Zechariah 10:7

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.

Study Bible

Ephraim will be like a mighty man
Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom of Israel, is often used symbolically for the ten tribes. Historically, Ephraim was a powerful tribe, known for its military prowess. The phrase "like a mighty man" suggests a restoration of strength and valor, indicating a future time when God will empower His people. This imagery connects to prophecies of restoration and victory, such as those found in Isaiah 11:13 and Hosea 1:11, where the divided kingdoms are united and strengthened.

and their hearts will be glad as with wine
Wine in biblical times was a symbol of joy and celebration. The comparison to wine suggests a deep, exuberant joy that comes from divine blessing and restoration. This joy is not superficial but profound, akin to the joy described in Psalm 104:15, where wine is said to gladden the heart. The imagery also points to the Messianic age, where joy and abundance are promised (Amos 9:13-14).

Their children will see it and be joyful
The mention of children highlights the generational impact of God's blessings. It suggests a future where the next generation witnesses and participates in the joy and prosperity of God's restored people. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to future generations, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9. The joy of the children also reflects the peace and security promised in the Messianic kingdom (Isaiah 54:13).

their hearts will rejoice in the LORD
Rejoicing in the LORD signifies a spiritual renewal and a return to covenant faithfulness. This phrase emphasizes that the source of their joy is not merely material prosperity but a restored relationship with God. It echoes the sentiments of Psalm 33:21, where trust in God's holy name brings joy. This rejoicing is a foretaste of the ultimate joy found in the presence of God, as described in Revelation 21:3-4, where God dwells with His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ephraim
Represents the northern kingdom of Israel, often used to symbolize the ten tribes. In this context, it signifies the people of God who will be restored and strengthened.

2. Mighty Man
A metaphor for strength and valor. It indicates the transformation and empowerment of God's people.

3. Hearts Glad as with Wine
Symbolizes joy and celebration. Wine in the Bible often represents abundance and blessing.

4. Children
The next generation who will witness and partake in the joy and blessings of God's restoration.

5. The LORD
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is the source of joy and strength for His people.

Teaching Points

Empowerment through God
Just as Ephraim is likened to a mighty man, believers are empowered by God to overcome challenges and live victoriously.

Joy in the LORD
True joy comes from a relationship with God. Like the joy described as being "glad as with wine," our joy should be rooted in the LORD's presence and promises.

Generational Impact
The joy and strength of one generation can influence and inspire the next. Our faithfulness can lead to blessings for our children.

Restoration and Hope
God's promise of restoration is a source of hope. No matter the current circumstances, God is able to bring renewal and joy.

Rejoicing in God's Promises
We are called to rejoice in the LORD, trusting in His promises and faithfulness, which brings true and lasting joy.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of Ephraim as a "mighty man" encourage you in your personal walk with God?

2. In what ways can you experience the joy described as being "glad as with wine" in your daily life?

3. How can you ensure that your faith and joy in the LORD positively impact the next generation?

4. Reflect on a time when God restored joy in your life. How does this experience relate to the promises in Zechariah 10:7?

5. What practical steps can you take to rejoice in the LORD, even amidst challenging circumstances, as encouraged by this verse?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 40:31
This verse speaks of those who hope in the LORD renewing their strength, similar to the empowerment of Ephraim as a mighty man.

Psalm 104:15
Discusses wine that gladdens the heart, paralleling the joy described in Zechariah 10:7.

Jeremiah 31:13
Talks about turning mourning into joy, which aligns with the transformation of sorrow to rejoicing in Zechariah.

Joel 2:23-24
Describes the restoration and abundance that God promises, akin to the blessings and joy in Zechariah 10:7.

John 15:11
Jesus speaks of His joy being in us, which connects to the joy in the LORD mentioned in Zechariah.