Zechariah 10 4

Zechariah 10:4 kjv

Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

Zechariah 10:4 nkjv

From him comes the cornerstone, From him the tent peg, From him the battle bow, From him every ruler together.

Zechariah 10:4 niv

From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.

Zechariah 10:4 esv

From him shall come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler ? all of them together.

Zechariah 10:4 nlt

From Judah will come the cornerstone,
the tent peg,
the bow for battle,
and all the rulers.

Zechariah 10 verses

Zechariah 10 4 Meaning

Zechariah 10:4 prophesies that from God will originate all essential components for the nation's stability, leadership, and defense. These four distinct metaphors—cornerstone, tent peg, battle bow, and ruler—collectively represent a comprehensive divine provision of foundation, security, military power, and governance for His people, particularly pointing towards a singular, divinely appointed leader, ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah.

Zechariah 10 4 Context

Zechariah chapter 10 is part of the prophet's "Burden" concerning the land of Hadrach and Damascus, focusing on the future restoration of Judah and Ephraim. Verses 1-2 highlight the folly of seeking guidance from idols and diviners, which results in false counsel and scattered people due to absent or false shepherds. God expresses anger at these "shepherds" who lead His flock astray. Immediately preceding verse 4, Zechariah 10:3 declares the Lord's visitation of His flock and His intention to make Judah His "majestic steed in battle." This sets the stage for God's direct intervention in providing true leadership and military strength. Therefore, verse 4 describes the very source and nature of this promised, divinely provided leadership, contrasting it with the failing human or pagan alternatives.

Zechariah 10 4 Word analysis

• From him (מִמֶּנּוּ - mimmennû): This prepositional phrase, literally "from him," refers directly back to "the LORD their God" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהָיו - YHWH Elohav) in Zechariah 10:3. It profoundly emphasizes that the source of all these elements – stability, power, and governance – is entirely divine. All true and effective leadership comes not from human strategy or strength, but from God's own will and provision.
• will come (תֵּצֵא - tētṣē'): A future tense verb indicating God's proactive initiative and sovereign determination. This is a promise of what God will bring forth.
• the cornerstone (פִּנָּה - pînnah):
  • Meaning: Literally the crucial stone placed at the corner of a building, binding two walls together. It is essential for the structure's stability, alignment, and foundation.
  • Significance: In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was foundational and vital. Theologically, it often symbolizes Christ as the foundation of God's people and church (e.g., Eph 2:20). It signifies fundamental importance, reliability, and unifying power.
• the tent peg (יָתֵד - yātēd):
  • Meaning: A stake or peg used to secure a tent or, in a broader sense, a strong peg driven into a wall for hanging objects (like a nail).
  • Significance: This term conveys stability, security, and a firm, fixed position. In Isaiah 22:23-24, the "tent peg" (referring to Eliakim, a type of Christ) also symbolizes governmental authority, responsibility, and the place of one who carries much weight. It represents reliability and a point of dependence.
• the battle bow (קֶשֶׁת מִלְחָמָה - qešeth milḥāmāh):
  • Meaning: A weapon used for warfare. The term qešeth (bow) is commonly paired with milḥāmāh (war/battle) for emphasis.
  • Significance: Symbolizes strength, military power, victory, and the capacity to defeat enemies. It indicates that God will provide the means for defense and triumph for His people. This aligns with God being a "man of war" (Ex 15:3) and providing victory for Israel.
• every ruler (נֹגֵשׂ - nōgēs):
  • Meaning: This is a particularly debated word. While nogeś primarily means "taskmaster," "driver," or "oppressor" (e.g., Ex 3:7 for Egyptian taskmasters; Isa 3:12 for unjust rulers), in this context, where these provisions come from God to bless and lead His people after false shepherds, it takes on a more positive or authoritative meaning. Many modern translations render it "ruler," "commander," or "officer." It denotes one who marshals, oversees, or firmly directs the people. It could imply a decisive leader, even a strict one, whose function is to drive God's purposes forward or rally the people.
  • Significance: The nuance here suggests that the leadership God provides will be firm and directive, possibly for the purpose of battle and restoration. It distinguishes this divinely appointed leader from the negligent or exploitative false shepherds, portraying one who is in charge and capable of mobilizing and leading God's people.

Words-group analysis:The sequence of "cornerstone," "tent peg," "battle bow," and "every ruler" describes a comprehensive scope of leadership and divine provision.

• The "cornerstone" and "tent peg" emphasize the foundational stability and unwavering security that God will provide through His appointed leader. They speak of an unshakeable and reliable support.
• The "battle bow" signifies military might and the capacity for victory and protection, assuring that this leader will also be a formidable defender against enemies.
• "Every ruler" (or "commander") encapsulates the overarching authoritative and directive function, completing the picture of a strong, just, and effective government.Taken together, these metaphors depict the Messianic king who provides ultimate foundation, steadfastness, strength, and perfect governance to His people.

Zechariah 10 4 Bonus section

This verse carries strong anti-polemic undertones against the reliance on divination and pagan cults mentioned in Zech 10:2. While false prophets and idols offer empty comfort and mislead, the LORD Himself guarantees direct and tangible provision for every aspect of His people's well-being and future. The choice of specific metaphors—architectural for stability, a household item for security, and a military instrument for defense—shows God addressing core societal and existential needs that Israel might seek from other sources, re-centering the solution firmly in His own person and provision. The "ruler" from Him specifically counters the negative influence of "shepherds" who scatter the flock (Zech 10:3) by promising an agent of righteous oversight.

Zechariah 10 4 Commentary

Zechariah 10:4 presents a profound prophecy regarding the singular source of all necessary provision for God's people: the LORD Himself. This verse assures the Israelites that unlike the corrupt or ineffective human leaders they had known, God would raise up a leader embodying all essential qualities. This divinely appointed figure would be the foundation for stability (cornerstone), the anchor for security (tent peg), the instrument for victory and defense (battle bow), and the ultimate, authoritative guide (ruler/commander). This promise foreshadows the multifaceted role of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills these images as the cornerstone of the church, the stable provider of eternal security, the victor over sin and death, and the sovereign King who rules with perfect authority and justice. The verse powerfully demonstrates God's commitment to shepherd His flock directly through a righteous and capable leader.