Zechariah 10:2

Arabic 2023 (SAB) (الكتاب الشريف)

تَكْذِبُ الْأَصْنَامُ، وَالَّذِينَ يُمَارِسُونَ الْعِلْمَ بِالْغَيْبِ يَرَوْنَ رُؤًى خَادِعَةً، وَيُخْبِرُونَ بِأَحْلَامٍ كَاذِبَةٍ، وَيُعَزُّونَ بِلَا فَائِدَةٍ. لِذَلِكَ تَفَرَّقَ الشَّعْبُ وَصَارَ ذَلِيلًا كَغَنَمٍ لَا رَاعِيَ لَهَا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Zechariah tells us that idols and fortune-tellers say things that aren't true, leading people to believe in lies and false hopes. It explains that because of this lack of truth and guidance, the people are like a flock without a shepherd, causing them to be troubled.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a toy that tells you it can do magic tricks but actually doesn’t. Then you think your favorite superhero is coming to save you from trouble, but he’s not real either. This verse says something similar happened with people who believed in fake gods and false predictions, which made them feel lost like sheep without their shepherd.

Historical Background

The book of Zechariah was written by the prophet Zechariah around the late sixth century BCE. It addresses the Israelites returning from exile to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. The context reflects a time when people were struggling with false beliefs and needed guidance.

Living It Out Today

In today’s world, this verse reminds us of how easily we can be misled by false promises in advertising or unreliable advice online. Just like those ancient people who sought direction from idols and fortune-tellers, we need to seek truth and guidance from reliable sources.

Topics

• truth
• guidance
• false teachings
• shepherding
• hopelessness
• reliability

Related Verses

• Ezekiel 34:5
• Jeremiah 23:16-17
• Isaiah 44:9-10
• Matthew 9:36
• John 10:11

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Zechariah 10:2?

The verse warns against trusting in false idols and fortune-tellers, emphasizing that such beliefs lead to confusion and a lack of guidance.

How can we avoid being misled by false teachings today?

We should critically evaluate the sources of information we rely on and seek truth through reliable and spiritually grounded methods like studying God’s word.

What does 'sheep without a shepherd' mean in this verse?

It means people are wandering aimlessly because they lack proper guidance, much like sheep would without a shepherd to lead them.

How did the historical context influence Zechariah's prophecy?

Zechariah addressed a time when Israelites returning from exile were facing false beliefs and needed spiritual direction, which shaped his message about the dangers of idolatry.