What other scriptures warn against false leaders like in Zechariah 11:17? Setting the Scene: Zechariah 11:17 “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!” Old Testament Echoes—Warnings to Unfaithful Shepherds • Jeremiah 23:1-2 — “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture… You have scattered My flock… Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds.” • Ezekiel 34:2-4, 10 — “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only feed themselves… You have not strengthened the weak… I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My flock from them.” • Isaiah 56:10-11 — “Israel’s watchmen are blind… They are shepherds with no discernment; each one turns to his own way, every last one for his own gain.” • Micah 3:1-3, 5-7 — Leaders “tear the skin from My people”… Prophets who cry “Peace” while they bite with their teeth. • Malachi 2:7-9 — Priests “have departed from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction.” • Hosea 4:6 — “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest to Me.” New Testament Reinforcement—Christ and the Apostles Speak • Matthew 7:15-20 — “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” • Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24 — Many will come in Christ’s name, deceive many, and even perform signs to mislead “if possible, even the elect.” • Acts 20:29-31 — Paul: “After my departure, savage wolves will come in among you… Be on the alert.” • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 — False apostles “disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.” • Galatians 1:6-9 — Anyone preaching a different gospel is “anathema.” • Colossians 2:8 — “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception.” • 2 Timothy 3:1-9 — Last-days impostors will be “lovers of self” and “have a form of godliness but deny its power.” • 2 Peter 2:1-3 — “There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies… Many will follow their depravity.” • 1 John 4:1-3 — “Test the spirits, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” • Jude 3-4, 12-13 — Ungodly men “crept in unnoticed,” described as “hidden reefs” and “wandering stars.” • Revelation 13:11-18 — The beast from the earth looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon, deceiving those who dwell on the earth. Consistent Themes to Notice • Self-interest over sacrificial care • Distortion of God’s Word for personal gain • Outward religious appearance masking inward corruption • Divine judgment certain and severe • Call for vigilant discernment among God’s people Why These Warnings Matter • They show God’s heart to protect His flock. • They equip believers to recognize counterfeit teaching quickly. • They encourage steady faithfulness to the true Chief Shepherd (John 10:11-14; 1 Peter 5:4). |
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