1 Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.
2 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.
3 [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.
4 Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
5 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.
6 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].
7 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.
8 Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 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.
14 Then I cut asunder mine other staff, [even] Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
15 And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
16 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.
17 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.
Overview of Zechariah Chapter 11
Zechariah Chapter 11 presents a vivid and symbolic depiction of the shepherding of God’s people, the consequences of their disobedience, and the judgment that follows. The chapter is structured around the imagery of shepherds and flocks, illustrating the relationship between God, His people, and the leaders who guide them.
Key Themes
- Shepherding Imagery: The chapter utilizes the metaphor of shepherds to represent leaders and their responsibilities towards the people.
- Judgment and Rejection: It highlights the rejection of God’s appointed leaders and the resulting consequences for the people.
- Divine Sovereignty: The text emphasizes God’s control over the fate of His people and the ultimate judgment upon unfaithful leaders.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verses 1-3: The chapter opens with a call for the destruction of Lebanon, symbolizing the downfall of powerful nations. The imagery of trees being cut down signifies the end of leadership and prosperity.
- Verses 4-6: God instructs Zechariah to act as a shepherd for the flock destined for slaughter. This represents the people of Israel, who are being led astray by corrupt leaders. The phrase “woe to the worthless shepherds” indicates the severe consequences for those who fail to lead righteously.
- Verses 7-11: Zechariah takes on the role of a shepherd and tends to the flock. He symbolizes the true shepherd, contrasting with the worthless shepherds. The breaking of two staffs, Beauty and Bonds, signifies the end of God’s favor and the unity of the people.
- Verses 12-14: Zechariah offers to sell himself for thirty pieces of silver, a foreshadowing of betrayal. The breaking of the staff represents the severing of the covenant between God and His people.
- Verses 15-17: God commands Zechariah to take up the role of a foolish shepherd, representing the false leaders who mislead the people. The description of the foolish shepherd highlights the characteristics of those who neglect their duties and lead the flock astray.
Theological Implications
This chapter underscores the importance of leadership within the community of faith. It serves as a warning against complacency and the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. The chapter also foreshadows the coming of Christ as the ultimate shepherd who will care for His flock, contrasting with the false shepherds of Israel.
Conclusion
Zechariah Chapter 11 is a profound reflection on leadership, judgment, and divine sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of leaders to guide their people faithfully and the dire consequences of failing to do so. The imagery and symbolism used throughout the chapter provide a rich tapestry for understanding God’s relationship with His people and the importance of faithful stewardship.
