Question 1

What does asking the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain mean?

Accepted Answer

The “latter rain” was the spring rain that finished the growing season and made the harvest possible. When God says to ask Him for rain in that time, He is teaching the people to look to Him for what they need, at the right time, instead of turning to idols or trying to manage life without Him. The rain points to both daily needs, like food, and also to spiritual blessings. God is ready to give, but He wants His people to come to Him in faith and depend on Him.

Question 2

Why are idols and diviners called empty and lying in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the idols spoke “vanity” and the diviners saw a lie and told false dreams. This means that all the promises and messages that came from these false gods and fortune-tellers were useless. They could not bring rain, guide the people, or give real comfort. Because the people trusted them, they ended up troubled and wandering like sheep with no shepherd. The point is simple: only the living God can truly speak, provide, and lead. Everything else that replaces Him lets people down.

Question 3

Who are the shepherds and goats that God is angry with?

Accepted Answer

The “shepherds” are the leaders who were supposed to guide and care for God’s people but instead misled, used, or neglected them. The “goats” points to the proud and harsh rulers who pushed the weak around. God says His anger burned against these leaders and He punished them. At the same time, He visited His flock, the house of Judah, and made them like a fine war horse. This shows that God holds leaders to account and still cares deeply for His people.

Question 4

What is meant by the corner, the nail, and the battle bow coming out of Judah?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that out of Judah will come the corner, the nail, and the battle bow. Picture a building resting on a corner-stone, a tent held by a strong peg, and an army using a bow. These images point to a strong ruler and support coming from God’s people, someone who brings stability, leadership, and victory. Many readers see here a promise pointing forward to the Messiah, who would be the true foundation and leader of God’s people, though the passage does not spell out every detail.

Question 5

How does God promise to restore the house of Judah and the house of Joseph?

Accepted Answer

God says He will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph, which includes the tribes that had been scattered. He will bring them back, have mercy on them, and they will be as if He had not cast them off. He calls them His flock again and promises that they will be like mighty men in battle because He is with them. Their hearts will be glad in the Lord, and even their children will see this and rejoice. This is a picture of full, loving restoration.

Question 6

What does it mean when God says He will hiss for them and gather them?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I will hiss for them,” it is like a shepherd’s sharp call or whistle to gather his sheep. It shows how easily He can call His people back from wherever they are. He says He has redeemed them, so they belong to Him. He will gather them from far countries, even places pictured by Egypt and Assyria, and bring them into their own land. They will increase and be planted among the nations, yet still remember Him and return to Him in their hearts.

Question 7

Why does this passage mention Egypt, Assyria, the sea, and the river depths?

Accepted Answer

Egypt, Assyria, the sea, and the deep river remind the reader of past times when foreign powers and great waters stood between God’s people and freedom. Here God promises to pass through the sea of trouble, strike the waves, dry up the deep river, bring down the pride of Assyria, and remove the rule of Egypt. This shows He is stronger than any nation or obstacle. Just as He once brought Israel out of slavery, He can again clear every barrier to rescue and restore His people.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s character and His people’s response?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is generous, ready to give rain and every good gift, but He wants His people to ask Him and trust Him. He hates empty idols and faithless leaders who harm His flock. He is also full of mercy, saying His people will be as if He had never cast them off. He gathers the scattered, strengthens the weak, and makes them stand and walk in His name. Our response should be to turn from false hopes, pray to Him, and rest in His mercy.

Zechariah 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.

Judah and Israel Will Be Restored

Judah and Israel Will Be Restored

Cross References

Zechariah 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.

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Judah and Israel Will Be Restored

Judah and Israel Will Be Restored

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