Zechariah 10:10

KJV

I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and [place] shall not be found for them.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will bring them again {H7725} also out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and gather {H6908} them out of Assyria {H804}; and I will bring {H935} them into the land {H776} of Gilead {H1568} and Lebanon {H3844}; and place shall not be found {H4672} for them.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will bring them back from the land of Egypt and gather them out of Ashur. I will bring them into Gil'ad and the L'vanon, until there is no more room for them.

Berean Standard Bible

I will bring them back from Egyptand gather them from Assyria.I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanonuntil no more room is found for them.

American Standard Version

I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 10:10 is a powerful prophetic declaration of God's future, comprehensive restoration of His scattered people, Israel. It envisions a grand regathering from the lands of their dispersion, specifically mentioning Egypt and Assyria as representative of all places of exile and oppression. The verse culminates in a promise of return to the fertile and abundant lands of Gilead and Lebanon, signifying not merely a physical homecoming but a demographic explosion so vast that the land itself will be insufficient to contain the multitude, underscoring the boundless nature of God's covenant faithfulness and restorative power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 10 is part of the second major prophetic oracle in the book (chapters 9-14), which shifts from the immediate post-exilic concerns of temple rebuilding to a sweeping vision of Israel's future and the coming of the Messiah. Chapter 10 specifically contrasts the failure of human leaders ("shepherds") with God's own sovereign and compassionate leadership. It begins with a call to seek rain (blessing) from the Lord, not from idols, and then transitions into a series of promises regarding the restoration and strengthening of Judah and Ephraim (representing the unified Israel). Verse 10 builds upon the preceding verses' themes of God's intervention and the defeat of oppressors, providing a concrete image of the promised ingathering that will follow God's judgment on the false shepherds and His vindication of His people. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses (10:11-12) that describe God's mighty acts of deliverance and the ultimate strengthening of His people in Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was delivered to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile in the late 6th century BC. While some had returned, many remained scattered throughout the Persian Empire and beyond. The mention of "Egypt" and "Assyria" is highly significant. Egypt represented the ancient land of Israel's first great oppression and exodus, a foundational event in their national identity. Assyria was the empire responsible for the brutal conquest and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, scattering its inhabitants. By naming these two historical oppressors, Zechariah's prophecy speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's future restoration, implying a gathering from all corners of the earth where His people had been dispersed, echoing the historical memory of both the unified kingdom's experience with Egypt and the divided kingdom's experience with Assyria. Gilead and Lebanon, on the other hand, represent the fertile, desirable, and historically significant regions of the promised land, symbolizing prosperity and abundant life within their rightful inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 10:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration**, emphasizing God's active, sovereign, and deliberate role in reversing the effects of judgment and scattering. The repeated "I will" underscores His initiative and power. This restoration is presented as a **Comprehensive Gathering**, signifying a complete ingathering of all scattered Israel, not just the remnant that returned from Babylon. It points to a future "new exodus" from all places of dispersion, even greater than the original exodus from Egypt, as promised in passages like [Jeremiah 23:7-8](/jeremiah/23-7-8 "Jeremiah 23:7-8 - The New Exodus"). Furthermore, the prophecy highlights the theme of **Abundant Blessing and Growth**. The return to fertile lands like Gilead and Lebanon, coupled with the declaration that "place shall not be found for them," conveys an overwhelming multitude, indicating such a vast population that the land will be overflowing. This signifies immense blessing, flourishing, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding his innumerable descendants (e.g., [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Abraham's Innumerable Descendants")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) signifies "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." In this context, it emphasizes God's active reversal of the exile and scattering, not merely a passive return but a divine act of bringing His people back to their homeland. It implies a restoration to a previous state of blessing or relationship.
* **gather (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** This primitive root (H6908) means "to grasp, i.e. collect; assemble." It highlights the deliberate and comprehensive nature of God's work in bringing together His dispersed people from various locations. It speaks to the unity of the scattered remnant being brought into one place.
* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H4672) means "to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire." In the negative construction "shall not be found for them," it idiomatically conveys the idea of there being insufficient room or space for the immense number of people God will gather, indicating an overwhelming abundance and fulfillment beyond expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria;":** This opening clause establishes God's sovereign initiative ("I will") in the restoration. "Egypt" and "Assyria" function as merisms, representing the two most significant historical oppressors and places of exile for Israel. By mentioning both, the prophecy signifies a complete and universal ingathering of God's people from all corners of the earth where they have been scattered, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the promised return. It echoes the historical pattern of God's deliverance (from Egypt) and promises a reversal of the scattering (by Assyria).
* **"and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon;":** This clause specifies the destination of the regathered people. Gilead, east of the Jordan, and Lebanon, to the north, were renowned for their fertility, rich pastures, and majestic forests. These regions represent desirable, prosperous, and historically significant parts of the Promised Land, symbolizing a return to a place of blessing, abundance, and security within their covenant inheritance. The emphasis is on a full and prosperous re-establishment in their ancestral land.
* **"and [place] shall not be found for them.":** This concluding phrase, often translated as "there will not be room enough for them," is a powerful statement of hyperbole. It conveys the immense scale of the promised ingathering and the subsequent population growth. It signifies that the number of people God restores will be so vast that even the expansive and fertile lands of Gilead and Lebanon will be insufficient to contain them. This underscores the extraordinary nature of God's blessing and the complete fulfillment of His covenant promises to multiply His people beyond measure.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 10:10 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of expansive restoration. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the pairing of "Egypt" and "Assyria." These two nations represent the historical extremes of Israel's oppression and dispersion, with Egypt symbolizing the initial bondage and Assyria the later, comprehensive scattering of the Northern Kingdom. By naming both, the prophet signifies a complete and universal gathering from *all* places of exile, from one end of the earth to the other. Similarly, "Gilead and Lebanon" function as a **Merism** for the entire, fertile, and desirable Promised Land, emphasizing the full restoration to their covenant inheritance. The concluding phrase, "and [place] shall not be found for them," is a striking example of **Hyperbole**. This exaggeration vividly portrays the overwhelming multitude of the restored people, underscoring the boundless nature of God's blessing and the demographic explosion that will accompany their return. The repeated "I will bring them" and "I will gather them" also demonstrates **Anaphora** and **Repetition**, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative and unwavering commitment to His promises, making it clear that this restoration is entirely His doing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 10:10 profoundly articulates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those concerning the restoration and multiplication of His people, Israel. It underscores the divine initiative in redemption, portraying God as the active agent who reverses the consequences of sin and exile. This prophecy extends beyond a mere physical return; it speaks to a spiritual renewal and a demographic flourishing that signifies the comprehensive nature of God's restorative work. The imagery of a land overflowing with people points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, demonstrating God's capacity to bring about His purposes in ways that exceed human expectation or capacity. It is a powerful testament to God's enduring love for His chosen people and His commitment to bring His redemptive plan to its glorious consummation.

* [Jeremiah 31:8](/jeremiah/31-8 "Jeremiah 31:8 - God Gathers from the Ends of the Earth")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from East and West")
* [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - God Gathers Israel from All Lands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 10:10 offers profound hope and assurance for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of restoration, capable of reversing even the most dire circumstances. Just as He promised to gather His scattered people, He is faithful to gather and restore individuals and communities who have experienced brokenness, displacement, or spiritual wandering. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign power and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when our present reality seems bleak or overwhelming. It challenges us to look beyond immediate difficulties to the grand scope of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in a glorious future where His people are not just gathered but flourish in His abundant presence. It also serves as a reminder that God's blessings often exceed our capacity to contain them, inviting us to live with open hands and hearts, ready to receive and share the overflowing grace He provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community do you long for God's restoration, and how does this verse encourage your faith?**
* **How does the promise of God's comprehensive gathering affect your understanding of His faithfulness to His people, both historically and presently?**
* **What does the hyperbole "place shall not be found for them" teach you about the abundance of God's blessings and His ability to exceed all expectations?**

### FAQ

**Does this prophecy refer only to a physical return of Israel, or does it have a broader spiritual meaning?**

Answer: While Zechariah 10:10 certainly has a literal dimension concerning the physical return of the Jewish people to their land, biblical prophecy often operates on multiple levels. The immediate context points to a physical ingathering, but the comprehensive nature of the restoration, the overwhelming abundance, and the subsequent Christ-centered fulfillment suggest a broader spiritual significance. It foreshadows the gathering of all God's people—both Jew and Gentile—into His kingdom, where His blessings are so vast that no "place" (or earthly system) can fully contain them. This spiritual dimension is often seen through the lens of the New Testament, where the "Israel of God" encompasses all who believe in Christ, and the ultimate "land" is God's eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 10:10, while rooted in the historical experience and future hope of Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The "gathering" and "bringing again" of God's people, promised in the Old Testament, are supremely accomplished through Christ's redemptive work. He is the true Shepherd who gathers His scattered flock, not just from Egypt or Assyria, but from every nation, tribe, people, and language ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Jesus Himself speaks of gathering His people, lamenting over Jerusalem, "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")). The promise that "place shall not be found for them" points to the vastness of the Church, the spiritual Israel, which grows to an innumerable multitude through the power of the Gospel ([Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel Is Israel")). Believers, both Jew and Gentile, are brought into the spiritual "Gilead and Lebanon" – the abundant life and spiritual blessings found in Christ, where there is "fullness of joy" ([Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")) and "life more abundant" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")). Ultimately, this prophecy foreshadows the eschatological gathering of all the redeemed into the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence is the ultimate "place" and His people dwell in an eternal, overflowing abundance that no earthly space could ever contain ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Hosea 11:11

They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.

Micah 7:14

¶ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

Zechariah 8:7

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;

Isaiah 27:12

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.

Isaiah 27:13

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

Isaiah 60:22

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.