Zechariah 11:1-17

SHEPHERD THE FLOCK MARKED FOR SLAUGHTER

Keywords 11:4

This is what the LORD my God says: "Pasture the flock marked for slaughter.

 

1. Two staffs: Favor and Union (1-11)

Words of destruction on forest, pasture and thicket make a stark contrast with

the message of hope of the previous passages. God commands Zechariah to

take up shepherding of sheep marked for slaughter. The two staffs symbolize

the external protection (covenant with the nations) and the family bond of Judah

and Israel. The sheep detest him, Favor is broken – they will be slaughtered. They

realized this was a word of the LORD to them.

 

2. The thirty pieces of silver (12-17)

When asked for payment, the people give the “handsome price” of a slave’s

fee, 30 pieces of silver. It was rejection of the prophet, so their union would also

be broken. Instead of God’s chosen shepherd, a worthless shepherd would rule

them. This event points to one truth: Jesus, the good shepherd, was rejected

by his own people (Jn 1:11) and betrayed for 30 pieces of silver so we may be

received by God.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for your mercy to us in Jesus. Help me humbly

remember it every day.

One Word Jesus was rejected in my place