1 Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain. The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.
With a lack of faithful leadership, Israel turned to false teachers in Zechariah’s day. The prophet rebuked them for turning to idolatry and false prophets, and this apostasy was the reason the nation did not prosper. The point of chapter 10 is that God will bring fortune to Israel under the Messiah—that is, the eschatological blessing for the nation (Joel 2:28).
10:1
Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain [spring rain].
The LORD is the source of common blessing such as rain. He will give rain on the condition of being asked. The “latter rain” is precipitation that occurs in February and March (Job 29:23). Latter rains ripened the grain, and the early rain of October fructified the seed. The latter rain will come when the Messiah establishes His kingdom on earth for Israel.
“Ask” is a challenge to pray for Israel’s prosperity. This word is a command in the Hebrew. It was permissible under the Old Testament economy to pray for prosperity.
The Lord will make flashing clouds;
“Flashing clouds” refers to copious rain or showers with lightning.
He will give them showers of rain [pouring rain], Grass in the field for everyone.
The idea of “showers of rain” means heavy rain. Abundant rain will produce food for men and cattle. God alone is the source of blessing for Israel.
PRINCIPLE:
The Lord will answer believing prayer.
APPLICATION:
God does not answer prayer that does not trust Him for an answer. Often believers look to other means to solve their problems. Ancient Israel looked to the gimmicks of idols for the solution to her problems (Jer 14:22). Our Lord challenged us to “ask” (Mt 7:7). This is an invitation to ask for a blessing. It will result in spiritual refreshment.
Rain in the immediate context in Zechariah refers to the blessings in the Millennium, when Christ will reign on earth. Spiritual famine will cease when Christ comes to reign on earth. Rain is a symbol of spiritual refreshment (Hos 6:3). Joel 2:28 uses it for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the church.
