Words of compassion from the Good Shepherd

 Read Zechariah 10.

The prophecy looks forward to a complete and prosperous restoration of Israel.  It will come about after a horrendous fight and the arrival of the Messiah in His second coming.

During those days, people will be looking for help and guidance.  The leaders will be taking the nation away from the LORD with the worship of false gods, lies, false dreams, and "empty consolation" (v.2).  All of those things will prove to be nothing more than "utter nonsense" (v.1).  In response, God will pour out His anger against those who influenced His people into sin.  Why?  Because these are His chosen people and like a good shepherd He "cares for his flock" (v.3).

Verse four gives a fourfold description of the Messiah.
1. The cornerstone
Jesus is the starting point of building one's faith.
2. The tent peg
Jesus is the anchor that holds secure through every circumstance and change in life.
3. The battle bow
Though Israel will fight the enemies, it is God's power that will bring the victory.  Jesus will appear ready to do battle, unleashing "the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (Revelation 19:11-16).
4. The ruler
Jesus, the Prince of Peace will reign from Jerusalem on the throne of David "and the government shall be upon his shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6).
Israel will be victorious coming out of the Great Tribulation "because the LORD is with them" (v.5).

There are four comforting statements here regarding that future restoration of Jews.
1. "I will bring them back." (v.6)
God will do this out of His great compassion for them and will treat the Jews "as though I had not rejected them."
2. "I have redeemed them." (v.8)
The requisite for restoration is redemption.  The nation will repent and be saved by Jesus (Romans 11).
3. "I will bring them home." (v.10)
This is a geographical return for the Jews.  They will enjoy the land God promised to Abraham and his physical descendants "till there is no room for them."
4. "I will make them strong in the LORD." (v.12)
Then, as a godly people, they will walk in obedience to Him.

These last four highlighted statements is God's desire for every person of every nation.  He wants everyone to experience His forgiveness and restoration.  He wants everyone to repent and "come home" to Him.  That is when people find new life and the Holy Spirit's power to live for the LORD.