Spot-check Survey on Zechariah 11: 4-17

Leatherhead, Surrey

Introduction

Having daily Bible studies is a way of connecting with God, and I go through the Old and New Testaments in whatever number of years it takes me to do so. I have just finished studying the Old Testament for the sixth time since I became a baptized disciple of Christ 32 years and five months ago; I am now in the New Testament for the sixth time also. I try to go deeper using a commentary in addition to my concordance Bible. However, I must confess that I hardly use the concordance because of the advent of the Internet, which has also adversely impacted my scriptural competence. What has happened to me? I am no longer adept at recalling exact books, chapters and verses of the Bible. What do I then do? Because I can paraphrase my search in Google, I continue to access the scriptures that I am looking for. When you read my short messages or my blog posts, usually laced with relevant and timely scriptures, you would think I was a walking biblical encyclopaedia. However, this is not the case; rather, I am rusty!

Studying and applying the Scriptures is vital for every believer; it adds years to our lives, guarantees us peace of mind and brings us prosperity [Proverbs 3:3].God gave us the Bible to help us understand how we may be faithful to Him, and the Bible gives us general guidelines which are timelessly applicable to us. My quiet time study on 03/04/2024 was Zechariah 11; It was what I had to study for the day [based on my one-chapter-a-day since becoming a disciple of Christ].  I found its verse four to verse 17 intriguing against the backdrop of blurred similarities with some of our contemporary experiences. In an effort to see how I might apply the lessons from the passage, I had to resort to my usual online Bible study tools. I also wanted to see if others around me shared insights that I was going to unravel in the process of digging deep into the 13 verses. I therefore sent the WhatsApp SMS below to 26 Christian brothers:

“…I’d gratefully appreciate your insight by way of applicability, on Zechariah 11: 4-17”.

Below are the verbatim responses I got [full names not published] with permission to be published on my site:

“The understanding and of the holy scripture is enabled by the holy spirit. However, It takes the divine wisdom to be able to apply it to our lives and in return reap the fruit of the obedience that comes from it. Zechariah 11:4 -7 addresses God’s intensity and seriousness about leadership who is also known as shepherd as referred to in this passage. Just as the life of the Flock lies in the diligence and proactiveness of a shepherd, we are expected to see every individual attached to us as prey to the devil and do everything within our power to rescue them. Any shepherd who fails to discharge their duty as expected is the same as the ones who give away their flock out for slaughter. Furthering in v6 – God is clearly issuing them the warning about what he can do there are no changes. (remember in chapter one of this book, what |God did to their ancestors who did not yield to his warnings by turning from their evil ways) This may look like a threat but NO, it is a warning, a reminder! So, my take finally is that; shepherding, Leadership, of leading God’s people is not what anyone should take for granted. There is a lot at stake and whoever is not prepared should not dare venture into it. The way God asks for accountability is far different from ours, and it can be scary. (look at Genesis 9:5). May God bless his word”

• [RE, 03/04].

“No matter I have had a read and I am not sure how I would apply this apart from a warning that God will judge, that when he speaks his word comes to pass no matter how many years it takes. Therefore, we should take heed God is not mocked whatsoever a man shows that is what he will reap!”

• [TB, 03/04].

"My understanding of this passage of scripture is The Lord breaking bonds and ties with His people who have unrepentant hearts, and as such, punishing them by leaving them to their own ways until such a time He raises a good shepherd who will tend to His flock, as a good shepherd looks after those in their care.”

• [EA, 03/04].

“Interesting bit... Shepherd them... Feeding them can be physically and figuratively as in fed with the word/prophecy - John 20:17.... They rejected God so let them suffer their own inequity... Kind of like every other time his people turned away... He had to let them fall and be crushed so they eventually repent ... Is have to think on it more the three shepherds fired...  Marked for destruction... So much in here... Some of this is lining up again today as our works is rejecting God and seems he is almost ready to leave large swathes of the global population open to the destruction of their own sin...”

• [BB, 03/04].

“Zechariah 11:4-17 

Learn

Israel was not faithful to God and so God his favour on the nation depicting by the suffering that follows. In addition, there was a breakdown of unity.

Bad shepeherding was also rebuked in the passage.

Apply

Be faithful in my relationship with God by obeying his commands.

A position of service is a duty of service to my followers. It is an office of great sacrifice.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be faithful in my walk with you and be a good shepherd to my flock, in Jesus' Name, Amen.”

• [SA, 04/04].

“... the period of dark ages was the period of dark killings, Israel and Judah were cut off; Nothing like this says the Lord for more than 400yrs, there were PRIESTS, PROPHETS and SHEPHERDS, but God deliberately kept mute not speaking through any, a period of SILENT years, during this dark periods a lot of evils were perpetrated, the so called Bands disappointed God, and they were cut off, but the Almighty was busy preparing the coming of Jesus (The Messiah). Apostle Paul made an allusion to these in Roms 1:20-32. Zechariah was speaking the mind of God proverbially, how Jesus came to the world for redemption work, the thirty pieces of silver referred to in Zechariah was the one received by Judas, the role of the Sahendrin, Pilate and crucifixion of Jesus Christ also hinged to these wonderful passages. Finally, God deliberately delivered Jesus to be sold, the old Bands were not able to offer salvation to the world, but God raised our Lord Jesus to offer salvation.”

• [TO, 04/04].

“This passage in Zachariah is deep. I have read it , but I did not really meditate on it . Thanks for sharing it and including me in the thought of how it applies.

The passage has a lot of Metafor in it. 

1/The prophet Zechariah is used by God to remind the Jews that they should not be complacent. 

2/There is an enemy who is waiting to invade their land.

3/ They desperately need a good and wise leader, and they should make sure that they follow his sensible leadership.

The staff called Union and Unity interesting words.”

• [BS, 05/04/24].

“Here the Bible is talking about the good and bad shepherds, the contrast between them. Also, the Bible is Alluding to Jesus and 30 pieces of silver the price to get him Killed. God allowed the Israelites to suffer because they detested the Lord.”

• [AT, 05/04].

“This passage tells the reason for God's judgement/punishment on Israel 

- the attitude and behaviour of Shepherds (leaders) towards the flock

- the attitude and behaviour of the flock towards those leaders who attempted to lead right (good Shepherds), the rejection of good Shepherd

- God's proclamation - break of His covenant and dis-unity of north and south Israel 

-The application of which one can relate to the current situation in London church as it affects the leadership and the ripple effects on disciples as some resent some leaders and more might resent the leadership.

The other side to the application for me is the parental responsibility (Shepherds) towards our kids, the young ones and those in need of leading towards righteousness (flock). 

Jesus's attitude was quite explicit as a Shepherd > Matt 9: 36

In whatever category we might find ourselves, we need to self-reflect to determine the type of Shepherd or flock we are.  As we lead, we are also being led.”

• [WO, 06/04].

“I must confess I struggled for insights on this scripture. In fact, its presentation (even though in English!) came across as problematic so had to dig deeper plus resorted to Bible commentaries. 

Here’s what I got.

In this message, God told Zechariah to act out the roles of two different kinds of shepherds. The first kind demonstrated how God would reject his people (the sheep) because they first rejected him. The second type of shepherd demonstrated (v 15-17) how God would give over his people to evil shepherds. Notice parallel with Ezek 34 for a more detailed portrayal of evil shepherds. God told Zechariah to take on the role of a shepherd charged with the role of fattening a flock of sheep for slaughter. The Messiah would shepherd would shepherd God’s people during a time of political and spiritual confusion. The flock represented people feeding on their own greed and evil desires until they are ripe for God’s judgement.Zechariah took the two shepherd’s staff and named them, “Union” and “Favour” to show them that God’s covenant with his people was broken, and also that the brotherhood between Judah and Israel was broken. The Bible is silent of the identity of these shepherds. It is up to the reader to apply this scripture to his/her own circumstances!! Interesting insight in v12 – THIRTY PIECES of SILVER.

The offer of shepherd 30 pieces of silver is rather peculiar. Perhaps (intentionally) rude!! It was the price paid to the owner of a slave girl pierced by an ox (Ex 21: 32). Interestingly, it was also the service fee offered to Judas for betraying Jesus- see Matt 27:3. 30 pieces of silver - the (priceless) Messiah was sold for the price of a slave and also the worth of shepherds who shirked their duties. SERIOUS THOUGHT – what are failing (or failed) shepherds worth??? 

They are worth the price of a wounded slave girl rendered disabled following the injury by an ox’s pointed crumbled horn.

Failing or failed shepherds have the same value as Judas Iscariot.”

• [TP, 09/04].

“The Israelites (people of God) are being led astray by their leader/foreigner claiming they are not sinning by leading them.Their leaders making jest of them telling God thank you for their riches yet inflicting pains on the sheep.The prophesy here is about Christ coming to rescue His own-(Israelites today).

Coming with great concern for his people with grace and unity of the body.

These can reference to the body of christ today/isreal of today.etc.”

• [BA, 16/04].

“In order response to how Zechariah 11:4-17 applies to its hearers; I'll attempt to look at it in 2 parts:

Firstly, from doing a background reading, I discovered that Zechariah was describing an 'Oracle' (i.e. Chp 9 to 11). Therefore, to get the full story, it will be useful to read all 3 chapters as it will put things in context. For eg, Zechariah 10:6-11:3, following the denunciation of Judah's leaders as false shepherds... promises that the Lord, their Good Shepherd, will deliver his flock from exile (p388, Dockery). Hopefully, in the second part, I may try and give an insight on Zechariah 11:4-17. I must admit that this is not an easy task to explain.

Part 2 of Zechariah 11:4-17.... Applicability: -

In Zechariah 10:2c to 3, it is stated that "... people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd... and I will punish the leaders 

; for the LORD Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle. From the above verses, the flock hear refers to Judah, God's people. God is angry with the shepherds. For the LORD himself promises to care for the flock. 

Zechariah 11 

Verses 4-6, God's instructions to the shepherds were them to 'shepherd the flock that had been marked out for slaughter - i. e., the flock that is at the brink of disaster / eradication. These flock may have little or no hope of survival, therefore, could benefit from the shepherd's guidance, protection and encouragement of the shepherds (?? the leaders) He will no longer have pity on the people of the land, but will give everyone into the hands of their neighbours and king. I.E., handing them over to their enemies. 

In verses 7-9,

The author shepherded the flock (oppressed) marked for slaughter as commanded by the LORD. 

The 2 staffs:

Favour & Union

FAVOUR: According to verse 10 & 11, ... and so, the oppressed of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the LORD. Perhaps 'Favour' represents the Covenant between God and his flock, his chosen ones. In verses 12 & 13, the 30 pieces of silver, "... the handsome price at which they valued me!" (v13b), is also found in the Gospel of 26:15 in the New Testament.It refers to the thirty pieces of silver was the price for which Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. 

Finally, 

Verses 14 to 17,

The second staff called Union, once broken, the breaking of it represented the breaking of the family bond between Judah and Israel. In verse 16, here, the LORD promises to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost... but will eat the meat of the choice sheep... 'Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock... May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!' 

A firm warning to a shepherd who rejects God's commands / laws etc., and fails to watch over or feeds and protects the flock, especially, the vulnerable and the oppressed.”

• [PA, 16/04]

It is noteworthy that of the 26 administered ['survey'] short messages, 46% responded. I would like to thank these brothers for their humility, which turned out to be a taken-for-granted outcome, considering the response of one of the recipients of the SMS. Rather than politely decline participation, he ‘threw’ the request back at me by way of a question – asking me to share my insight. Of course, I would eventually share my insight. Because I was more curious about applicability [rather than interpretation], I consulted many Bible commentaries. However, most of them were on interpretations.

Notwithstanding, I was able to find a couple of insights that resonated with mine.

Zechariah 11: 4-17 condemns corrupt and authoritarian leadership and advocates service to God and the improvement of wellbeing of man and society. We must therefore strive for honesty, truthfulness and integrity. Just as our leaders must be godly individuals, we equally need godly followers [disciples]. We cannot be good leaders if we fail to be good followers. Leaders and followers must be rebuked anytime they are derailing; there are consequences for going astray. Because we know that man’s leadership will fail us, we have no choice but entrust our lives and total being into the hands of Christ Jesus, our good and faithful Shepherd. 

How we are quick to condemn Judas Iscariot for betraying our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, the author of life, for a paltry sum; thirty pieces of silver [between £199 and £238]! Wow, Judas Iscariot sold his Lord, our saviour, so cheaply! But there are many of us today who are just as guilty as Judas Iscariot. Are we selling our relationship with God for the paltry daily offers [temptations] from Satan? Are we selling our souls for illicit relationships, materialism, secular conformism, unforgiveness, pornography, pride, conceit, rage, deceit, rebellion, divisiveness, disobedience, manipulation, indoctrination, ostracism, revenge, abuse, etc.? What are we giving in exchange for our souls [Mark 8:36-37]? Do we sell out so cheaply? Have we forfeited our relationship with Jesus Christ over the most ridiculous things like refusal to forgive one another, etc.? Have we all rejected Jesus Christ and sold Him out [1 Corinthians 6]? Has God broken bands, the union, the brotherhood that He instituted among us?

As we all observe this year’s Early May Bank Holiday, let us reflect on how we may have inadvertently been selling out our Lord and savior Jesus Christ… and repent!