Zechariah 10:2
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
For the idols speak deceit
The Hebrew word for "idols" here is "teraphim," which often refers to household gods or small idols used in divination. In ancient Israel, these idols were considered a source of false guidance, leading people away from the truth of God. The term "deceit" underscores the falsehood and misleading nature of these idols. Historically, the Israelites were often tempted to turn to idols for guidance, which led them astray from the covenant with Yahweh. This phrase serves as a warning against relying on anything other than God for truth and guidance.

diviners see illusions
"Diviners" refers to those who practice divination, attempting to foresee the future or gain insight through supernatural means. The Hebrew word "qosemim" is used here, which is often associated with pagan practices condemned in the Old Testament. "Illusions" suggests that what these diviners perceive is not reality but a deceptive vision. This highlights the futility and danger of seeking knowledge outside of God's revelation, as it leads to falsehood and confusion.

they relate empty dreams
Dreams in the ancient Near East were often considered a means of divine communication. However, the phrase "empty dreams" indicates that these dreams are void of truth and substance. The Hebrew word "shav" implies vanity or falsehood. This suggests that the dreams shared by these false prophets or diviners are not from God and therefore lack any real value or guidance.

and offer empty comfort
The comfort provided by these false sources is described as "empty," using the same Hebrew root "shav" as before. This indicates that any solace or reassurance they provide is ultimately hollow and unfulfilling. True comfort comes from God, who is described in Scripture as the "God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). This phrase serves as a reminder that only God can provide genuine peace and consolation.

Therefore the people wander like sheep
The imagery of sheep is frequently used in the Bible to describe God's people. Sheep are known for their tendency to stray and their need for a shepherd. The Hebrew word "ta'ah" means to wander or go astray, emphasizing the lost and directionless state of the people without proper guidance. This reflects the spiritual condition of Israel when they turn away from God and His truth.

oppressed for lack of a shepherd
The term "oppressed" suggests a state of suffering or distress. In the absence of a "shepherd," which symbolizes leadership and guidance, the people are vulnerable to harm and exploitation. The Hebrew word "ro'eh" for shepherd is often used to describe leaders, both spiritual and political. This phrase underscores the necessity of godly leadership to guide and protect the people, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who provides perfect guidance and care for His flock.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Idols
Objects or entities worshipped in place of the true God, often leading people astray with false promises and deceit.

2. Diviners
Individuals who claim to predict the future or reveal hidden knowledge through supernatural means, often misleading people with illusions.

3. Sheep
A metaphor for the people of Israel, symbolizing their vulnerability and need for guidance.

4. Shepherd
Represents leaders or guides who are meant to care for and direct the people, but whose absence leads to oppression and wandering.

5. Oppression
The state of being burdened or mistreated, often due to a lack of proper leadership or guidance.
Teaching Points
The Danger of False Guidance
Idols and diviners offer deceitful promises that lead people away from the truth. Believers must discern and reject false teachings.

The Need for True Leadership
Just as sheep need a shepherd, people need godly leaders who provide guidance and care. Pray for and support leaders who follow Christ's example.

The Role of Christ as the Good Shepherd
Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who provides true comfort and guidance. Trust in Him for direction and protection.

The Responsibility of Believers
As followers of Christ, we are called to be discerning and to seek truth in God's Word, avoiding the empty promises of the world.

The Importance of Community
Believers should support one another, ensuring that no one is left wandering or oppressed. Engage in fellowship and mutual care.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify and avoid the deceit of modern-day "idols" and "diviners" in our lives?

2. In what ways can we support and pray for our spiritual leaders to ensure they are effective shepherds?

3. How does understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd impact your daily walk with Him?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not wandering spiritually, but are grounded in truth?

5. How can you contribute to building a supportive and caring community within your church or fellowship group?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 23:1-2
This passage also speaks of the consequences of poor leadership, where shepherds (leaders) fail to care for their flock, leading to scattering and destruction.

Ezekiel 34:5-6
Similar imagery is used to describe the scattered sheep of Israel due to the negligence of their shepherds.

Matthew 9:36
Jesus sees the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, showing His compassion and the need for true guidance.

John 10:11-14
Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, contrasting with false leaders and providing the care and guidance the people need.
The World's OraclesH. Bonar, D. D.Zechariah 10:2
Parable of the RainW. Forsyth Zechariah 10:1, 2
Prayer for Temporal BlessingsW. Forsyth Zechariah 10:1, 2
God in Relation to the Good and the BadD. Thomas Zechariah 10:1-4
People
Joseph, Zechariah
Places
Assyria, Egypt, Gilead, Lebanon, Nile River, Zion
Topics
FALSE, Deceit, Diviners, Dreams, Lack, Lie, Oppressed, Sheep, Shepherd, Speak, Spoken, Teraphim, Vain, Vanity, Visions, Wander
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 10:2

     1409   dream
     1469   visions
     4155   divination
     4185   sorcery and magic
     4684   sheep
     5805   comfort
     5864   futility
     5933   restlessness
     6702   peace, destruction
     7384   household gods
     8126   guidance, need for
     8331   reliability
     8415   encouragement, examples
     8713   discouragement
     9130   future, the

Zechariah 10:2-3

     1220   God, as shepherd
     5802   care
     8492   watchfulness, leaders
     8715   dishonesty, and God

Library
"And we Will --"
The prophet Micah was struck with the energy and devotion of the heathen to their gods. He saw the grip these idols had of their votaries, how no expense was spared, no sacrifice withheld, for the sake of a filthy lie embodied in a stone or golden image. While he listened to the songs of the heathen, his heart warmed as he thought of the greatness of Jehovah, and so he cried out--"All people will walk every one in the name of his God, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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