Zechariah 11: Shepherds, Sheep, and a Stark Warning
Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.
Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.
There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
Thus saith the Lord my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.
For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.
And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.
Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.
Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.
And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people.
And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord.
And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.
Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Zechariah 11 delves into a complex prophecy concerning leadership, rejection, and the consequences thereof, offering a sobering reflection on the responsibilities of those in authority and the fate of those who reject divine guidance. This chapter transitions from the glorious visions of the coming King to a stark pronouncement of judgment upon Israel, stemming from the rejection of their King and His teachings. It’s a chapter filled with symbolism, demanding careful consideration to unlock its profound message.
Uncaring Shepherds and Impending Judgment (Zechariah 11:1-6)
Zechariah 11:1-6 sets the stage by highlighting the failure of Israel's leaders, depicted as shepherds who prioritize personal gain over the well-being of their flock. These shepherds, lacking compassion for the people (Zechariah 11:5), are condemned for their self-serving actions. Consequently, the Lord declares, "I will no longer have compassion on the inhabitants of the land" (Zechariah 11:6). This declaration signifies a withdrawal of divine protection and favor, a direct result of the leaders' neglect and exploitation. This serves as a powerful reminder of the accountability that comes with leadership and the devastating consequences of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of those entrusted to one's care.
The Good Shepherd Rejected (Zechariah 11:7-14)
The Lord calls Zechariah to act as a "good shepherd" (Zechariah 11:4), symbolizing God's desire to care for His people. Zechariah shepherds the flock, using two staffs named "Favor" and "Union" (Zechariah 11:7), representing God's grace and the desired unity among His people. However, Zechariah foresees a time when the leadership will reject the Lord's guidance, mirroring the disobedience of their ancestors. The rejection of the "good shepherd" by the leaders, identified as "three shepherds" (possibly representing prophets, priests, and kings) in Zechariah 11:7-8, prophetically points to the Messiah's rejection during His first coming. This rejection leads to the declaration, "I will no longer shepherd you" (Zechariah 11:9), potentially alluding to the "partial hardening" that Romans 11:25 speaks of, which would befall Israel for spurning her Messiah.
The climax of this section arrives when the good shepherd, embodied by Zechariah, requests his wages. The people value him at thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave (Zechariah 11:12-13; see Exodus 21:32). This paltry sum underscores the profound insult and disregard shown to the shepherd. Following God's instruction, Zechariah throws the silver into the house of the LORD, to the potter, symbolizing the worthlessness of this valuation (Zechariah 11:13). This act of rejection foreshadows internal strife and division within Israel (Zechariah 11:14).
This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the New Testament narrative. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's twelve disciples, betrays Him to the chief priests for "thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-16). Overwhelmed by remorse after this act, Judas returns the money and takes his own life (Matthew 27:1-5). The chief priests, unable to use the "blood money" for temple purposes, purchase the potter's field with it (Matthew 27:6-7), fulfilling the prophetic imagery of Zechariah.
The Foolish Shepherd and Impending Doom (Zechariah 11:15-17)
Following his representation of the "good shepherd" (Zechariah 11:4-14), Zechariah is called by God to embody a "foolish shepherd" (Zechariah 11:15). This figure represents a stark contrast to the good shepherd, characterized by ruthlessness and indifference. This so-called shepherd neglects the perishing and abandons the lost, instead, devouring the sheep (Zechariah 11:16). The worthless shepherd is likely a representation of the Antichrist (Zechariah 11:17), whose actions are the antithesis of the good shepherd's compassion and care (see John 10:11-16). Ultimately, the foolish shepherd will be vanquished (Zechariah 11:17), signifying the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Zechariah 11 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the dangers of rejecting God's guidance. It highlights the consequences of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of others and offers a prophetic glimpse into the rejection of the Messiah. The chapter's themes of judgment, rejection, and the contrast between good and foolish leadership resonate throughout Scripture, urging believers to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life. It calls for a commitment to following the example of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for His sheep.
Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.
Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.
There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
Thus saith the Lord my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not.
For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.
And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.
Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.
Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.
And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people.
And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord.
And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord.
Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
Zechariah 11 delves into a complex prophecy concerning leadership, rejection, and the consequences thereof, offering a sobering reflection on the responsibilities of those in authority and the fate of those who reject divine guidance. This chapter transitions from the glorious visions of the coming King to a stark pronouncement of judgment upon Israel, stemming from the rejection of their King and His teachings. It’s a chapter filled with symbolism, demanding careful consideration to unlock its profound message.
Uncaring Shepherds and Impending Judgment (Zechariah 11:1-6)
Zechariah 11:1-6 sets the stage by highlighting the failure of Israel's leaders, depicted as shepherds who prioritize personal gain over the well-being of their flock. These shepherds, lacking compassion for the people (Zechariah 11:5), are condemned for their self-serving actions. Consequently, the Lord declares, "I will no longer have compassion on the inhabitants of the land" (Zechariah 11:6). This declaration signifies a withdrawal of divine protection and favor, a direct result of the leaders' neglect and exploitation. This serves as a powerful reminder of the accountability that comes with leadership and the devastating consequences of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of those entrusted to one's care.
The Good Shepherd Rejected (Zechariah 11:7-14)
The Lord calls Zechariah to act as a "good shepherd" (Zechariah 11:4), symbolizing God's desire to care for His people. Zechariah shepherds the flock, using two staffs named "Favor" and "Union" (Zechariah 11:7), representing God's grace and the desired unity among His people. However, Zechariah foresees a time when the leadership will reject the Lord's guidance, mirroring the disobedience of their ancestors. The rejection of the "good shepherd" by the leaders, identified as "three shepherds" (possibly representing prophets, priests, and kings) in Zechariah 11:7-8, prophetically points to the Messiah's rejection during His first coming. This rejection leads to the declaration, "I will no longer shepherd you" (Zechariah 11:9), potentially alluding to the "partial hardening" that Romans 11:25 speaks of, which would befall Israel for spurning her Messiah.
The climax of this section arrives when the good shepherd, embodied by Zechariah, requests his wages. The people value him at thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave (Zechariah 11:12-13; see Exodus 21:32). This paltry sum underscores the profound insult and disregard shown to the shepherd. Following God's instruction, Zechariah throws the silver into the house of the LORD, to the potter, symbolizing the worthlessness of this valuation (Zechariah 11:13). This act of rejection foreshadows internal strife and division within Israel (Zechariah 11:14).
This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the New Testament narrative. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's twelve disciples, betrays Him to the chief priests for "thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-16). Overwhelmed by remorse after this act, Judas returns the money and takes his own life (Matthew 27:1-5). The chief priests, unable to use the "blood money" for temple purposes, purchase the potter's field with it (Matthew 27:6-7), fulfilling the prophetic imagery of Zechariah.
The Foolish Shepherd and Impending Doom (Zechariah 11:15-17)
Following his representation of the "good shepherd" (Zechariah 11:4-14), Zechariah is called by God to embody a "foolish shepherd" (Zechariah 11:15). This figure represents a stark contrast to the good shepherd, characterized by ruthlessness and indifference. This so-called shepherd neglects the perishing and abandons the lost, instead, devouring the sheep (Zechariah 11:16). The worthless shepherd is likely a representation of the Antichrist (Zechariah 11:17), whose actions are the antithesis of the good shepherd's compassion and care (see John 10:11-16). Ultimately, the foolish shepherd will be vanquished (Zechariah 11:17), signifying the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Zechariah 11 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the dangers of rejecting God's guidance. It highlights the consequences of prioritizing self-interest over the needs of others and offers a prophetic glimpse into the rejection of the Messiah. The chapter's themes of judgment, rejection, and the contrast between good and foolish leadership resonate throughout Scripture, urging believers to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life. It calls for a commitment to following the example of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for His sheep.