Bible Discussion Thread

Ze.10:1-9 (1 of 2)

"The Latter Rain"

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.

Here we have the reverse of Israel being led forth by the mighty hand of God, who in the former times led them from the fiery furnace that was Egypt. In the latter times it shall be with great mercies from the far corners. 'They shall remember me in far countries', Zechariah assures the people. However in both cases the condition is. "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts."(Ze.1:3)

"Ask ye of theLordrain in the time of the latter rain; so theLordshall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain," (10:1) The early rain was a proof of God who led them by pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. 'Ask ye' of the latter rain stands by the same token as the sign for restoration. Here also God has not diluted his will. 'And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.'

"And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of theLord, and ye shall know that theLordof hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of theLordyour God."(6:14)

vv.3-4

"Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for theLordof hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle./Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

Here the prophet is referring to the shepherds, both kingdoms of the north and of Judah. He intends Assyria and Babylon when he calls them goats. In the book of Daniel the goat signified Greece. (Dan.8:8).