A buried truth in prophecy beckons believers to rethink deeply held assumptions. Zechariah 8:23 unveils a vision that upends expectations: “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the hem of a Jewish man, saying, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Many believers logically assume these “ten men” are the lost ten tribes of Israel, returning to Judah in the Messianic Age. Yet, the Hebrew text reveals a broader reality. The “ten men” symbolize all nations, as listed in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10), not the Israelite tribes. The Jewish people stand as God’s chosen guides, teaching humanity to reject idolatry and embrace true monotheism, whether the Messiah is Yeshua or some other future figure. This truth challenges believers to start over, unlearn false beliefs, seek Jewish wisdom now, and perhaps become a Ger Toshav or Ger Tzaddik, as God’s knowledge fills the earth through Israel’s light. Let’s dive in…
The Hebrew of Zechariah 8:23 holds the key: ‘asarah anashim mikol leshon hagoyim. The term goyim (nations) typically refers to Gentiles, not Israelites, as seen in Isaiah 42:6 and Genesis 12:3. The phrase mikol leshon (from every language) signals a universal scope, encompassing diverse peoples across the earth. The number “ten” (‘asarah) symbolizes completeness, as in the Ten Commandments or ten plagues, not a literal count. In contrast, the lost ten tribes are called shevatim (tribes) or bnei Yisrael (sons of Israel) in passages like Ezekiel 37:16-22, which explicitly address their regathering. Crucially, the ten tribes are not Gentiles, making the goyim of Zechariah 8:23 a poor fit for them. The prophecy points to the nations, not Israel’s tribes, seeking the Jewish people.
Genesis 10, the Table of Nations, lists 70 peoples descended from Noah’s sons, Shem (26), Ham (30), and Japheth (14), representing all humanity. The number 70 signifies universal completeness, as seen in the 70 bulls offered at Sukkot for the nations (Numbers 29:12-34). The “ten men” in Zechariah 8:23 are a symbolic stand-in for these 70 gentile nations, indicating that representatives from all peoples will seek Israel’s wisdom. This aligns with God’s promise to Abraham that “all the families of the earth” will be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). The connection is clear: Genesis 10 establishes the nations’ origins, and Zechariah 8:23 shows their return to God through Israel, with “ten” representing their totality, not limiting it to the ten tribes as seen through the “Hebrew”, but hidden in the translation.
Many believers hold that the “ten men” are the lost ten tribes, scattered after Assyria’s conquest (2 Kings 17:6) and destined to reunite with Judah (Ezekiel 37:15-22). This view appeals to those expecting Israel’s full restoration. Yet, Zechariah’s context points to a global scope. Verses 20-22 describe “many peoples and strong nations” coming to Jerusalem, echoing Isaiah 2:2-3, where nations stream to Zion to learn God’s ways. The use of goyim and mikol leshon aligns with this universal vision, not a specific Israelite regathering, making the Table of Nations the stronger interpretation. OKAY…even if one favors the ten tribes view, the Jewish people remain the guides, sought out to correctly lead the Nations to God.
The Jewish people are not corrected but exalted as teachers. Zechariah 8:23 shows them guiding the nations to reject avodah zara, idolatry that includes false gods, images, or doctrines compromising God’s oneness (Deuteronomy 6:4: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one”). This role holds whether the Messiah is Yeshua, as some believe, or a future figure, as Jewish tradition expects. If Yeshua is the Messiah, Israel’s restoration (Romans 11:28-29: “They are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable”) draws nations to Jewish wisdom. If a future Messiah comes, nations will seek Israel (Isaiah 60:3). The idea that Jews face judgment for rejecting Yeshua is shattered by prophecy: they are sought out, not condemned.
Believers seeking Jewish wisdom, unfortunately, must start over, unlearning false beliefs that distort God’s oneness. They can expect to learn true monotheism, becoming a “Righteous from the Nations” or a Ger Toshav (a righteous Gentile living in Israel, observing basic laws) or a Ger Tzaddik (a convert equal to the Jewish people). This is not about refining idolatry but abandoning it entirely. Supersessionist notions that others replace Israel are overturned by Isaiah 60:1-3, where nations seek Israel’s light. Believers must confront beliefs that compromise monotheism and turn to the Jewish people for truth.
Why wait for the Messianic Age?
The Jewish people’s light shines now, preserved through Torah and covenant. Believers should study Torah with a rabbi, join and learn synagogue worship, and reject avodah zara above all. Those who continue in avodah zara will be counted as the unrighteous. Conversion to Judaism is a bold step to join God’s covenant people, aligning with Zechariah 8:23 before the nations rush to do so. The door to convert may not stay open. There is nothing wrong with being a Righteous from the Nations, so it may be where you are asked to hold. As the nations seek Israel, they spread God’s knowledge (Isaiah 11:9, Habakkuk 2:14), fulfilling Abraham’s promise (Genesis 12:3). Believers, seek a Jew today. Start over, learn monotheism, become a Ger Toshav or Ger Tzaddik, and let Hashem’s truth shine through you.
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