Zechariah – Chapter 10

Old Testament • 12 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 10 of Zechariah begins: "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the latter season, and the Lord will make snows, and will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the…" Joseph stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 12 verses, two threads run through the text: courage in the face of fear and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Ask ye of the Lord rain in the latter season, and the Lord will make snows, and will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

2For the idols have spoken what was unprofitable, and the diviners have seen a lie, and the dreamers have spoken vanity: they comforted in vain: therefore they were led away as a flock: they shall be afflicted, because they have no shepherd.

3My wrath is kindled against the shepherds, and I will visit upon the buck goats: for the Lord of hosts hath visited his flock, the house of Juda, and hath made them as the horse of his glory in the battle.

4Out of him shall come forth the corner, out of him the pin, out of him the bow of battle, out of him every exacter together.

5And they shall be as mighty men, treading under foot the mire of the ways in battle: and they shall fight, because the Lord is with them, and the riders of horses shall be confounded.

6And I will strengthen the house of Juda, and save the house of Joseph: and I will bring them back again, because I will have mercy on them: and they shall be as they were when I had not cast them off, for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them.

7And they shall be as the valiant men of Ephraim, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: and their children shall see, and shall rejoice, and their heart shall be joyful in the Lord.

8I will whistle for them, and I will gather them together, because I have redeemed them: and I will multiply them as they were multiplied before.

9And I will sow them among peoples: and from afar they shall remember me: and they shall live with their children, and shall return.

10And I will bring them back out of the land of Egypt, and I will gather them from among the Assyrians: and will bring them to the land of Galaad, and Libanus, and place shall not be found for them.

11And he shall pass over the strait of the sea, and shall strike the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the river shall be confounded, and the pride of Assyria shall be humbled, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart.

12I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk in his name, saith the Lord.

Important Verses in Zechariah 10

“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the latter season, and the Lord will make snows, and will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.”

Zechariah 10:1

“And I will strengthen the house of Juda, and save the house of Joseph: and I will bring them back again, because I will have mercy on them: and they shall be as they were when I had not cast them off, for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them.”

Zechariah 10:6

“And I will sow them among peoples: and from afar they shall remember me: and they shall live with their children, and shall return.”

Zechariah 10:9

“I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk in his name, saith the Lord. ”

Zechariah 10:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Zechariah was written with the post-exilic community, and all who would recognize the Messiah's coming in view. Chapter 10 of 14 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Joseph, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the latter season, and the Lord will make snows, and will give them showers of rain, to…" The final verse reads: "I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk in his name, saith the Lord. " In terms of historical background, A contemporary of Haggai, Zechariah encouraged the Temple's rebuilding through eight night visions, then looked far beyond it: a king coming 'humble and riding on a donkey' (9:9), the shepherd sold for thirty pieces of… The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Beginning in 520 BC; later chapters possibly added by his school.

Who Wrote It

The prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah

When It Was Written

Beginning in 520 BC; later chapters possibly added by his school

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of Zechariah 10 presents a concrete episode in the history of messianic visions and the coming king. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the latter season, and the Lord will make snows, and will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field." The passage repeatedly touches on courage in the face of fear.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of messianic visions and the coming king. Zechariah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ's passion (CIC 557). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 854).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

People in This Chapter

Joseph1 mention

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Zechariah Chapter 10 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Gregory the Great and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. Zechariah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ's passion (CIC 557). The passage calls believers to grasp that Behold, your king comes to you, humble and riding on a donkey.

May your reading of Zechariah Chapter 10 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how Behold, your king comes to you, humble and riding on a donkey applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zechariah Chapter 10 about?

Zechariah 10 contains 12 verses. It opens with "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the latter season, and the Lord will make snows, and will give them showers of rain, to…" and closes with "I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk in his name, saith the Lord. ". The book as a whole is prophetic visions and messianic oracles.

What is a key verse in Zechariah 10?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the latter season, and the Lord will make snows, and will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Zechariah Chapter 10?

This chapter mentions Joseph.

Who wrote Zechariah and when?

The prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah. Beginning in 520 BC; later chapters possibly added by his school.

Related Chapters

Deuteronomy 33Shares people and themes with this chapterPsalms 77Shares people and themes with this chapterEzekiel 37Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏Guardian Angel Prayer🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family

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