Zechariah 10:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 10:5 prophesies a future restoration and empowerment of God's people, transforming them into mighty warriors who, by the Lord's presence and strength, will decisively defeat their adversaries. This verse underscores the divine source of their victory, illustrating a complete triumph over formidable opposition and the ultimate shame and confusion of those who stand against them. It is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ability to turn weakness into overwhelming strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 10:5 is nestled within a larger prophetic section (chapters 9-14) that shifts from the immediate post-exilic concerns to a more distant, eschatological vision of Israel's future. Specifically, chapter 10 contrasts the futility of relying on false shepherds and idols (Zechariah 10:2) with the true deliverance and strength that come from the Lord. Verses 3-4 promise that God will raise up leaders from Judah, transforming them into a formidable force. Verse 5 then vividly depicts this transformation and the resulting victory, leading into further promises of gathering and strengthening His people (Zechariah 10:6-7). The chapter emphasizes God's active role in restoring His scattered flock and making them triumphant, directly setting the stage for the ultimate gathering and blessing described in the following verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was delivered to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, a people struggling to rebuild their temple and their national identity amidst internal challenges and external opposition. They were a vulnerable, often disheartened remnant. In the ancient Near East, military strength was paramount, and the imagery of "mighty men" and "riders on horses" would have immediately conveyed significant power and threat. "Treading down in the mire of the streets" was a common, visceral depiction of utter defeat and humiliation, where the vanquished were literally ground into the dirt by the victors. The mention of "riders on horses" specifically highlights a powerful military force, as cavalry was often a decisive factor in ancient battles, making their "confusion" a profound symbol of the enemy's complete disarray and defeat.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 10:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. It highlights the theme of **Divine Empowerment**, where God transforms His seemingly weak and scattered people into formidable warriors, demonstrating that true strength comes from Him, not human might or idolatrous practices (compare [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")). The verse also powerfully illustrates **Decisive Victory and Restoration**, portraying a complete and humiliating defeat of the enemies of God's people, which is a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books concerning Israel's future (e.g., [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - He Will Swallow Up Death Forever")). Central to this is the theme of **God's Enabling Presence**, as the verse explicitly states, "they shall fight, because the LORD is with them." This emphasizes that God's active presence is the ultimate source of their ability to overcome, a truth echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")). Finally, it underscores the **Futility of Opposition Against God's People**, showing that even the most formidable adversaries are ultimately confounded when God fights for His own.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term (H1368) denotes someone powerful, a warrior, or a champion. Its use here signifies a profound transformation of God's people from a state of weakness or vulnerability into a formidable, heroic force. It speaks to a divinely endowed strength, not merely human capability.
* **mire (Hebrew, _ṭîyṭ'_):** This word (H2916) refers to mud or clay, but figuratively, it can represent calamity or something to be swept away. When combined with "tread down," it vividly depicts the utter degradation and complete defeat of the enemies, reduced to something worthless and easily trampled underfoot in the chaos of battle.
* **confounded (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This primitive root (H3001) means to be ashamed, confused, disappointed, or to dry up/wither. In this context, it emphasizes the utter humiliation, disarray, and failure of the enemy forces, particularly the "riders on horses," signifying their complete inability to stand against God's empowered people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle:"** This clause opens with a powerful simile, likening God's people to "mighty men" or seasoned warriors. The imagery of "treading down in the mire of the streets" vividly portrays a decisive, overwhelming, and humiliating defeat of their enemies. It suggests a complete subjugation where the adversaries are not just defeated but utterly crushed and debased, their power and pride reduced to nothing more than dirt underfoot in the public thoroughfares, visible for all to see.
* **"and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them,"** This is the pivotal clause, revealing the source of the promised strength and victory. The ability of God's people to fight and overcome is not attributed to their own inherent military prowess or numerical superiority, but explicitly and solely to the active, empowering presence of "the LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God). This divine companionship guarantees their success, making their engagement in battle a certainty of triumph.
* **"and the riders on horses shall be confounded."** This final clause highlights the extent of the victory. "Riders on horses" represent a formidable and often decisive military force in ancient warfare, symbolizing the most potent and threatening elements of the enemy's army. Yet, even these powerful adversaries will be "confounded"—ashamed, confused, and utterly defeated. Their strength will turn to weakness, their confidence to humiliation, demonstrating that no human power can stand against the Lord and His people when He is with them.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 10:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Simile**, as God's people are described as being "as mighty men," drawing a direct comparison to skilled and powerful warriors. This immediately elevates their status and foreshadows their effectiveness in battle. **Imagery** is richly used, particularly in the vivid description of "tread[ing] down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets." This evokes a strong visual and tactile sense of utter defeat and humiliation, where the enemies are reduced to dirt. The phrase "riders on horses shall be confounded" also uses powerful **Symbolism**, with the horsemen representing the elite and most threatening elements of an opposing army. Their "confusion" symbolizes complete disarray, shame, and ultimate failure. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, setting the initial vulnerability or perceived weakness of God's people against the overwhelming strength and victory they achieve through divine empowerment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 10:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His active role as the Divine Warrior for His people. Theologically, it reinforces the truth that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, and when He is with His people, no foe, no matter how formidable, can prevail. This concept transcends mere physical warfare, speaking to the spiritual battles and challenges believers face. It highlights God's transformative power, taking a seemingly weak or scattered remnant and endowing them with supernatural strength and courage. The verse also subtly foreshadows the eschatological triumph of God's kingdom, where all opposition will ultimately be put to shame before the sovereign rule of the Lord. It teaches a fundamental principle of divine reliance: our ability to overcome comes not from our own might, but from the Lord's empowering presence.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You")
* [Psalm 44:5](/psalms/44-5 "Psalm 44:5 - Through You We Push Down Our Foes")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 10:5 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to faith for believers today. In a world often filled with overwhelming challenges—whether personal struggles, spiritual attacks, or societal pressures—this verse reminds us that our strength and capacity for victory come not from ourselves but from the living God. We are called to recognize that the battles we face are often spiritual in nature, and just as God empowered His people in Zechariah's time, He empowers us through His Spirit. Our confidence should not be in our own abilities, resources, or strategies, but in the unwavering presence of the Lord. When we walk in obedience and trust in Him, even the most formidable "riders on horses"—the seemingly insurmountable obstacles or powerful adversaries—will be "confounded" and put to shame. This verse inspires us to stand firm, engage in the spiritual warfare with courage, and live with the assurance that victory is secured through the Lord who is with us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "riders on horses" or seemingly insurmountable challenges are you facing in your life today?**
* **How does the truth that "the LORD is with them" change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or resources rather than God's empowering presence?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge and lean into the Lord's presence in your daily spiritual battles?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "mighty men" in this verse, and what does it mean that they "tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets"?**

Answer: The "mighty men" refer to God's people, specifically the remnant of Israel and Judah, whom God promises to empower and transform. This is not a description of their inherent strength but a prophetic declaration of the divine might that will be bestowed upon them. "Treading down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets" is a vivid and visceral image of complete and utter defeat. In ancient warfare, to be trodden underfoot in the mud of the streets signified not just a loss, but a humiliating and total subjugation. It means the enemies are utterly vanquished, their power and pride reduced to nothing, publicly shamed and rendered powerless. This imagery emphasizes the decisiveness and overwhelming nature of the victory God grants His people.

**How does the phrase "because the LORD is with them" relate to the victory described?**

Answer: This phrase is the absolute core of the verse and the ultimate explanation for the victory. It explicitly states that the ability of God's people to fight and triumph does not stem from their own military prowess, numbers, or strategic genius, but solely from the active, empowering, and covenantal presence of Yahweh, the Lord. It underscores the theological truth that God is the true source of strength and that His presence guarantees success against all odds. Without His being "with them," their efforts would be futile. It highlights divine enablement as the prerequisite for their overwhelming victory.

**What is the significance of "the riders on horses shall be confounded"?**

Answer: In the ancient world, cavalry (riders on horses) represented an elite, powerful, and often decisive military force. They were typically the shock troops, capable of breaking enemy lines and pursuing fleeing armies. Therefore, for "the riders on horses" to be "confounded" (meaning ashamed, confused, or utterly dismayed) signifies the complete and humiliating defeat of the enemy's most formidable and seemingly invincible assets. It demonstrates that no human power, no matter how impressive or threatening, can stand against the Lord when He fights for His people. Their confusion implies a loss of morale, strategy, and ability, leading to their ultimate downfall.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 10:5 directly prophesied a future military and spiritual triumph for the restored nation of Israel, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ and His church. The "mighty men" who tread down their enemies foreshadow the spiritual authority and victory granted to believers through Christ. Our enemies are not primarily flesh and blood, but spiritual forces of evil (as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). Christ, as the ultimate Divine Warrior, has already "tread down" the ultimate enemies—sin, death, and Satan—through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). The promise "because the LORD is with them" finds its supreme reality in the person of Jesus, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")), and in the indwelling Holy Spirit who empowers believers ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). Through Christ, we are more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Him")), and the "riders on horses"—the forces of darkness and the powers of this world—are indeed "confounded" and ultimately defeated before the triumphant reign of our Lord ([1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ Must Reign Until He Has Put All Enemies Under His Feet")). This verse, therefore, points to the comprehensive victory secured by Christ, empowering His church to participate in His ongoing triumph until all things are subjected to Him.

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

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.