Zechariah 10:8

I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

I will hiss {H8319} for them, and gather {H6908} them; for I have redeemed {H6299} them: and they shall increase {H7235} as they have increased {H7235}.

"I will whistle for them and gather them, because I have redeemed them; they will be as numerous as they were before;

I will whistle for them to gather,for I have redeemed them;and they will be as numerousas they once were.

I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them; and they shall increase as they have increased.

Zechariah 10:8 presents a powerful image of God's direct and personal intervention in the lives of His people. This verse is part of a larger prophecy detailing the future restoration and blessing of Judah and Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Context

Chapter 10 of Zechariah shifts from the symbolic visions of earlier chapters to a more direct prophetic oracle concerning the future of God's people. It contrasts the destructive influence of false shepherds (corrupt leaders) with the true, divine Shepherd—the Lord Himself. Zechariah calls the people to seek the Lord for rain (blessing) rather than relying on idols. The chapter then moves to prophecies of God's active role in gathering His scattered flock from distant lands, particularly from Assyria and Egypt, and bringing them back to their own land. Verse 8 specifically highlights the means and reason for this miraculous regathering and subsequent prosperity.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Call and Gathering: The phrase "I will hiss for them, and gather them" illustrates God's authoritative and effective summons. Just as a shepherd might whistle to call his flock, God will swiftly and decisively bring His dispersed people back to their homeland. This speaks to His absolute control and intention to restore. This divine initiative is also seen in prophecies like Isaiah 11:12 and Jeremiah 23:3, where God promises to gather His scattered flock.
  • Divine Redemption as a Foundation: The reason given for God's gathering is profound: "for I have redeemed them." This refers to God's past acts of deliverance, most notably the Exodus from Egypt, which established His covenant relationship with Israel. It also foreshadows future redemptions. This redemption is not merely historical but serves as the ongoing basis for God's continued faithfulness and restorative actions towards His people.
  • Promise of Restoration and Increase: The prophecy concludes with "and they shall increase as they have increased." This signifies a return to, and even surpassing of, their former prosperity and population growth. It echoes the promises made to Abraham regarding his descendants becoming a great nation (Genesis 12:2) and recalls the rapid multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt before the Exodus (Genesis 47:27). It’s a promise of abundant blessing and flourishing under God's direct care.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "hiss" is shâraq (שָׁרַק). While in some contexts it can imply scorn or dismay, in this context, it carries the meaning of whistling or piping to summon. It denotes a swift, decisive, and effective call, like a shepherd calling his sheep or a master summoning his servants. It emphasizes the ease and certainty with which God will gather His people.

Practical Application

Zechariah 10:8 offers immense comfort and assurance for believers today. It reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to His people, rooted in His past acts of redemption. Even when scattered, lost, or seemingly forgotten, God knows His own and will actively call and gather them. This verse speaks to His sovereign power to restore what was lost, multiply what was diminished, and faithfully fulfill His promises. It encourages us to trust in God's redemptive power, knowing that He is fully capable of bringing about restoration and abundance in our lives and in the collective body of believers.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 5:26

    And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

  • Isaiah 7:18

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.

  • Jeremiah 33:22

    As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

  • Jeremiah 31:10

    ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.

  • Jeremiah 31:11

    For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.

  • Ezekiel 36:10

    And I will multiply men upon you, all the house of Israel, [even] all of it: and the cities shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded:

  • Ezekiel 36:11

    And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

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