¶ And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
And they shall be as mighty {H1368} men, which tread down {H947} their enemies in the mire {H2916} of the streets {H2351} in the battle {H4421}: and they shall fight {H3898}, because the LORD {H3068} is with them, and the riders {H7392} on horses {H5483} shall be confounded {H3001}.
They will be like warriors trampling the mud of the streets in battle. They will fight, because ADONAI is with them; they will rout even those on horseback.
They will be like mighty men in battle,trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets.They will fight because the LORD is with them,and they will put the horsemen to shame.
And they shall be as mighty men, treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle; and they shall fight, because Jehovah is with them; and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
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Haggai 2:22
And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. -
Zechariah 9:13
When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man. -
Zechariah 12:8
In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David [shall be] as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. -
Psalms 20:7
Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. -
Zechariah 14:3
Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. -
2 Samuel 22:8
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth. -
Zechariah 12:4
In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.
Zechariah 10:5 KJV is a powerful verse describing the future strength and victory God will grant His people, enabling them to overcome their enemies through His presence.
Context
This verse is situated within a prophecy in Zechariah that looks beyond the immediate post-exilic period to a time of future restoration and blessing for Israel and Judah. Chapter 10 specifically contrasts the futility of relying on idols and false shepherds with the power and deliverance that come from seeking the Lord. God promises to gather His scattered flock and make them strong, like mighty warriors, capable of defeating their adversaries.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "mighty men" translates the Hebrew word gibborim (גִּבֹּרִים), which refers to strong warriors or heroes. This highlights the significant change in the people's status and capability. The phrase "tread down" (רָמְסוּ - ramsu) signifies crushing or trampling, indicating a decisive and overwhelming defeat of the enemy. The word "confounded" (יֵבֹשׁוּ - yeboshu) means to be ashamed, disgraced, or disappointed, emphasizing the utter failure and humiliation of the opposing forces.
Commentary and Application
This verse paints a vivid picture of transformation. The people, previously scattered and vulnerable, are made strong by God. They become like seasoned warriors who not only defeat their enemies but utterly subdue them, treading them down like dirt in the street. The power for this victory is not inherent in the people themselves but is directly attributed to God's presence: "they shall fight, because the LORD is with them." This is the crucial factor. Because God is their ally and source of strength, even the most powerful military assets of the enemy, symbolized by "riders on horses," are rendered ineffective and put to shame. This prophecy provides a powerful message of hope and reliance on God. It teaches us that our strength in facing challenges, whether physical or spiritual, comes not from our own abilities or resources but from the Lord's enabling power. Like the restored people in Zechariah's vision, believers today can find courage and the ability to overcome by trusting that God is with us and will strengthen us. We are called to stand firm and engage in the spiritual battle, knowing that our victory is assured through Him who gives us the victory.
The verse ultimately magnifies God as the true source of power and victory, capable of turning the weak into mighty warriors when they rely on Him.