Zechariah 11
BSB1 Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may consume your cedars! 2 Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen; the majestic trees are ruined! Wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the dense forest has been cut down! 3 Listen to the wailing of the shepherds, for their glory is in ruins. Listen to the roaring of the young lions, for the thickets of the Jordan are destroyed. 4 This is what the LORD my God says: “Pasture the flock marked for slaughter, 5 whose buyers slaughter them without remorse. Those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them. 6 For I will no longer have compassion on the people of the land, declares the LORD, but behold, I will cause each man to fall into the hands of his neighbor and his king, who will devastate the land, and I will not deliver it from their hands." 7 So I pastured the flock marked for slaughter, especially the afflicted of the flock. Then I took for myself two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I pastured the flock. 8 And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me. 9 Then I said, “I will no longer shepherd you. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish; and let those who remain devour one another’s flesh." 10 Next I took my staff called Favor and cut it in two, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. 11 It was revoked on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock who were watching me knew that it was the word of the LORD. 12 Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. 13 And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. 14 Then I cut in two my second staff called Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. 15 And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd. 16 For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the lost, nor seek the young, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the choice sheep and tear off their hooves. 17 Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!"
Study Notes — Zechariah 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Zechariah 11
- Themes from Zechariah 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Zechariah 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Zechariah chapter 11 begins with a call to lamentation over the destruction of the land and the people (Zechariah 11:1-3). The prophet then describes his role as a shepherd, tasked with caring for the flock, but the flock is ultimately rejected and destroyed (Zechariah 11:4-14). The chapter then shifts to a description of the foolish shepherd, who represents the false leaders of Israel (Zechariah 11:15-17). The chapter concludes with a warning of God's judgment on those who reject His offer of salvation (Zechariah 11:17). Throughout the chapter, Zechariah emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation.
Context for the Chapter
Zechariah chapter 11 is part of a larger section of the book that describes the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. The chapter is situated in a post-exilic context, where the people of Israel are struggling to rebuild their nation and their faith. The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people, which is fulfilled in the New Testament.
Heart Application
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation. This is a call to repentance and faith, as well as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humbling ourselves before God and seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Zechariah chapter 11 is a prophecy about God's judgment on Israel and the nations, as well as His plan for redemption through the Messiah. The chapter describes the destruction of the flock, the rejection of the Messiah, and the punishment of those who reject God's offer of salvation. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation, as seen in Zechariah 11:4 and Zechariah 11:12-13.
Voices from the Church
“The slaughter of the flock is a solemn warning to all who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a call to repentance and faith, as well as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The foolish shepherd represents the false leaders of Israel, who lead the people astray and reject God's offer of salvation. This is a warning to all who would seek to lead God's people, to be faithful and humble in their service to Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Call to Lamentation (Zechariah 11:1-3) — The chapter begins with a call to lamentation over the destruction of the land and the people.
- The Role of the Prophet (Zechariah 11:4-14) — The prophet is tasked with caring for the flock, despite the fact that they are doomed to destruction.
- The Foolish Shepherd (Zechariah 11:15-17) — The foolish shepherd represents the false leaders of Israel, who lead the people astray and reject God's offer of salvation.
- The Warning of God's Judgment (Zechariah 11:17) — The chapter concludes with a warning of God's judgment on those who reject His offer of salvation.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God's Plan (Zechariah 11:1-17) — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people, which is fulfilled in the New Testament.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment, as seen in Zechariah 11:4 and Zechariah 11:17.
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation, as seen in Zechariah 11:12-13 and Zechariah 11:17.
- The Rejection of the Messiah
- The chapter describes the rejection of the Messiah and the destruction of the flock, which is fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as seen in Zechariah 11:12-13.
- The Redemption of God's People
- The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people, which is fulfilled in the New Testament, as seen in Zechariah 11:1-17.
Lessons from Zechariah 11
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment.
- The Rejection of the Messiah — The chapter describes the rejection of the Messiah and the destruction of the flock, which is fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- The Redemption of God's People — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people, which is fulfilled in the New Testament.
- The Warning of God's Judgment — The chapter concludes with a warning of God's judgment on those who reject His offer of salvation.
Themes from Zechariah 11
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment.
- The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation.
- The Rejection of the Messiah — The chapter describes the rejection of the Messiah and the destruction of the flock, which is fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- The Redemption of God's People — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people, which is fulfilled in the New Testament.
- The Warning of God's Judgment — The chapter concludes with a warning of God's judgment on those who reject His offer of salvation.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the call to lamentation in Zechariah 11:1-3?
- How does the role of the prophet in Zechariah 11:4-14 relate to the sovereignty of God?
- What is the warning of God's judgment in Zechariah 11:17, and how does it relate to the rejection of the Messiah?
- How does the chapter point to the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people?
- What is the significance of the foolish shepherd in Zechariah 11:15-17, and how does it relate to the false leaders of Israel?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Call to Lamentation (Zechariah 11:1-3)
| Zechariah 11:1 | The chapter begins with a call to lamentation over the destruction of the land and the people. |
| Zechariah 11:2 | The prophet is called to lament the destruction of the land and the people, and to call the people to repentance. |
2. The Role of the Prophet (Zechariah 11:4-14)
| Zechariah 11:4 | The prophet is tasked with caring for the flock, despite the fact that they are doomed to destruction. |
| Zechariah 11:5 | The prophet is instructed to feed the flock, but they reject him and his message. |
3. The Foolish Shepherd (Zechariah 11:15-17)
| Zechariah 11:15 | The foolish shepherd represents the false leaders of Israel, who lead the people astray and reject God's offer of salvation. |
| Zechariah 11:16 | The foolish shepherd is described as one who does not care for the flock, but rather seeks to destroy them. |
4. The Warning of God's Judgment (Zechariah 11:17)
| Zechariah 11:17 | The chapter concludes with a warning of God's judgment on those who reject His offer of salvation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the call to lamentation in Zechariah 11:1-3?
The call to lamentation is a call to repentance and a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment, as seen in Zechariah 11:1-3 and Zechariah 11:17.
How does the role of the prophet in Zechariah 11:4-14 relate to the sovereignty of God?
The role of the prophet in Zechariah 11:4-14 relates to the sovereignty of God in that the prophet is tasked with caring for the flock, despite the fact that they are doomed to destruction, as seen in Zechariah 11:4 and Zechariah 11:17.
What is the warning of God's judgment in Zechariah 11:17, and how does it relate to the rejection of the Messiah?
The warning of God's judgment in Zechariah 11:17 is a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation, and it relates to the rejection of the Messiah in that it is a consequence of that rejection, as seen in Zechariah 11:12-13 and Zechariah 11:17.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 11:4 → John 10:11 | The role of the prophet in Zechariah 11:4 is similar to the role of Jesus Christ in John 10:11, who is the ultimate Shepherd of God's people. |
| 2 | Zechariah 11:12-13 → Matthew 27:9-10 | The rejection of the Messiah in Zechariah 11:12-13 is fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as seen in Matthew 27:9-10. |
| 3 | Zechariah 11:15-17 → Matthew 23:13-36 | The foolish shepherd in Zechariah 11:15-17 represents the false leaders of Israel, who lead the people astray and reject God's offer of salvation, as seen in Matthew 23:13-36. |
| 4 | Zechariah 11:17 → Hebrews 10:26-31 | The warning of God's judgment in Zechariah 11:17 is similar to the warning in Hebrews 10:26-31, which is a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation. |
| 5 | Zechariah 11:1-3 → Isaiah 40:1-11 | The call to lamentation in Zechariah 11:1-3 is similar to the call to comfort in Isaiah 40:1-11, which is a call to repentance and a reminder of the sovereignty of God. |
| 6 | Zechariah 11:4-14 → Ezekiel 34:1-31 | The role of the prophet in Zechariah 11:4-14 is similar to the role of the prophet in Ezekiel 34:1-31, who is tasked with caring for the flock and calling the people to repentance. |
| 7 | Zechariah 11:12-13 → Acts 3:13-26 | The rejection of the Messiah in Zechariah 11:12-13 is fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 3:13-26. |
| 8 | Zechariah 11:17 → 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 | The warning of God's judgment in Zechariah 11:17 is similar to the warning in 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, which is a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation. |
| 9 | Zechariah 11:1-17 → Revelation 19:11-21 | The ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people in Zechariah 11:1-17 is fulfilled in the return of Jesus Christ, as seen in Revelation 19:11-21. |
| 10 | Zechariah 11:4 → Psalm 23:1-6 | The role of the prophet in Zechariah 11:4 is similar to the role of the Shepherd in Psalm 23:1-6, who is the ultimate Shepherd of God's people. |
Sermons on Zechariah 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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First and Second Coming by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecies in the Bible about Jesus' first coming. He highlights Zechariah's prophecy about the shepherd being smitten and the sheep being |
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Through the Bible - Zechariah by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various visions and messages from the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of true fasting and worship that is focused on pleasing God rather t |
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A Great Revival Is Coming by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival in the church. He mentions that two things are necessary for revival to occur, which are closely knit bonds of love amo |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching from the heart rather than just from the head. He discusses the concept of burden, which is a deep concern or we |
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Grace & Peace by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He highlights how Jesus was betrayed by a close friend for 30 pieces of silver, |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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(Through the Bible) Zechariah 11-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the protection and victory that God provided to Israel during the 1973 war. Despite being outnumbered and facing opposition from the entire wo |
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Acts 1 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unshakable security that believers have in Jesus Christ. He highlights that nothing can hinder God's plan of redemption and the establis |
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Name Your Price by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver, highlighting the concept of 'seller's remorse' and the tragic consequences of selling out o |
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Studies in Zechariah 10 Zechariah 11: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God upon Israel due to their disobedience. The speaker emphasizes that God protected his people and directed his favor towards |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Zechariah 11
Matthew Henry's commentary on Zechariah 11 emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment. The commentary notes that the chapter is a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's offer of salvation. The commentary also highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and the role of the prophet in calling the people to repentance. Ultimately, the commentary points to the ultimate triumph of God's plan and the redemption of His people, which is fulfilled in the New Testament, as seen in Zechariah 11:1-17 and other scripture references such as John 10:11 and Hebrews 10:26-31. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Sovereignty of God
Throughout the chapter, Zechariah emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the inevitability of His judgment. This is evident in the call to lamentation over the destruction of the land and the people, as well as the description of the foolish shepherd.
The Rejection of the Messiah
The chapter describes the rejection of the Messiah and the destruction of the flock, which is fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of rejecting His offer of salvation. This is evident in the description of the foolish shepherd and the warning of God's judgment on those who reject His offer of salvation.