Zechariah 10:11

KJV

And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall pass through {H5674} the sea {H3220} with affliction {H6869}, and shall smite {H5221} the waves {H1530} in the sea {H3220}, and all the deeps {H4688} of the river {H2975} shall dry up {H3001}: and the pride {H1347} of Assyria {H804} shall be brought down {H3381}, and the sceptre {H7626} of Egypt {H4714} shall depart away {H5493}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Trouble will pass over the sea and stir up waves in the sea; all the depths of the Nile will be dried up, the pride of Ashur will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will leave.

Berean Standard Bible

They will pass through the sea of distressand strike the waves of the sea;all the depths of the Nile will dry up.The pride of Assyria will be brought down,and the scepter of Egypt will depart.

American Standard Version

And he will pass through the sea of affliction, and will smite the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the Nile shall dry up; and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 10:11 is a powerful prophetic declaration of God's future, dramatic intervention on behalf of His people, echoing the foundational Exodus narrative. It foretells a "new exodus" where God will supernaturally remove all geographical and political obstacles, demonstrating His absolute power over creation and His enemies, specifically the historical oppressors of Assyria and Egypt. This divine act of deliverance and judgment will facilitate the complete restoration and gathering of His scattered people, bringing them securely back to their land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 10 stands within the second major section of the book (chapters 7-14), which transitions from specific visions to broader prophetic oracles concerning Israel's future. Following chapter 9's prophecy of the coming King and the defeat of enemies, chapter 10 shifts focus to the restoration and gathering of Judah and Israel. The chapter begins with a call to seek rain from the Lord, contrasting Him with false idols and shepherds who have led the people astray. Verses 6-12 paint a vivid picture of God's active role in strengthening, redeeming, and bringing His people back from exile. Verse 11 specifically highlights the dramatic means by which this return will be accomplished, serving as a climactic statement of divine power in the process of restoration described throughout the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the Jewish community that had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile (c. 520-518 BC). This post-exilic period was marked by the daunting task of rebuilding the Temple and the city, coupled with internal struggles and external opposition. The memory of the Babylonian exile was fresh, and the earlier Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) centuries prior still loomed large in the collective memory. Egypt, though not a direct oppressor at this immediate time, represented a historical power that had enslaved Israel for centuries. The imagery of passing through the sea and drying up rivers directly invokes the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), a foundational story of God's miraculous deliverance and a deeply ingrained cultural memory for the Israelites. This prophecy would have offered immense encouragement and hope to a people facing hardship and uncertainty, reminding them of God's covenant faithfulness and His ability to overcome any obstacle.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. The most prominent is **Divine Deliverance and Power**, portrayed through the miraculous control over natural elements, reminiscent of the [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Moses Parts the Sea") and the [crossing of the Jordan](/joshua/3-13-17 "Joshua 3:13-17 - The Jordan River Divided"). This signifies a "new exodus," a future gathering of God's people from all lands where they were scattered, as mentioned in [Zechariah 10:8-10](/zechariah/10-8-10 "Zechariah 10:8-10 - God Gathers His People"). Another crucial theme is the **Judgment of Oppressors**. The downfall of "the pride of Assyria" and the departure of "the sceptre of Egypt" symbolize the complete removal of all oppressive powers that had historically afflicted Israel. Assyria had devastated the Northern Kingdom in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - Israel Exiled to Assyria"), and Egypt had enslaved God's people for centuries, as recounted in [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - Israel in Egypt"). Their humiliation signifies God's justice and the end of any power that stands against His divine will. Finally, underlying these acts of deliverance and judgment is the overarching theme of **Restoration and Gathering**, where God ensures the safe return and secure establishment of His people, fulfilling His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pride (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, this word signifies "arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament." It encompasses concepts like excellency, pomp, and swelling. In this context, "the pride of Assyria" refers not just to their haughtiness but also to their power, military might, and imperial glory—all that constituted their perceived invincibility and dominance. Its "bringing down" signifies a complete humbling and dismantling of their formidable strength.
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." It can also mean to beat, kill, or slay. The use of "smite" in relation to the waves evokes a powerful, decisive, and authoritative act of God, mirroring Moses's actions at the Red Sea. It implies a direct, forceful, and destructive blow against the natural elements, rendering them powerless and subservient to divine will.
* **Deeps (Hebrew, _mᵉtsôwlâh'_):** From H4688, this term refers to "a deep place (of water or mud); bottom, depth." When used in conjunction with "the river" (often referring to the Nile, H2975), "the deeps of the river" points to the formidable, uncrossable depths of a major waterway. The drying up of these deeps underscores the completeness of God's control over nature, removing even the most profound natural barriers to His people's passage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall pass through the sea with affliction":** This clause introduces the divine agent ("he," referring to the Lord or His appointed leader empowered by Him) who will miraculously navigate a "sea of distress" or "sea of trouble." The "sea" here symbolizes an immense, seemingly insurmountable obstacle, and the "affliction" highlights the difficulty or danger associated with it, making God's intervention all the more profound. This is a direct allusion to the Exodus, where Israel passed through the Red Sea.
* **"and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up":** This part elaborates on the nature of God's intervention. "Smite the waves" emphasizes a forceful, direct, and authoritative act of divine power over the chaotic and dangerous elements of the sea, rendering them harmless. The subsequent drying up of "all the deeps of the river" (likely the Nile, given the Egyptian context) further underscores God's absolute control over natural barriers, removing any watery impediment to His people's return, just as the Jordan was dried for Joshua's entry into Canaan.
* **"and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away":** This final clause shifts focus from natural obstacles to political and military ones. "The pride of Assyria" represents the formidable power, arrogance, and imperial dominion of a nation that had historically devastated Israel. Its "bringing down" signifies a complete humbling and destruction of its might. Similarly, "the sceptre of Egypt" symbolizes the authority, rule, and oppressive power of Egypt, which will "depart away," indicating the complete removal of its influence and ability to oppress God's people. This signifies God's ultimate judgment against all who oppose His redemptive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 10:11 is rich with literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. **Allusion** is central, as the entire verse powerfully alludes to the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") and the [crossing of the Jordan](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan River"). The imagery of passing through a sea, smiting waves, and drying up a river directly recalls these foundational acts of divine deliverance in Israel's history, signaling a "new exodus" of even greater magnitude. **Symbolism** is also prominent: the "sea" and "river" symbolize insurmountable obstacles and the chaotic forces of opposition, while "Assyria" and "Egypt" symbolize all oppressive worldly powers that stand against God's people. The "pride" and "sceptre" are symbolic of the very essence of their power and authority. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is evident in the structure of the latter half of the verse, where the downfall of Assyria is paralleled with the departure of Egypt's sceptre, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment on all enemies. The language is also highly **Figurative**, painting vivid mental pictures of God's overwhelming power and decisive action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 10:11 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign power, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His ultimate justice. It reveals a God who is not distant but actively intervenes in history to deliver His people and dismantle oppressive systems. The "new exodus" imagery underscores that God's redemptive work is continuous and comprehensive, not limited to past historical events but extending into the future. It teaches that no obstacle, whether natural or political, can thwart God's purposes for His elect. This divine intervention is a testament to His love for His people and His commitment to their full restoration, demonstrating that He is both their mighty deliverer and their righteous judge. The verse also highlights the theme of divine reversal: what was once a source of pride and power for the nations becomes the instrument of their humiliation and downfall at God's command.

* [Isaiah 11:15-16](/isaiah/11-15-16 "Isaiah 11:15-16 - A New Exodus Prophecy")
* [Psalm 74:13-14](/psalm/74-13-14 "Psalm 74:13-14 - God's Power Over the Sea")
* [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 10:11 offers profound encouragement and a robust foundation for faith in the face of daunting challenges. For believers today, this prophecy assures us that our God is not limited by any "sea of affliction" or "deep river" that may stand in our way. Whether these obstacles are personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual battles, the same God who cleared the Red Sea and brought down empires is capable of making a way for us. This verse calls us to place our trust not in human strength or political systems, but in the omnipotent God who judges oppression and faithfully gathers His own. It reminds us that even when the "pride" of worldly powers seems overwhelming, their ultimate downfall is assured by God's decree. Therefore, we are called to persevere with hope, knowing that God is actively working to bring about His purposes of deliverance and restoration, leading His people to a place of ultimate peace and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sea of affliction" or "deep river" might God be calling me to trust Him to pass through or dry up in my life today?**
* **How does the assurance of God's judgment on oppressive powers strengthen my faith when I witness injustice in the world?**
* **In what ways can I participate in God's ongoing work of restoration and gathering, both in my community and globally?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance (like the Exodus) bolster my confidence in His ability to act powerfully in my present circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Is Zechariah 10:11 a literal prophecy of a future physical event, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the language uses vivid physical imagery (sea, waves, river drying up), it is primarily symbolic and prophetic. The "sea" and "river" represent formidable, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, both geographical and political, that God will supernaturally remove to facilitate the return and restoration of His people. Similarly, "Assyria" and "Egypt" symbolize not just those specific historical nations but all oppressive world powers that stand against God's plan for His people. The prophecy speaks to God's ultimate power to clear any path and defeat any enemy for the sake of His redemptive purposes, echoing the historical Exodus but pointing to a future, comprehensive spiritual and physical gathering.

**Who is the "he" who passes through the sea and smites the waves?**

Answer: The "he" refers to the Lord Himself, or a divinely empowered agent acting on His behalf. In the context of Zechariah 10, which speaks of God strengthening and gathering His people, it is most naturally understood as God's direct, sovereign intervention. Just as He acted through Moses to part the Red Sea in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), so too will He act decisively to remove all barriers to the final restoration of His people. This emphasizes God's active and personal involvement in the deliverance of His chosen ones.

**How does this prophecy relate to the New Testament and the Christian faith?**

Answer: Zechariah 10:11, with its "new exodus" theme, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The spiritual obstacles of sin and death, far greater than any physical sea or oppressive empire, were overcome by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. He is the ultimate Deliverer who leads His people out of bondage to sin and into the promised land of eternal life. The judgment on Assyria and Egypt foreshadows Christ's victory over all spiritual powers of darkness and the ultimate downfall of all earthly systems that oppose God's kingdom, as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 10:11, with its powerful imagery of a "new exodus" and the vanquishing of oppressive powers, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the divine "He" who passes through the ultimate "sea of affliction"—the sea of sin, death, and spiritual bondage—not by avoiding it, but by entering into it and conquering it. Just as God "smote the waves" and dried up the river for Israel's physical deliverance, Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, "smote" the power of sin and death, rendering them powerless over those who believe in Him, as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "1 Corinthians 15:55-57 - Victory Over Death"). The "pride of Assyria" and the "sceptre of Egypt" symbolize all the forces of evil and human systems that oppress God's people; these are ultimately brought down by Christ's victory on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His atoning work, Jesus gathers His scattered people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, fulfilling the promise of restoration and bringing them into His eternal kingdom, a spiritual reality that transcends any earthly return to a physical land, as described in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation"). He is the true Shepherd who leads His flock through all trials, ensuring their ultimate and secure dwelling with God.

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

Ezekiel 30:13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Micah 5:5

And this [man] shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Micah 5:6

And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver [us] from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.

Revelation 16:12

¶ And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Zephaniah 2:13

And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, [and] dry like a wilderness.

Isaiah 51:10

[Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?