And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
And they of Ephraim {H669} shall be like a mighty {H1368} man, and their heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H8055} as through wine {H3196}: yea, their children {H1121} shall see {H7200} it, and be glad {H8055}; their heart {H3820} shall rejoice {H1523} in the LORD {H3068}.
Efrayim's men will be like warriors; their hearts will be cheered as if from wine. Their children will see it and rejoice, their hearts will be glad in ADONAI.
Ephraim will be like a mighty man,and their hearts will be glad as with wine.Their children will see it and be joyful;their hearts will rejoice in the LORD.
And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine; yea, their children shall see it, and rejoice; their heart shall be glad in Jehovah.
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Zechariah 9:15
The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar. -
Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; -
Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; -
John 16:22
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. -
Psalms 104:15
And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart. -
Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. -
Psalms 28:7
The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Zechariah 10:7 offers a vivid prophecy of God's future restoration and empowerment of His people, particularly focusing on the return and revitalization of the scattered northern tribes of Israel, represented by Ephraim.
Context
The Book of Zechariah was written after the Babylonian exile, primarily to encourage the Jewish remnant who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and their national identity. Chapters 9-14 transition from immediate post-exilic concerns to broader, messianic, and eschatological prophecies concerning Israel's ultimate deliverance, the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of God's kingdom. Within this framework, Zechariah 10 speaks of God's intention to gather His scattered flock, promising strength and blessing, culminating in a glorious future.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "mighty man" is gibbor (גִּבּוֹר), often translated as warrior, hero, or strong man. Its use here indicates a profound transformation from weakness to strength, empowered by God. The comparison of joy "as through wine" uses a common metaphor for intense exhilaration, but in this spiritual context, it signifies a joy that is pure, divinely inspired, and without the negative consequences of worldly indulgence.
Practical Application
Zechariah 10:7 offers powerful encouragement for believers today. Just as God promised to restore and empower ancient Israel, He continues to be a source of strength and joy for His people. We can find our true strength not in ourselves, but in the Lord, as Philippians 4:13 affirms. Furthermore, our joy should ultimately be rooted in Him, for the joy of the LORD is our strength. This verse reminds us that genuine faith leads to a deep, abiding joy that can be a powerful testimony, influencing and blessing future generations who witness God's work in our lives.