“…the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow for battle…”
Do you have a left hook?
Boxing moves are not frequently used in my exercise routine, but I know what a left hook is. The left hook is a short, sideways, inside punch which often lands on an opponent’s jaw. Left hooks are a smart move when you can deliver one because the punch generally catches the opponent by surprise.
As Christ-followers, we have a left hook for which the Israelites longed. In our focus chapter for the “Fight Like A Girl” series, we have already studied how Zechariah 10 has revealed three of our battle tactics, The Ask, Acceptance, and Associate.
The fourth tactic is revealed in verse 4, where Zechariah reminds the Israelites of the promised Messiah and the role the Messiah will play in battle. “From Judah will come the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow for battle, and all the rulers” (Zechariah 10:4, NLT).
Jesus is our left hook.
In the New Testament, Paul refers to Christ as our Chief Cornerstone. “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20, NIV). In verse 4, Christ is referred to as a cornerstone and a tent peg; both are examples of grounding, steadiness, and a solid foundation upon which to build.
In theme with the strength for battle, Zechariah refers to the coming Messiah not only as our footing but as our bow for battle. Like an anchor for a boat, the bow and arrow were a core weapon during biblical times.
God continually promises to support us and equip us for battle. God “trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze” (Psalms 18:34, ESV). Here the Psalmist tells us we will be able to utilize our left hook “so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Jesus is our bow for battle, causing our aim to be perfect.
How do we apply Christ as our fourth battle tactic?
ANCHOR
In the book of Hebrews, the author ties the idea of Jesus as our Anchor to the first battle tactic, The Ask.
“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:18-20, NLT
Jesus is the anchor for our souls in the battle, and through him, we are given the authority to boldly go before God with our Ask. We ask for help, and God reminds us of the gift of His Son, Jesus.
Jesus as our anchor or our cornerstone, tent peg, or bow for battle, all are best applied when we see Jesus as the Word of God. (John 1:1) Jesus is our left hook, and when we are tethered to him, we are anchored on his Word. His Word becomes our knockout punch.
- We hear the Word of God, and his truth secures us like a tent peg fastens a tent to the ground. We are stable and secure. (Psalm 62:5-8)
- We meditate on the Word, and our faith is bolstered as we build on the sure foundation of our cornerstone. We will not be shaken because we have built upon the Rock. (2 Samuel 22:29-32)
- We follow the Word’s teachings, and our steps are guided like the precision of a bow. We can then walk freely without fear. (2 Samuel 22:33-37)
Jesus, His Word, as our anchor in the battle, unites the four battle tactics together as a formidable force.
- The Word of God reminds us we can boldly go before God and ask for help. (The Ask, Matthew 7:7, Hebrews 6:18-20)
- His Word teaches us the power of the truth and how He desires us to be honest with ourselves, our situations, and His promises. (Acceptance, Psalm 51: 6, John 8:32)
- His Word reveals to us the power of community and how the gates of hell cannot prevail against His church. (Associate, Matthew 16:18, Galatians 6:2)
- His Word is like a light on the darkest of nights lending wisdom for how we fight and the steps to take until we can move around freely. (Psalm 119:45 & 105, Luke 3:4-6)
Zechariah concludes with results of the battle when we anchor our soul in Jesus, our cornerstone, tent peg, and bow for battle. “I will make them strong in the LORD, and they shall walk in his name, says the LORD” (Zechariah 10:12, NRSV). We will be strengthened even after the battle is over, and we will walk freely in his name.
Freely is my choice of translation after a word study on the Hebrew word “halak” (haw-lak). Halak has a broad meaning and is translated in the NRSV as “they shall walk in his name.” More examples are:
- “And I have made them mighty in Jehovah, And in His name they walk up and down, An affirmation of Jehovah!” YLT
- “By my power I will make my people strong, and by my authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the LORD, have spoken!” NLT
- “I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in his name they will live securely,” declares the LORD.” NIV
“They shall walk up and down” is the most widely used choice for translating halak in this verse. The picture formed is a live image capturing the freedom of motion. The living photograph depicts moving around without the threat of fear.
Our Anchor has a name, and his name is Jesus, and “God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names” (Philippians 2:9, NLT). The power of our freedom is tied to walking “in his name.” John connects the power in Jesus as the source of our freedom. (John 8:36)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” so batten down the hatches of your soul to the anchor of Jesus Christ, our cornerstone, tent peg, and bow for battle and fight. Fight, since God is with you, fight hard for your freedom, your life, and the lives of others. (Galatians 5:1)
Fight on, mighty warrior!
I pray that you are anchored in Him, that His words are continually on your lips, and that you remember to use your left hook of His truth. May your battle be near its end. May you know as you walk in the truth and in the name of Jesus Christ, that freedom is yours to be lived. So be it, in Jesus’ name.
Meditate: In Christ, there is freedom, or Christ be my anchor
Reflect: What image resonates with you most – Jesus as your cornerstone, tent peg, bow for battle, anchor? Ask Jesus to be that for your today. How can one walk freely yet be in the middle of a struggle? How do you need to rely on Christ more as your anchor in the middle of a battle? Out of the four battle tactics – The Ask, Acceptance, Associate, and Anchor, which one do you need to lean into more, and what would that look like?
Rooted: Zechariah 10; Psalm 18; Psalm 119:41-45; Judges 4:17-22 & 5:24
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL – Behind the Title. This is a four-part series based on Zechariah 10. These verses played a significant role in my fight against depression. I share with you the lessons or fighting tactics learned in the blog. In the corresponding podcast, Amy and I will talk about a woman in the Bible who utilized the same tactic. Then, a bonus corresponding podcast episode will be released each week where Amy and I talk with a guest woman who shares their story and how the fighting tactic of the week was beneficial in her life
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(Bible References: NRSV – New Revised Standard Version, NLT – New Living Translation, ESV – English Standard Version, NIV – New International Version, YLT – Youngs Literal Translation)
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