Zechariah 10:10 Commentary and Bible Study

Zechariah uses the figure of the exodus to describe what will happen, but of course the exodus took place centuries before, and will not be repeated in any literal form. He is training us how to think and how to interpret Biblical symbolism. These great events in the history of the nation are figures that God intends us be familiar with, and to make use of in understanding the much greater spiritual events that he will bring to pass when Christ comes. In case we think that all these converts will be brought back to the actual regions of Gilead and Lebanon, he adds that their number will be far too large to be crammed in there literally. These were the lush areas forming part of the land of milk and honey promised to Israel. Some are uncomfortable with this symbolic use of historic events and places. They think that to treat Scripture in this way is dangerous and could open a door to arbitrary, uncontrolled interpretation. But we are not at liberty, for instance, to make the exodus mean anything we like. Scripture itself assigns the meanings of these symbols, and it is not hard for the Christian to take the pivotal experiences of Israel under the old covenant and map them onto the pivotal experiences of the believer under the new covenant.He will pass through this metaphorical sea – the reference is probably to the Lord who in verse 12 is also spoken of in the third person. The Lord is perhaps seen as leading his people. They go through a sea, which consists of affliction. There will be persecution and yet triumph over their enemies. As Moses smote the waters of the Red Sea and the people went through on dry land, so the elect of God will be called and will pass safely into the kingdom of heaven and escape the clutches of the world and of sin. Notice that Zechariah is not speaking of literal nations, for he refers to nations that lay in the past and had ceased to exist. When Christ came into the world, the Jews were in captivity – under the Romans, not the Assyrians. Nevertheless Assyria is a suitable image of a world that holds us as its prisoners before Christ sets us free. All the converts who are saved in the following centuries are brought out of spiritual captivity. Wherever they are in captivity, God will bring them out and deliver them. All over the world men and women are being humbled and called to Christ.When you view the New Testament church historically it is all victory, but if you take a snapshot in any one day is a mixture of trial and victory. Eventually however the persecutors are cast down. We tread on the waves and dry up the river beds. There are afflictions and difficulties and problems, but God will see us through. God will be with us throughout the age.