Zechariah 10:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ask {H7592} ye of the LORD {H3068} rain {H4306} in the time {H6256} of the latter rain {H4456}; so the LORD {H3068} shall make {H6213} bright clouds {H2385}, and give {H5414} them showers {H1653} of rain {H4306}, to every one {H376} grass {H6212} in the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ask ADONAI for rain in the spring, ADONAI who makes the rain clouds; and he will give them showers of rain, grass in the field to each one.

Berean Standard Bible

Ask the LORD for rain in springtime;the LORD makes the storm clouds,and He will give everyone showers of rainand crops in the field.

American Standard Version

Ask ye of Jehovah rain in the time of the latter rain, even of Jehovah that maketh lightnings; and he will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 10:1 is a divine imperative calling the post-exilic community to seek rain from the Lord during the crucial time of the latter rains, rather than from pagan deities or human efforts. It simultaneously declares God's exclusive power and willingness to respond to their prayers by sending abundant showers, ensuring the growth of grass in the fields and thus sustaining their physical well-being and agricultural prosperity, underscoring His sovereignty over creation and His people's dependence on Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 10 stands within a larger section of the book (chapters 9-14) that shifts from earlier visions concerning the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Judah to more eschatological prophecies about the future of Israel and the nations. Chapter 9 speaks of the coming King and the restoration of Judah and Ephraim, while chapter 10 continues this theme of restoration, focusing on God's re-gathering of His people and their deliverance from oppressors. Verse 1, therefore, serves as a foundational call to acknowledge God as the sole source of blessing, both physical (rain) and spiritual (restoration), setting the stage for subsequent promises of divine intervention and leadership. It contrasts sharply with the idolatry and false leadership condemned later in the chapter, reinforcing the necessity of seeking God alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah was written during the Persian period, following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Judah (c. 520-518 BC). The community was rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple under challenging circumstances, facing economic hardship, opposition from surrounding peoples, and spiritual apathy. Agriculture was the bedrock of their economy, and timely rainfall was absolutely critical for survival. Ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Canaanites, often worshipped pagan deities like Baal, who was believed to control rain and fertility. The command to "Ask ye of the LORD rain" directly confronts such syncretistic tendencies and pagan practices, reminding the people that the God of Israel, Yahweh, is the true sovereign over creation and the exclusive provider of all necessities, including the vital "latter rain" (spring rains) essential for the ripening of crops before harvest.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it emphasizes **Divine Dependence**, asserting that God alone is the source of all provision and blessing, directly countering the temptation to rely on idols or human ingenuity. This aligns with the call to trust God found in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord"). Secondly, it highlights the **Efficacy of Prayer**, demonstrating that God desires His people to approach Him with their needs and promises to respond. This resonates with the New Testament teaching to [ask, seek, and knock](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock"). Thirdly, the mention of the "latter rain" carries significant **Symbolic and Eschatological Weight**, often understood as a metaphor for a spiritual outpouring, revival, and the refreshing of God's Spirit, bringing spiritual fruitfulness, as seen in [Joel 2:23](/joel/2-23 "Joel 2:23 - Former and Latter Rain"). Finally, the verse underscores **God's Faithfulness and Sovereignty**, assuring the community that despite their struggles, God remains in control of creation and will provide for those who seek Him in faith, fulfilling His covenant promises to His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ask (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** From H7592, a primitive root meaning to inquire, and by implication, to request or demand. In this context, it is an imperative, a direct command to petition God. It implies an active, intentional turning to the Lord as the sole source of supply, rather than passively waiting or turning to other gods.
* **Latter rain (Hebrew, _malqôwsh'_):** From H4456, referring to the crucial spring rain (typically in April/May) that brought the crops to maturity before harvest. Without this rain, the harvest would fail, leading to famine. Its mention highlights the critical timing and the absolute necessity of God's provision for their agricultural and economic survival.
* **Bright clouds (Hebrew, _chăzîyz'_):** From H2385, meaning a flash of lightning or a thundercloud. This word suggests the powerful and visible manifestation of God's presence and power in bringing the rain. It implies not just a gentle shower, but a strong, undeniable display of divine intervention, signaling the effectiveness of their prayer and God's might.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain;":** This opening clause is a direct, emphatic command (imperative plural) to the people. It specifies the object of their request ("rain") and the timing ("in the time of the latter rain"), which was agriculturally critical. Crucially, it directs their request "of the LORD" (Yahweh), explicitly setting Him apart as the exclusive source of this vital provision, challenging any reliance on pagan deities or human wisdom.
* **"so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.":** This second clause presents God's promised response, contingent on the people's obedient asking. It reiterates "the LORD" as the active agent who "shall make bright clouds" (signifying powerful, rain-bearing storm clouds) and "give them showers of rain." The result is universal provision: "to every one grass in the field," emphasizing the widespread and abundant nature of God's blessing, ensuring sustenance for both humans and livestock through healthy pastures.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 10:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as the verse opens with the direct command "Ask ye," which serves as a forceful call to action and highlights the necessity of human petition in response to divine sovereignty. **Metonymy** is also present in "rain" and "latter rain," which stand not only for literal precipitation but also for the broader concept of divine blessing, provision, and spiritual refreshing. The phrase "bright clouds" (or "flashes of lightning") utilizes **Symbolism**, representing the powerful, visible, and undeniable manifestation of God's presence and active intervention. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: the people's asking of the Lord (cause) leads directly to the Lord's provision of rain (effect), underscoring the efficacy of prayer and God's responsiveness. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the futility of seeking rain from idols (as was common in the region) and the guaranteed provision from the one true God, Yahweh.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 10:1 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It teaches that while God is sovereign and capable of providing without human intervention, He often chooses to work through the prayers of His people, desiring their active participation and trust. The "latter rain" not only signifies physical sustenance but also carries a rich prophetic meaning, often interpreted as a metaphor for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, bringing spiritual revival, refreshing, and fruitfulness to God's people in the latter days. This verse thus serves as a timeless reminder that all true provision, both physical and spiritual, flows exclusively from the Lord, and our humble, dependent asking is the proper posture of faith.

* [James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "James 5:17-18 - Elijah's Prayer for Rain")
* [Deuteronomy 11:13-14](/deuteronomy/11-13-14 "Deuteronomy 11:13-14 - Obedience and Rain")
* [Joel 2:23](/joel/2-23 "Joel 2:23 - Former and Latter Rain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 10:1 serves as a profound and enduring call to radical dependence on God in every aspect of life. In an age where self-reliance, technological solutions, and human ingenuity are often glorified, this verse reminds us that our ultimate source of provision, blessing, and sustenance is not found in our own efforts or in the systems of the world, but solely in the Lord. Just as the ancient Israelites desperately needed physical rain for their crops, we too have vital needs—physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual—that only God can truly meet. This passage challenges us to examine where we place our trust when faced with scarcity, uncertainty, or deep longing. Do we first turn to our own resources, to worldly solutions, or to the God who controls the heavens and the earth? It encourages a posture of humble, persistent prayer, recognizing that God delights in hearing the requests of His children and is faithful to provide according to His perfect will and timing. Furthermore, the spiritual metaphor of the "latter rain" invites us to actively pray for and anticipate fresh outpourings of the Holy Spirit in our lives, churches, and communities, leading to renewed spiritual vitality, growth, and abundant fruitfulness for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rains" (needs or desires) in your life are you currently tempted to seek from sources other than the Lord?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of prayer and God's sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally "ask of the LORD" for both your physical and spiritual needs today?**
* **What might "spiritual latter rain" look like in your personal life or in your community, and how can you pray for it?**

### FAQ
**Why is "latter rain" so important in this verse?**

Answer: The "latter rain" (Hebrew: _malqôwsh_) refers to the crucial spring rains that fell in ancient Israel typically in April or May, just before the harvest. These rains were absolutely vital for swelling the grains and bringing the crops to full maturity. Without them, the harvest would fail, leading to famine and economic devastation. Therefore, the command to "Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain" emphasizes the critical nature of God's timely provision for their very survival and underscores that only He controls the natural processes essential for life in the land. It highlights their complete dependence on His divine intervention for their well-being, contrasting with the pagan belief that deities like Baal controlled such weather patterns. The concept also carries a spiritual metaphor, often linked to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as seen in [Joel 2:23](/joel/2-23 "Joel 2:23 - The Former and Latter Rain").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 10:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the divine source of all provision and the one through whom the spiritual "latter rain" of God's Spirit is poured out. While the immediate context speaks of physical rain for agricultural sustenance, the New Testament reveals Christ as the "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) who quenches spiritual thirst and brings forth eternal life. The promise that "the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain" foreshadows the coming of the Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ after His ascension, beginning at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). This outpouring of the Spirit, the true "latter rain," empowers believers for spiritual fruitfulness and growth, enabling them to live lives that glorify God and bear witness to His truth ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the command to "Ask ye of the LORD rain" becomes a call to ask Christ, our ascended Lord, for the continued refreshing and empowerment of His Spirit, through whom all our needs, both physical and spiritual, are met according to His glorious riches ([Philippians 4:19](/phillipians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply Your Needs")). He is the ultimate provider who ensures that His people, the true "grass in the field," flourish under His divine care.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 7:8

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:18

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Psalms 65:9

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.

Deuteronomy 28:23

And thy heaven that [is] over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee [shall be] iron.