Zechariah 10:1-2

JEHOVAH THE SOURCE OF PROSPERITY, 1, 2.

Zechariah 10:0 is joined closely to Zechariah 9:17, by means of Zechariah 10:1-2. Zechariah 9:17, contains a promise of prosperity in the future, but, while anticipating the glories of the future, the prophet is anxious to transform the present; hence he exhorts his contemporaries to turn even now to Jehovah, the giver of every good and perfect gift.

R.V. gives a more satisfactory translation of Zechariah 10:1: “Ask ye of Jehovah rain in the time of the latter rain, even of Jehovah that maketh lightnings; and he will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.”

Time of the latter rain See on Joel 2:23. These rains are specified because they are indispensable for the proper ripening of the crops.

That maketh lightnings (R.V.) Which are the harbingers of rain. Jehovah is described as the Lord of nature, therefore appeal should be made to him.

Showers of rain Literally, rain of heavy rain; that is, abundant rain (compare Job 37:6). As a result there will be for everyone grass Better, in a more general sense, vegetation; the term includes all the products suitable for man’s diet (Genesis 1:29). Rain is specified as a divine blessing, so as to connect the exhortation with Zechariah 9:17; but as there grain and wine represent prosperity in general, so here rain represents all blessings needed to bring about the prosperity.