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.
[1] {later rain} Cf. # Ho 6:3 Joe 2:23-32 Zec 12:10 There is both a physical and spiritual meaning: Rain as of old will be restored to Palestine, but, also, there will be a mighty effusion of the Spirit upon restored Israel.
10:2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because [there was] no shepherd.
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.
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.
[2] {came} The tense is future: "From him [Judah] shall be the cornerstone # Ex 17:6 ¯ See Note "1Pe 2:8" from him the nail # Isa 22:23,24 from him the battle-bow," etc. The whole scene is of the events which group about the deliverance of the Jews in Palestine in the time of the northern invasion under the "Beast" # Da 7:8 Re 19:20 and "Armageddon," # Re 16:14 19:17 The final deliverance is wholly effected by the return of the Lord # Re 19:11-21 but previously He strengthens the hard-pressed Israelites # Mic 4:13 Zec 9:13- 15 10:5-7 12:2-6 14:14 That there may have been a precursive fulfilment in the Maccabean victories can neither be affirmed nor denied from Scripture.
10:5 And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
10:6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.
10:7 And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
10:8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.
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.
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.
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.
10:12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.
