Zechariah 10:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, rejoicing in this very assurance, they proclaim: ‘Would that the Lord had not been in us, when men would rise up against us: for the living would have consumed us, when their fury would have been angry against us: for the water would have drowned us, the flood would have passed over our soul: for our soul would have passed over unstable water’ (Psalm 123:2-5).

Moreover, just as Israel, who had been oppressed and taken captive by the Assyrians and Medians, successfully escaped the pride and cruelty of their oppressors, so also those redeemed by Christ will conquer both seen and unseen adversaries who have forcibly held them in unwelcome bondage. They shall break free from the tyranny of these foes, strengthened by God, in whom they will find reason to boast; for we find our pride in Christ, regarding Him as our stronghold. In Him, we possess courage and confidence throughout our lives, for ‘not an intercessor, nor an angel, but the Lord Himself shall save’ us (Isaiah 63:9). And as the blessed psalmist declares: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a helper in the afflictions of those who have found us greatly’ (Psalm 45:2).

The Hebrews interpret that the exiled people of Judah were relocated by the Assyrians and Chaldeans to the lands of the Medes and Persians, extending even to the Bosphorus and the northern regions; but, due to Divine mercy, they were partially restored. This expresses that they will cross the narrow sea, the strait of the Propontis, which separates Chalcedon from the ancient Byzantium. The Lord, going before His people, will agitate the waves of the sea, and the depths of the rivers will be troubled, as it occurred after the Jordan was parted (Hab. 3:13, 17) and when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea (Ex. 14:22).

When the people are liberated from the depths of their captivity and their bitter trials, Assyria will be conquered, and the power of Egypt will depart from them. They shall be empowered by the Lord and will walk in His name upon the land of Israel, says the Lord. We have preserved this account in our own language, as received from the Jews, leaving the authenticity of the narrative to the trustworthiness of those who shared it. However, as believers in Christ, we discard the letter that kills and embrace the spirit that gives life. By comparing the spiritual with the spiritual, we do not see here the Bosphorus or the drying up of the sea – the Jewish interpretations of this event are mythical – but we acknowledge the mercy bestowed upon God's faithful servants.

When God precedes us and clears the path, He leads us through a strait or narrow sea, which appears wide for sinners. For the way that leads to destruction is broad, while the path that leads to life is narrow (Matt. 7:13-14). This sea is mentioned in the Psalms: Those who venture into the sea in ships, engaging in diverse waters, have witnessed the works of the Lord and His wonders in the depths (Psalm 106:23-24). In this sea of the present age, marked by trials and a limited number of saints, the Apostles also descended, with Christ the first to rescue us from the bitter depths (Mark 4:36-39).

In this sea is cast the net of the Gospel (Matt. 13:47), crafted from the testimonies of Holy Scripture, seeking to draw forth many who find themselves ensnared in the depths of this world, that they might sing praises to God. These are those who have ventured into the sea and, aboard the vessel of the Church, perform many works and behold the marvelous deeds of God within the depths of His wisdom and understanding, and in the Holy Spirit, who reaches even the depths of God (1 Cor. 2:10). The Lord invites them, saying, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matt. 4:19). Isaiah prophesies similarly of these fishers navigating the sea and boarding ships: They shall soar in the ships of foreign nations, seizing the sea as their prey (Is. 11:14).

In the churches arising from the Gentiles, the Apostles traveled far and wide to reclaim the sea and to liberate that which belonged to the serpent who reigns in this sea, of which it is written: This sea is vast and abundant; it teems with creatures without number, both small and great. Ships navigate within it; it is the serpent whom You created to mock (Psalm 103:25-26). This sea, broad and immeasurable, hosts countless creatures dwelling with the serpent. Those who traverse the waters will hear from the Savior: You will have authority over the forces of the sea; You will subdue the tumult of its waves (Psalm 88:10).

As they navigate the strait of the sea and walk upon its waves, the depths of the river will be confounded, recalling that He who turned the sea into dry land allowed them to cross the river on foot (Psalm 65:6). Thus, the offenses will cease; the pride of the Assyrians will be humbled; the power of Egypt will no longer hold sway over the saints and believers. Those who are saved will be strengthened in the Lord and will proclaim, My strength and my song is the Lord (Psalm 117:14). Once more, I will love You, O Lord, my fortress (Psalm 17:2), and alongside Jeremiah, My fortress, my help, and my refuge, O Lord my God (Jeremiah 16:19).

Consequently, the Apostle, speaking through Christ, asserts: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13). They will not only be empowered in the Lord, but they will also rejoice in Him, declaring: My only glory is in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world (Gal. 6:14). In another passage, it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:31); and let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, nor the strong in his strength, nor the rich in his riches. But let him who boasts, boast that he understands and knows the Lord, and that He executes mercy and justice in the earth (Jer. 9:23-24).

There is no doubt that the original Hebrew phrase, And they shall walk in His name, signifies that Christians will walk in the name of Christ, and their new name will be inscribed on the stones. In the honor of such a great name, they shall walk with the Lord, just as Enoch walked, pleasing God, and was taken up (Gen. 5:24).