Zechariah 10:1 begins with an invitation and continues with a promise. The intent is to cause the reader’s eyes to focus on God as the author of blessing and deliverance. There are two major aspects to the promise. First, God will shepherd his flock, replacing the false shepherds (10:2–3). The shepherd/flock theme has already been introduced in 9:16 and forms the major theme of chapter 11. Second, God is going to bring about change on behalf of Israel. This change is first of all an internal transformation of a weak, disoriented, captive people to brave, strong, and victorious heroes. The change is also external—deliverance from the power of the enemy.

Verse 1 provides an effective transition from the picture of a vigorous and prosperous people thriving on the produce of fertile soil to …