The imagery of the two staffs, Favor and Union, is found in the prophetic book of Zechariah, specifically in Zechariah 11:7-14. This passage is rich with symbolism and has been the subject of much theological reflection and interpretation within the Christian tradition.

Context and Background

Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet, ministered to the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian exile. His prophecies often addressed the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. In Zechariah 11, the prophet is instructed to assume the role of a shepherd, symbolizing God's leadership over His people. The chapter presents a dramatic allegory concerning the relationship between God, His people, and their leaders.

The Two Staffs

1. Favor (Beauty/Grace): The first staff, named Favor, represents God's grace and benevolence towards His people. It signifies the covenantal relationship and the blessings that come from walking in obedience to God. The breaking of this staff, as described in Zechariah 11:10, symbolizes the annulment of God's covenant with the nations, reflecting a withdrawal of divine favor due to the people's unfaithfulness.

Zechariah 11:10 : "Then I took my staff called Favor and cut it in pieces, to break the covenant I had made with all the nations."

2. Union (Bonds/Brotherhood): The second staff, named Union, symbolizes the unity and brotherhood among the people of Israel. It represents the social and spiritual cohesion that God desires for His people. The breaking of this staff, as mentioned in Zechariah 11:14, indicates the fracturing of this unity, often interpreted as the division and internal strife that would come upon Israel.

Zechariah 11:14 : "Then I cut in pieces my second staff called Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."

Theological Significance

The breaking of the two staffs serves as a prophetic act illustrating the consequences of Israel's rejection of God's shepherding. It foreshadows the coming judgment and the eventual scattering of the people due to their disobedience and rejection of divine leadership. This passage is often seen as a prelude to the coming of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who would restore both favor and unity through His redemptive work.

Messianic Interpretation

Christian interpreters have traditionally seen this passage as a messianic prophecy. The rejection of the shepherd in Zechariah 11:12-13, where thirty pieces of silver are mentioned, is seen as a foreshadowing of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 26:14-16). The breaking of the staffs is thus linked to the rejection of Christ by the Jewish leaders and the subsequent opening of the covenant to the Gentiles.

Historical and Eschatological Views

Historically, the breaking of the staffs has been associated with significant events in Israel's history, such as the destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jewish people. Eschatologically, some theologians view this passage as pointing to the ultimate restoration and reunification of God's people under the reign of Christ in the end times.

In summary, the two staffs, Favor and Union, in Zechariah 11, serve as powerful symbols of God's covenantal relationship with His people and the consequences of their rejection of His leadership. Through the lens of Christian theology, they point to the redemptive work of Christ, who restores grace and unity to all who follow Him.