“My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the goatherds. For the LORD of hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as His royal horse in the battle. From him comes the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together. They shall be like mighty men, who tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle. They shall fight because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be put to shame.” (vv.3-5)
Here in chapter 10 through the prophet Zechariah, God makes His displeasure known concerning His people listening to “Diviners,” those who consulted spirits of idols to predict the future. He warns His people that there is no real help from either idols or their representatives, “they comfort in vain” (v.2). Because of this they are in trouble, and with no true shepherd they will simply follow the lies.
However in our text, God makes a promise to His people through Zechariah to, “visit His flock,” and “make them as His royal horse in the battle.” Meaning, God would transform His people from a flock of sheep to a herd of war horses, ready for battle. All of them shall be like mighty men and defeat their enemies.
Because God was displeased with Israel’s shepherds, He also promises here to raise up the perfect shepherd from Judah and for Judah; the cornerstone (the foundation), the tent peg (the one holding all things together), the battle bow (a strong fighter for good), the leader over every ruler of His people, Jesus.
The Truth: Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.” (Isaiah 28:16)
