejected them, for I am the LORD their God, who will hear their cries…. ¹² By My power (in the LORD) I will make My people strong, and by My authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the LORD, have spoken!”  Zechariah 10:1-2, 6, 12, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

In chapter 10, the living LORD God through His servant Zechariah announces the future glory and restoration of His people, Israel and Judah, and the coming Cornerstone and Good Shepherd – the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah). In fact, the prophet Zechariah highlights throughout his prophecy the future glory of God’s people and the coming Messiah-King – the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Zechariah 1:16-17; Zechariah 2:4-5, 10; Zechariah 3:6, 8; Zechariah 4:7; Zechariah 6:9-15; Zechariah 9:9-11). Moreover, most of the Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zephaniah predict the future glory of God’s people and the coming Messiah-King from the offspring of David on His first and second advent (arrival, incarnation) (e.g., see Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-5; Isaiah 53:11; Isaiah 61:1-11; Isaiah 66:10-16; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 29:10-14; Ezekiel 34:24; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Zephaniah 3:15-17; Romans 1:2).

The Good News of God (also known as the Gospel) was promised beforehand by Moses, the Old Testament prophets, and the Psalms regarding the living LORD God’s Son and Messiah-King – the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-17; Luke 24:25-27, 44-47; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:26-27, 32-33; Acts 17:2-3; Romans 1:2-4, 9; Romans 3:21-22; Romans 16:25-26; Galatians 3:8-9; Titus 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:10-11). Because of this coming glory, the prophet Zechariah along with other Old Testament prophets encouraged EVERYONE to humbly worship, seek, and obey the only true and living LORD God of heaven – Yahweh, also known as Jehovah, the LORD of Hosts, Ruler, King of heaven, or the Most High God (Zechariah 10:1; see also Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 Samuel 2:30; Psalm 86:10; Isaiah 43:15; Isaiah 66:1-2; Daniel 4:2, 17, 25, 32, 34, 37; Daniel 4:34-37; Daniel 6:26-27).

The Most High God is the LORD, the God of Israel, and there is no God like Him in heaven above or on earth below because He is the God of gods and the Lord of kings (e.g., see Exodus 9:14; 1 Kings 8:23, 60; Daniel 2:47; 1 Corinthians 8:4). The only true and living LORD God of heaven and earth is the Father of our living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Messiah) (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; John 13:13; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Ephesians 1:3, 17; Ephesians 4:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus Christ are One (e.g., see John 10:30, 38). Only the true and living LORD God and His Son Jesus Christ, who alone gives life and breathe, must be worshipped, praised, and obeyed (e.g., see Exodus 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:14; Deuteronomy 6:13; 1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 10:16; Daniel 5:23; Matthew 4:10; Acts 14:15; Acts 17:27-28; Ephesians 4:5-6; 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6; 1 Timothy 2:5).

The true and living LORD God is great and mighty, and His Kingdom and dominion endure from generation and generation (e.g., see Daniel 2:44; Daniel 4:3, 34; Daniel 6:26). The Most High God of heaven is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth, and He reigns and rules over every ALL the earth (e.g., see Psalm 24:1-2; Isaiah 44:6, 8; Isaiah 66:1-2; Daniel 4:17, 25-26, 32; Daniel 5:21). As the true King and Ruler of earth, only the living LORD God rescues, and He saves (e.g., see Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:10-11; Daniel 6:27). Since the creation of the world, the LORD God’s invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen (e.g., see Romans 1:20).

Thus, the prophet Zechariah proclaimed only the true and living LORD God rides and controls the clouds, and only He sends the spring (latter) rains and former (fall) rains as the true Rainmaker (Zechariah 10:1; see Deuteronomy 28:12; Psalm 104:3, 13-14; Psalm 135:6-7; Jeremiah 51:15-16; Ezekiel 34:26-27). The sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth created and controls the forces of nature and sends rains (e.g., see 1 Kings 8:35-36; Joel 2:23). Only the living LORD God gives showers of rain, plants the fields, brings sunshine, and gives life and fertility (Zechariah 10:1; see also Jeremiah 14:22; Amos 5:8; Matthew 5:45). The living LORD God Almighty controls the world and not humans nor idols (e.g., see Psalm 83:18; Psalm 103:19; Jeremiah 27:4-5; Daniel 4:17). Therefore, Zechariah urged EVERYONE to place their total dependence and trust in the living LORD God for EVERYTHING in their lives as Provider. The living LORD God can ALWAYS be trusted, even during joys and troubles! REPENT, OBEY, and SUBMIT to the Living LORD GOD.

Zechariah reveals how foolish to pursue and trust in idols, money, and false gods for our blessings and security (Zechariah 10:2; see also Isaiah 44:25-26). Often, idols and false gods were used for divination, witchcraft, and sorcerers to bring protection, fertility, and blessing (e.g., see 2 Kings 23:24; Ezekiel 21:21). Diviners were included among false prophets, and they were the occult counterpart to God’s true prophets (e.g., see Jeremiah 27:9-10). The living LORD God expressly forbids seeking and depending upon such idols and false prophets for guidance and information (see Deuteronomy 18:9-14). These gods and idols of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone are hopeless and have no power before the true and living LORD God (Zechariah 10:2; see also 1 Samuel 5:1-5; Isaiah 44:24-25; Jeremiah 10:14-15; Jeremiah 16:19-21)! Even more, NO idol, fortuneteller, magicians, astrologer, lucky charm, false gods, or spiritualist can bring rain clouds and heavenly blessings (e.g., see Jeremiah 14:22). All such worthless idols, false prophets, sorcerers, and psychics are nothing, because they spout nonsense, tell lies, and false dreams (Zechariah 10:2; see also Jeremiah 10:8; Habakkuk 2:18-20; Acts 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:4). These false and phony idols, prophets, and spiritualist are filled with evil deeds, greed, and bad fruit, and they are in allegiance with Satan (see Matthew 7:15-20).

Even worse, such greedy and selfish workers of Satan are scoundrels and thieves that abuse God’s people, and they lead God’s people – the flock – away from the Most High God and His moral commands (e.g., see Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Jeremiah 23:25-30; Ezekiel 34:1-6; John 10:10, 13 ). These evil and false religious leaders run from the flock at the sign of any danger and trouble (Zechariah 10:2; see also John 10:1, 12-13). Moreover, the living LORD God warns EVERYONE to FLEE such false idols and evil shepherds and those that seek to worship mediums, diviners, and sorcery (e.g., see Leviticus 19:26; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 4:25-31; Isaiah 44:9-10; Jeremiah 23:16; Acts 14:15; Acts 17:29; 19:26).

Therefore, the living LORD God declared that His anger burned against these lazy, evil, and egotistical shepherds (Zechariah 10:3; see also Isaiah 56:10-11; Ezekiel 34:7-10). Because of their evil and wickedness, the living LORD God promised to punish these evil leaders – these goats (Zechariah 10:3; see also Isaiah 56:9-12; Jeremiah 23:1-3; Jeremiah 25:34-36; Ezekiel 34:17). Zechariah saw the people with no good shepherds for guidance and protection, and they wandered with no hope (Zechariah 10:2; see also Ezekiel 34:5-6, 8; Matthew 9:36).

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS! The LORD God Almighty through His prophet Zechariah promised He would come and care for His flock, Israel and Judah because He is the Good Shepherd and Savior of His people (Zechariah 10:3; see also Psalm 23:1; Ezekiel 34:10-16, 22). Also, the living LORD God promised to make Israel and Judah strong and glorious like a majestic stallion in battle and restore her fortunes (Zechariah 10:3; see also Joel 2:25; Zephaniah 2:7).

The living LORD God announced He would send His Cornerstone to care and shepherd His people (see Zechariah 10:4). In other words, the living LORD God Himself would visit and save His people through His Cornerstone and Son, Jesus the Messiah (Zechariah 10:4; see also Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 8:8; Isaiah 40:3-5, 9-11; Jeremiah 23:4-6; Ezekiel 34:11-12, 22-24, 31; Matthew 1:21, 23; Luke 1:68, 78; Luke 7:16-17). The living LORD God coming to earth through His Son Jesus is called the “Incarnation.” Many scholars understand Cornerstone, Tent Peg, and Battle Bow as Old Testament titles for the Messiah (Zechariah 10:4; see also Isaiah 22:20-23; Zechariah 9:13). Then, everyone will know that the living LORD God loves and cares for His people (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:30-31; John; 3:15-17).

Truly, Jesus the Messiah is the Cornerstone of God, the long-awaited Offspring of David, and Good Shepherd predicted by the Old Testament prophets from the tribe of Judah (Zechariah 10:4; see also e.g., Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 61:1-11; Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Matthew 1:1, 16-17; Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:4-7; Revelation 22:16). Jesus the Messiah is the sure foundation and precious stone of Zion predicted by the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Isaiah 28:16; Daniel 2:34-35, 45; Matthew 7:24-25; Luke 20:17; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19-22). Even more, Jesus is the Good Shepherd of God that loves, heals, and cares for the flock – God’s people (John 10:11-18; see also e.g., Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:34). Also, Jesus the Messiah is the Gate that leads ALL PEOPLE – Jews and Gentiles – to His loving and gracious Father, the living LORD God (e.g., Matthew 7:13-14: John 10:2, 7; 9-10, 16, 30, 32; 38; John 14:6; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:14-16). He gave His life to protect and save His sheep because He is the battle or military bow that brings peace (Zechariah 9:10; Zechariah 10:4; see also e.g., John 10:11, 17-18; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 10:43). Furthermore, Jesus calls and empowers His followers (disciples) to continue His compassionate work, care for the flock as His shepherds, and live good lives for His Father’s glory (e.g., see Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 9:37-38; Matthew 28:18-20; John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28-31).

With Jesus as the Ruler and Cornerstone, the living LORD God promises that His faithful and obedient people, Israel and Judah, will become mighty warriors and utterly defeat their enemies (Zechariah 10:5; see also Zechariah 9:15). Israel and Judah will be so strong and victorious because the LORD God is with them as they fight, and their enemy is doomed (Zechariah 10:5; see also Psalm 20:7). Moreover, the living LORD God promises that He will strengthen and save His faithful people, Israel and Judah, and restore them because of His great love, mercy, and compassion for His people (Zechariah 10:6, 12; see also Isaiah 14:1; Jeremiah 3:18). Even more, the living LORD God will be with Israel and Judah as though He had never rejected and cast them all away (see Zechariah 10:6). The living LORD God promises to hear cries of His faithful and obedient people and help them whenever they call to Him in prayer (Zechariah 10:6; see also Psalm 34:17-20; Isaiah 58:9-10; Zechariah 13:9).

In the past, the living LORD God punished Israel and Judah because of their many sins, idolatry, falsehood, and wayward hearts (e.g., see 2 Kings 17:7-23; 2 Kings 21:9-16; 2 Kings 22:15-17; 2 Kings 24:20-25:7; Jeremiah 39:1-7; Jeremiah 52:3-11; Daniel 9:11-14; Zechariah 8:13). Zechariah proclaimed that the living LORD God sowed and scattered His people Israel and Judah into faraway lands away from His land Palestine because of their wickedness, idolatry, and evil against Him and His covenant (Zechariah 7:14; Zechariah 10:9; e.g., see also Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:26-27; Deuteronomy 28:36, 64; Deuteronomy 29:28).

In the future, the living LORD God promised FULL restoration, unity, and blessings for His faithful people, Israel and Judah – also known as the remnant (Zechariah 10:6, 10; e.g., see Deuteronomy 30:1-5; Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 14:1-2; Isaiah 60:1-5; Ezekiel 34:25-31; Zechariah 8:7-8, 13; Zechariah 14:11). The united Israel and Judah will be mighty and strong warriors filled with joy and laughter (Zechariah 10:7; see also Jeremiah 31:10-12). The children of Israel and Judah will see the living LORD God’s mercies upon their people’s lives, and their hearts will rejoice with gladness (see Zechariah 10:7). When the living LORD God calls and gathers Israel and Judah, His people will come running (see Zechariah 10:8). The living LORD God promises to redeem Israel and Judah (see Zechariah 10:8). Although the faithful and obedient Israel and Judah may be few or a remnant, the living LORD God promises that His people will prosper and grow beyond measure (Zechariah 10:8; see also Jeremiah 31:10-12; Ezekiel 36:10-11, 37-38; Revelation 7:9). Israel and Judah along with their children will remember the living LORD God and once again wholeheartedly return to Him and His land Palestine that He gave them (Zechariah 10:9; see also 1 Kings 8:47-48; Nehemiah 1:8-9). The living LORD God promises to return His scattered people back from faraway lands and resettle them in His land Palestine (Zechariah 10:10; see also Isaiah 11:11). In fact, the living LORD God declares that His people will be so numerous; there will scarcely be room for all of them (see Zechariah 10:10).

As the Head, the LORD will lead His people safely through the sea of distress and affliction against their enemies, for the waves will be held back, as He did at the Red Sea (Zechariah 10:11; see also Exodus 14:22; Deuteronomy 11:10; Joshua 2:10; Isaiah 11:15). The Nile will become dry and the rule of the foreign nations over God’s people will end (see Zechariah 10:11). The living LORD God Almighty promises He will strengthen His people by His Name so that they will walk wherever they wish (see Zechariah 10:6, 12). Wherever His people go, the living LORD God promises to care and shepherd His people (Zechariah 10:12; see also Psalm 68:7-9; Isaiah 41:8-10).

Some people who read Zechariah and other Old Testament prophecies believe these promises are only for Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem. The proliferation of the Jewish people is one of the LORD God’s covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:17; Genesis 32:12). HERE IS MORE GOOD NEWS! Through personal FAITH and OBEDIENCE in the Lord Jesus Christ, we Gentiles (non-Jews) also receive God’s abundant grace, spiritual blessings, new life, righteousness, forgiveness, and adoption into God’s people – Israel and Judah (e.g., see John 1:12-13; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:22-23; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Romans 1:5-6, 16-17; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:9). In other words, EVERYONE that place their hope and obedient faith in God’s Son Jesus becomes one with God as the true Israel (Jew or Hebrew) and the true children of Abraham (e.g., see Isaiah 56:8; John 10:16; John 17:11; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:6-9, 26-29; Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus Christ unites and joins all faithful believers in Him – Gentiles and Jews – to become God’s people (e.g., see Ephesians 2:15-16, 21; Ephesians 3:6). Believing Gentiles are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief Cornerstone (see Ephesians 2:19-22).  Through FAITH in Jesus Christ, BOTH Jews and Gentiles share all the glorious blessings of the living LORD God! The living LORD God and His Son Jesus is the Shepherd-King of ALL faithful believers of Jesus – Jews and Gentiles.

The living LORD God loves and accepts ALL PEOPLE from every nation who honors Him and does what is right (e.g., see Acts 10:35). We have peace and reconciliation with the living LORD God of heaven through faith in His Son Jesus, who is Lord of all people (e.g., see Acts 2:36; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:11-13; Ephesians 2:17-18).

The living LORD God gave His Son Jesus as a sacrifice for ALL OUR SINS – both Jews and Gentiles – to rescue and save us from Satan and Satan’s present oppression and eternal death so that we might die to sins and live for His goodness (righteousness) (e.g., see Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 20:28; John 1:29, 36; John 3:15-17; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:3-4; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:6-8; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24). Now, we are ALL – both Jew and Gentile – made right and reconciled with the living LORD God through our personal faith and obedience to the LORD God’s dear Son Jesus (e.g., see Romans 3:22; Galatians 2:16). Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be kept in perfect peace and safety (e.g., see Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 12:2; Isaiah 26:3-4; John 16:33; Romans 9:32-33; Romans 10:11; Philippians 4:7).

In summary, all the living LORD God’s works are true and His ways just, and He humbles those who walk in pride (e.g., see Daniel 4:37). However, the living LORD God through His Son Jesus blesses those who wholeheartedly loves Him and humbly obeys His good ways and moral commands (e.g., see Deuteronomy 7:9-15; Deuteronomy 11:13-16; Deuteronomy 28:1; Leviticus 26:3-5; 1 Kings 8:23, 36, 60-61; Nehemiah 9:15; Isaiah 66:2; Daniel 9:4). Sadly, our disobedience, sinfulness, and unfaithfulness to the living LORD God and His good commands bring drought, scarcity, war, defeat, and hungry (e.g., see Deuteronomy 11:13-17; 1 Kings 8:33-40; Isaiah 66:3-6).

Therefore, REPENT and FLEE discord, sexual immorality, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder and SEEK goodness, mercy, and love toward God and others (e.g., see Psalm 41:1-3; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:6-7; Isaiah 58:6-7, 10; Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 12:20-21). Then, you will have a good life and peace (e.g., see Daniel 4:27; Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 13:11-12). The living LORD God loves us and chose us in Christ to be holy, pure, blameless, and without fault in His eyes (e.g., see Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:7).  

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Douglas, J.D. and Tenney, Merrill. NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI:  Zondervan, 1989).