Zechariah 10
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False shepherds and the Messiah
In verse 2 we see Zechariah note that the people wander like sheep without a shepherd. Why were the people this way? The reason is that those who were to be the leaders and teachers of the people had not done their jobs. Therefore we see in verse 3, “I will punish the leaders.� Jesus made the same conclusions in the first century in Matthew 9:36. Those who were to be the leaders of the people in Jesus’ day were not doing the job and they would be judged for their lack of aid to the people. From the tribe of Judah “shall come the cornerstone,� “the tent peg,� “the battle bow� and “every ruler.� We see this reference used in the New Testament in such places as Ephesians 2:20, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.� Paul reaffirms that it is Jesus Christ that is being spoken of as the cornerstone. Jesus is the tent peg, or nail, upon which all depends. He is the strength and fastens the tent to the ground, giving a sturdy foundation. This presents the image of the Messiah that will be conquering and will not be defeated. This image is further developed in the description, “from him every ruler.� All earthly authority derives its power from Christ (John 19:11). “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God� (Romans 13:1). Verses 10-12 further illustrate this point where we see all the world nations being brought low by the power of God.
Bringing redemption
In verse 8 we are told that the coming Messiah will gather His people in because He has redeemed them. The picture of the Messiah redeeming His people has been something that Zechariah has noted repeatedly. In Zechariah 3 we saw the people removing their filthy clothes and being given rich garments because of the work of the Branch. In chapter 6 we see the Branch working as both king and priest, implying the ability to atone for the sins of those who come to Him. Now, in chapter 10 we are again presented with the fact that the Messiah would have to purchase His people. We are not told how the Messiah would redeem His people in this chapter, but we are given the information with such surety that it is stated in the past tense “for I have redeemed them.� More about this will be revealed in later chapters.
