What is the meaning of Zechariah 11:15? And the LORD said to me: - God Himself initiates the message, underscoring His absolute authority (Isaiah 1:2; Revelation 22:6). - Zechariah is reminded of his prophetic role; like Samuel who replied, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10), he stands ready to obey. - The statement also signals a serious shift in the prophecy, comparable to when the Lord said to Ezekiel, “Son of man, prophesy” (Ezekiel 6:2), introducing words of warning and judgment. Take up once more - “Once more” reaches back to Zechariah 11:4–14, when the prophet acted out shepherding Israel with two staffs, Favor and Union. God now calls him to repeat a symbolic enactment. - This repetition highlights Israel’s persistent rejection of true guidance, much as Jesus later lamented, “O Jerusalem… how often I wanted to gather your children” (Matthew 23:37). - Prophetic drama is God’s teaching tool: Hosea married Gomer (Hosea 1:2) and Ezekiel lay on his side (Ezekiel 4:4–6); here Zechariah must once again embody God’s message so no one can miss it. the equipment of a foolish shepherd. - “Equipment” points to the visible tools—staff, cloak, pouch—identifying a shepherd. By picking them up, Zechariah impersonates the kind of leader Israel will choose after rejecting the Good Shepherd (Zechariah 11:12–13; John 19:15). - “Foolish” in Scripture describes moral and spiritual blindness (Psalm 14:1). Such a shepherd: • Neglects the flock (Ezekiel 34:2–4). • Abandons the sheep in danger (John 10:12–13). • Seeks personal gain and power (Jeremiah 23:1–2). - Verse 17 will pronounce “Woe to the worthless shepherd,” linking this figure to end-time deception (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4), but the warning also applied immediately to Israel’s leaders who paved the way for Rome’s devastation (Luke 19:41–44). - By ordering Zechariah to wield these props, God exposes both the folly of ungodly leadership and the tragedy awaiting any people who prefer it (Proverbs 29:18). summary The Lord commands Zechariah to act out a vivid lesson: after spurning the Good Shepherd, Israel will experience the rule of a foolish, self-serving shepherd. Every phrase underscores divine authority, the repetition of prophetic warning, and the stark contrast between faithful and faithless leadership. The verse therefore calls readers to embrace the true Shepherd and reject every counterfeit, for only in Him is safety, guidance, and life. |
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