Summary
Zechariah 11:1–3 – Wail, O cedars
What happens: A lament calls the cedars of Lebanon, cypresses, and oaks of Bashan to wail because their glory falls. Shepherds cry and young lions roar as pastures are ruined.
What it means: God’s judgment reaches proud heights and secure places. When leaders fail and land is stripped, God is exposing false strength. He is holy and brings down arrogance to make room for truth.
Zechariah 11:4–14 – The prophet shepherds a doomed flock
What happens: God tells Zechariah to shepherd a flock marked for slaughter. Three shepherds are removed in one month, but the flock and shepherd grow weary of each other. Zechariah breaks his two staffs, Favor and Union, to show the covenant broken and the brotherhood of Judah and Israel shattered. He receives thirty pieces of silver as wages and throws it into the house of the LORD for the potter.
What it means: God exposes corrupt leadership and a people who reject true care. Judgment falls when covenant grace and unity are despised. The thirty pieces of silver highlight contempt for God’s shepherd and point to a future rejection of the true Shepherd. God is just; unbelief carries real loss.
Zechariah 11:15–17 – The worthless shepherd
What happens: God tells Zechariah to take the gear of a foolish shepherd, a figure who does not care for the lost or heal the broken. A woe is declared against this worthless shepherd; his arm and right eye are struck.
What it means: God will judge abusive leaders who feed themselves. He protects His flock and removes those who harm it. Holiness demands shepherds who reflect God’s care, not personal gain.
Application
- Reject leaders who ignore, exploit, or harm God’s people.
- Prize covenant grace and unity; do not treat God’s care as cheap.
- Trust that God will remove worthless shepherds and defend His flock.