What does "sell them and say, 'Blessed be the LORD'" reveal about priorities? Focused Passage “Those who buy them slaughter them without being punished; those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I have become rich!’ Even their own shepherds do not spare them.” – Zechariah 11:5 Setting the Scene • Zechariah is acting out judgment on Israel’s leaders, pictured as shepherds who have turned the covenant community into “the flock marked for slaughter.” • Buyers exploit the flock, sellers profit, and leaders look away. • Everyone still mouths pious words, “Blessed be the LORD,” as though success equals divine approval. What “sell them and say, ‘Blessed be the LORD’” Reveals about Priorities • Profit over people – human lives reduced to merchandise. • Hypocrisy over holiness – religious language masks unrighteous gain (Isaiah 29:13). • Self-enrichment over covenant faithfulness – ignoring God’s call to justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). • Temporal wealth over eternal reward – storing up treasure on earth, not in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). • Convenience over compassion – indifference to the suffering caused (Proverbs 14:31). Supporting Scriptures • Amos 8:4-6 – trampling the needy “so we can buy the poor for silver.” • Micah 2:2 – coveting and seizing fields because “it is in their power.” • 1 Timothy 6:10 – “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” • James 5:1-5 – the cries of the exploited have reached “the ears of the Lord of Hosts.” • Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot serve God and money.” Priorities God Commends • Love God wholeheartedly – Deuteronomy 6:5. • Love neighbor sacrificially – Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34-35. • Seek first His kingdom and righteousness – Matthew 6:33. • Pursue justice, mercy, and faithfulness – Matthew 23:23. • Practice contentment and generosity – Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Living It Out • Conduct business with integrity, refusing any gain that harms others (Proverbs 11:1). • Treat employees and customers as image-bearers, not revenue streams (Colossians 4:1). • Give generously, proving that money is a servant, not a master (Acts 20:35). • Guard speech, ensuring our “Blessed be the LORD” aligns with obedient living (James 1:26-27). • Regularly review motives, asking whether decisions reflect eternal values (Colossians 3:2). Summary “Sell them and say, ‘Blessed be the LORD’” unmasks hearts that value wealth above worship, comfort above compassion, and appearance above authenticity. Scripture calls believers to the opposite: honoring God by protecting people, pursuing righteousness, and letting every “Blessed be the LORD” flow from a life that places Him—and His image-bearers—first. |
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