Zechariah 10:6-12 - Homiletics

The restoration of Israel.

"And I will strengthen the house of Judah," etc. The separate mention in this passage ( Zechariah 10:6 , Zechariah 10:7 ) of Judah, Joseph, and Ephraim, taken together with that of Gilead, Lebanon, Egypt, and Assyria, in Zechariah 10:10 , Zechariah 10:11 , seems an indication that we now have to do especially with Israel "after the flesh." The previous verses spoke of "the times of the Gentiles," and of the great spiritual conquests to be inaugurated amongst the Gentiles during those times by teacher warriors of Jewish birth. "Jerusalem" itself, however, in all the mean time, was to be "trodden down of the Gentiles" ( Luke 21:24 ). What was to happen to it when that long "tribulation" should be over? The present passage seems to reply, teaching us, apparently, that the literal Israel should then be restored

I. THEIR RESTORATION TO FAVOUR . We may notice:

1 . Its reality; as shown by the expressions, "I will strengthen" (comp. Psalms 80:14 , Psalms 80:15 , Psalms 80:17 ); "I will save;" "I have mercy upon them;" "I will hear them" (comp. Psalms 66:18-20 ).

2 . Its universality; as embracing both "Judah" and "Joseph," the two rival and long divided leading families of Jacob (see Isaiah 11:13 , Isaiah 11:14 ; Jeremiah 3:18 ; Ezekiel 37:16 , Ezekiel 37:17 , etc.).

3 . Its completeness. What "Judah" needs, viz. "strengthening," being accomplished for it ; what "Joseph" needs, as having been more heavily punished, viz. "saving," being accomplished for it; and that, in both cases, so effectually as entirely to obliterate the evil past: "They shall be as though I had not cast them off."

4 . Its blessedness. Causing special rejoicing and exhilaration, like that occasioned through "wine."

5 . Its solidity. Causing joy in the "heart" (comp. Psalms 4:7 , and context).

6 . fits permanence. Their "children" sharing in the joy as well as themselves (comp. Isaiah 65:22 , Isaiah 65:23 , "their offspring with them").

II. THEIR RESTORATION ( APPARENTLY ) TO PALESTINE . See, generally, Zechariah 10:6 , "I will bring them again to place them." And observe, more particularly:

1 . The call. They are to be summoned aloud ("I will hiss," comp. Isaiah 5:26 ), as people living afar off; also as people belonging to God, because "redeemed;" as rightly also belonging to that place in which they had formerly "increased" so amazingly; and possibly, once more, as having been long intended for this very destiny, like seed "sown" ( Zechariah 10:9 ) with the ultimate object of reaping a harvest to correspond.

2 . The response. However "far off," however widely dispersed, when that call is given, they will "remember" that voice, and hear it; and, together with their children (see end of Zechariah 10:9 ), prepare to return.

3 . The return. In correspondence with this preparation, they are

4 . The happy result. The strength of their enemies (end of Zechariah 10:11 ) being forever broken, and they themselves being "strengthened in Jehovah," they shall be able to rent the whole land then as fully their own (comp. Genesis 13:14-17 ); they themselves, also, as God's own people, doing everything therein in his Name ( Psalms 67:6 ; Micah 4:5 ; Colossians 3:17 ).

These things may teach us, in conclusion:

1 . To take an ever-increasing interest in Israel ' s lot. Whether right or wrong in our view of details, the general principle is undoubted. The future history of the world, as its past history, turns on the history of Abraham's seed ( Genesis 12:3 , etc.).

2 . To place ever-increasing confidence in Israel ' s God. In whatever circumstances, through whatever vicissitudes, under whatever provocations, how amazingly faithful to his ancient promise ( Romans 11:1 , Romans 11:28 , Romans 11:29 )!