Welcome to the next Bible Study of the book of Zechariah, Chapter 11:

Verse 1: “Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.”

This verse symbolizes the beginning of destruction. Lebanon’s cedars represented strength and beauty, being a source of timber for the temple. The request to open the doors suggests that the protection of these strongholds is gone. This signifies impending judgment on Israel, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance.

Verse 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.”

Here, the mourning of the trees indicates a loss of strength and status. The mighty falling represents leaders or individuals who once had power but are now subject to ruin. This is a reminder of the transient nature of worldly power without GOD’S guidance, even the mightiest can fall.

Verse 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.”

The shepherds symbolize leaders and, perhaps, spiritual leaders. Their howling indicates lamentation over lost glory. This verse speaks to the loss of GOD’S favor and the consequences of poor leadership, which affects not just the leaders but the people they guide.

Verse 4: “Thus saith the LORD my GOD; Feed the flock of the slaughter.”

GOD commands the caring for the flock, which signifies the people of Israel. The “flock of the slaughter” indicates vulnerability and the impending destruction that awaits them. This call to tend to the flock illustrates GOD’S desire for His leaders to protect and nurture His people.

Verse 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.”

This verse highlights betrayal and exploitation. The possessors who slay the flock represent those who benefit from others’ suffering without remorse. It reflects the moral decay within leadership where true compassion is absent, and greed prevails. This elicits a response for us to reflect on how we treat others.

Verse 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 neighbor’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.”

GOD’S withdrawal of pity shows the seriousness of the situation. The inhabitants will face consequences for their actions, indicating that divine patience has limits. This portrays GOD as just and emphasizes the importance of accountability.

Verse 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.”

There is hope for the poor of the flock the humble and marginalized. The two staves symbolize GOD’S care: “Beauty” may represent grace and favor, while “Bands” signifies unity. This verse reassures us that GOD remains invested in those who are downtrodden.

Verse 8: “Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.”

The cutting off of three shepherds indicates swift and decisive judgment against corrupt leaders. GOD’S loathing reflects His intolerance for injustice and the gravity of the sin of poor leadership. This underscores our responsibility as leaders, whether in ministry or daily life.

Verse 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.”

This depicts a situation of abandonment, where GOD stops nourishing those who are unworthy. It highlights a grim reality where without divine guidance, humanity turns against itself. Spiritually, it calls us to value our intimate relationship with GOD and not to take His provision for granted.

Verse 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.”

The breaking of the staff “Beauty” symbolizes the severance of GOD’S covenant blessings due to disobedience. It demonstrates the seriousness of covenant relationships with GOD, His expectations and our responsibilities. We are reminded that our actions can lead to significant consequences.

Verse 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.”

The public breaking of the staff illustrates that GOD’S judgment is evident and recognizable. The poor of the flock, those who remained faithful, are reassured that GOD’S marvelous, righteous Word is true. For us today, it stresses the importance of remaining steadfast in faith even during times of judgment.

Verse 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.”

The thirty pieces of silver, a meager price, signifies betrayal, reminiscent of the price Judas received for betraying CHRIST. This calls to mind the value we place on what is holy and the dangers of undervaluing our relationship with GOD.

Verse 13: “And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was priced at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.”

The casting of the silver to the potter represents a rejection of GOD’S worth and reflects ultimately on how people may disregard divine value. It also signifies the redemption process, where GOD can take what seems worthless and use it for His work.

Verse 14: “Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.”

The breaking of “Bands” signifies a disruption of unity among GOD’S people. It reminds us of the importance of community and how our choices can influence and divide. GOD longs for unity among believers, urging us to pursue harmony over discord.

Verse 15: “And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.”

The “foolish shepherd” represents leadership that leads people astray. This warns against the dangers of following those who lack wisdom and understanding. It calls us to seek godly counsel and to be discerning about the influences we allow in our lives.

Verse 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, but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.”

This depicts a contrast between the true shepherd who cares for his flock and one who exploits them. GOD warns against false leaders characterized by selfishness. As followers of CHRIST, we are called to be true shepherds, caring for one another with love and humility.

Verse 17 “Woe to the idle 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.”

This final verse serves as a warning to those who are negligent in their duty. The “idle shepherd” faces judgment, symbolizing spiritual blindness and impotence. It urges all believers to remain vigilant and diligent in their roles as caregivers and leaders within the faith community.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for Your guidance and wisdom. Thank You for the lessons in “Zechariah Chapter 11”. Help us to be faithful shepherds, caring for those You have entrusted to us. May we recognize the value of the relationships we have with others and with You. Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, we ask for forgiveness where we have been indifferent or neglectful in our service to You and one another. Grant us strength to stand against falsehood and to be bearers of Your truth and infinite love in a world that often strays. May we be vigilant in our walk of faith, seeking Your will above our own. Guide us through times of trial, and help us to be reunited in fellowship, just as You desire unity among Your people. Thank You dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We pray all these things throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!