Zechariah 11: The Rejected Shepherd – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Divine Rejection and Pastoral Responsibility

Executive Summary

Zechariah 11 presents a poignant and often perplexing prophecy concerning the role of a shepherd, first accepted and then rejected by his flock. This chapter serves as a powerful allegory for Israel’s rejection of God’s care and, ultimately, foreshadows the rejection of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Through symbolic actions and lamentations, the prophet unveils the spiritual blindness and moral decay that lead to societal collapse. The chapter moves from prosperity to utter desolation, highlighting the consequences of forsaking divine guidance and the profound cost of rejecting true leadership. We will delve into the significance of each verse, drawing upon Coptic Orthodox tradition and Patristic insights to illuminate its timeless relevance for the modern believer, especially when facing times of rejection. This exploration of the rejected shepherd allows us to appreciate the sacrifice of our true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and calls us to greater faithfulness.

Zechariah 11 is a stark warning against spiritual apathy and the consequences of rejecting God’s loving care. It is an invitation to reflect on our own responsiveness to divine guidance and to embrace the responsibility of caring for others with Christ-like compassion. The rejected shepherd motif offers valuable insights into leadership, accountability, and the vital role of obedience in maintaining a healthy relationship with God.

Commentary Sections

Zechariah 11:1-3 – The Lament for Lebanon and Bashan

Zechariah 11:1-3 (KJV) – Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars. Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down. There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

Zechariah 11:1-3 (NKJV) – Open your doors, O Lebanon, that fire may devour your cedars. Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen, because the mighty are ruined. Wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the thick forest has come down. There is the sound of wailing shepherds! For their glory is ruined. There is the sound of roaring lions! For the pride of the Jordan is ruined.

This opening section is a powerful lament, a prophetic vision of destruction descending upon the land. Lebanon, renowned for its majestic cedars, and Bashan, known for its fertile oak forests, symbolize the strength and prosperity of Israel. The “fire” represents divine judgment, a consequence of the nation’s spiritual decline. The howling of shepherds and the roaring of lions emphasize the widespread desolation affecting both the rulers (shepherds) and the strong (lions). The reference to the “pride of Jordan” alludes to the fertile plains along the river, now ruined. This is more than just ecological devastation; it is a symbol of societal collapse brought on by spiritual corruption.

St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Isaiah, connects such ecological disasters to the spiritual state of the people: “Τὰ γὰρ φυτὰ τῆς γῆς, τύποι εἰσὶ τῶν ἀρετῶν, καὶ ἡ ἀκαρπία αὐτῶν, ἡ τῶν κακῶν ἐπέλευσις.” (Ta gar phyta tēs gēs, typoi eisi tōn aretōn, kai hē akarpia autōn, hē tōn kakōn epeleusis. – For the plants of the earth are symbols of virtues, and their barrenness is the coming of evils.) (Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Isaiah, PG 70:445)

Spiritual Application: Are we tending to our spiritual “garden”? Are we cultivating virtues or allowing sin to choke out our spiritual growth? We must be mindful of the spiritual state of our hearts and societies, lest we face similar desolation. Consider learning about how to help your community by visiting our community engagement page.

Zechariah 11:4-6 – The Lord Commands the Shepherd

Zechariah 11:4-6 (KJV) – Thus saith the Lord my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter; Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not. For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord: but lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.

Zechariah 11:4-6 (NKJV) – Thus says the Lord my God, “Feed the flock for slaughter, whose owners slaughter them and feel no guilt; those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the Lord, for I am rich’; and their own shepherds do not pity them.” Indeed I will no longer pity the inhabitants of the land,” says the Lord. “But indeed I will deliver everyone into his neighbor’s hand and into the hand of his king; they shall attack the land, and I will not deliver them from their hand.”

God commands the prophet to “feed the flock of the slaughter,” a seemingly paradoxical instruction. These sheep are destined for destruction, their “owners” (leaders) exploiting them without remorse. Even the sellers, profiting from their plight, offer a blasphemous “blessing” to God. The lack of pity from the shepherds underscores the moral bankruptcy of the leadership. God declares that He will no longer pity the people, abandoning them to internal strife and foreign oppression.

This section highlights the corruption of leadership. The shepherds are not caring for the flock but exploiting them. This resonates with Christ’s condemnation of the Pharisees: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.” (Matthew 23:15). The deuterocanonical book of Sirach also warns against unjust rulers: “A kingdom is transferred from nation to nation because of injustice, violence, and wealth gained by deceit.” (Sirach 10:8).

Spiritual Application: We must examine our own leadership roles, whether in the family, church, or community. Are we motivated by love and service or by selfish gain? We must strive to be compassionate shepherds, reflecting Christ’s love and care for those entrusted to us.

Zechariah 11:7-14 – The Shepherd’s Staffs and the Breach of Covenant

Zechariah 11:7-14 (KJV) – And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me. Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another. And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord. And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Zechariah 11:7-14 (NKJV) – So I fed the flock for slaughter, in particular the poor of the flock. I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bonds; and I fed the flock. I dismissed three shepherds in one month. My soul loathed them, and their soul also abhorred me. Then I said, “I will not feed you. Let what is dying die, and what is perishing perish. Let those that are left eat each other’s flesh.” And I took my staff, Beauty, and cut it in two, that I might break the covenant which I had made with all the people. So it was broken on that day. Thus the poor of the flock who were watching me knew that it was the word of the Lord. Then I said to them, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.” So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the Lord. Then I cut in two my other staff, Bonds, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

This passage is rich in symbolism. The prophet, acting as a shepherd, takes two staffs: “Beauty” (favor) and “Bands” (unity). The dismissal of “three shepherds in one month” likely represents a rapid turnover of ineffective leaders. The breaking of the staff “Beauty” symbolizes the breaking of God’s covenant with the people, a consequence of their rejection of His leadership. The thirty pieces of silver, the price paid for the shepherd, foreshadows the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:15). The command to “cast it unto the potter” highlights the worthlessness and desecration of the offering. Finally, the breaking of the staff “Bands” signifies the division between Judah and Israel, a result of their spiritual disunity.

The fathers saw in this passage a clear prefiguration of Christ’s rejection. St. Athanasius writes: “Οὐ γὰρ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ λαὸς τῆς θείας ἐπισκοπῆς, διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν αὐτῶν.” (Ou gar ēn axios ho laos tēs theias episkopēs, dia tēn apistian autōn. – For the people were not worthy of divine visitation, because of their unbelief.) (Athanasius, Against the Arians, PG 26:484). This mirrors the sentiment expressed in the Gospels regarding the people’s inability to recognize and accept Christ.

Spiritual Application: Are we valuing God’s presence in our lives, or are we treating Him as a commodity to be bought and sold? We must be mindful of the covenants we make with God and strive to uphold them in faithfulness. We also need to work diligently to maintain unity within the Body of Christ, resisting the divisive forces of the world.

Zechariah 11:15-17 – The Foolish Shepherd

Zechariah 11:15-17 (KJV) – And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

Zechariah 11:15-17 (NKJV) – And the Lord said to me, “Next, take for yourself the implements of a foolish shepherd. For indeed I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who are cut off, nor seek the young, nor heal those that are broken, nor feed those that stand still; but he will eat the flesh of the fat and tear their hooves in pieces.” Woe to the worthless shepherd, who leaves the flock! A sword shall be against his arm and against his right eye; his arm shall completely wither, and his right eye shall be totally blinded.

In contrast to the rejected shepherd who cared for the flock, God raises up a “foolish shepherd” who embodies the opposite qualities. This shepherd neglects the weak, exploits the strong, and ultimately abandons the flock. The “sword” upon his arm and eye represents divine judgment, rendering him powerless and blind. This is a stark warning against those who abuse their authority and betray the trust placed in them. The image of the shepherd eating the flesh of the fat ones highlights the greed and self-serving nature of such leaders.

Origen, in his homily on Jeremiah, speaks of such false shepherds: “οἱ δὲ κακοὶ ποιμένες, οὐκ ἀγαπῶσι τὰ πρόβατα, ἀλλὰ ἑαυτοὺς.” (Hoi de kakoi poimenes, ouk agapōsi ta probata, alla heautous. – But the evil shepherds do not love the sheep, but themselves.) (Origen, Homilies on Jeremiah, PG 13:375). This underscores the self-centeredness that characterizes false leaders.

Spiritual Application: We must be discerning, recognizing and rejecting false shepherds who lead us astray. We should look for leaders who embody humility, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve others, as Jesus, the rejected shepherd, calls us to do. This passage also serves as a warning to those in positions of authority: use your power for good, lest you face similar judgment.

Subtopic Sections

The Significance of “Thirty Pieces of Silver” 🪙

The phrase “thirty pieces of silver” carries immense weight in the context of Zechariah 11 and the New Testament. It’s not merely a sum of money; it’s a symbol of betrayal, devaluing, and the rejection of true worth.

• Old Testament Context: Thirty shekels of silver was the price of a slave in the Old Testament (Exodus 21:32). By paying this sum for the shepherd, the people were treating God’s representative as a slave.
• New Testament Fulfillment: This prophecy is directly fulfilled in the Gospel of Matthew, where Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).
• Symbol of Devaluation: The price reflects the people’s estimation of God’s worth. By offering such a paltry sum, they demonstrate their lack of appreciation for His presence and guidance.
• Irony of Redemption: Ironically, the money is used to purchase a potter’s field, a burial place for strangers, which can be seen as a foreshadowing of the redemption offered to all nations through Christ’s sacrifice.
• Spiritual Application: How often do we undervalue the gifts and blessings that God provides? Are we treating our relationship with Him as something precious or disposable?
• A Call to Repentance: Zechariah 11, and especially the detail of thirty pieces of silver, calls us to repentance and a renewed appreciation for the immense value of God’s love and sacrifice.

Lessons in Leadership and Accountability 🕊️

Zechariah 11 offers profound insights into the qualities of good and bad leadership, and the consequences of lacking accountability.

• True Shepherd’s Heart: A true shepherd is characterized by compassion, selflessness, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the flock.
• False Shepherd’s Motives: A false shepherd is motivated by greed, self-interest, and a desire for power and control.
• Consequences of Neglect: Neglecting the flock leads to its scattering, vulnerability, and ultimate destruction.
• Accountability Before God: Leaders are accountable to God for how they exercise their authority. Misuse of power will be met with divine judgment.
• Humility and Service: True leadership is rooted in humility and a willingness to serve others, following the example of Christ.
• The Importance of Discernment: We must be discerning in choosing our leaders, seeking those who embody Christ-like qualities and prioritize the needs of the flock above their own ambitions.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why does God command the prophet to act as a shepherd in Zechariah 11?

A: God commands the prophet to act as a shepherd to demonstrate the true nature of leadership and to highlight the stark contrast between God’s loving care for His people and the corruption and negligence of their leaders. This symbolic act makes the prophetic message more impactful and memorable.

Q: How does the betrayal of the shepherd for thirty pieces of silver connect to the New Testament?

A: The betrayal of the shepherd for thirty pieces of silver directly foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot for the same sum (Matthew 26:15). This parallel underscores the fact that Jesus, like the shepherd in Zechariah, was rejected and betrayed by those He came to save.

Q: What is the significance of the breaking of the two staffs, “Beauty” and “Bands”?

A: The breaking of the staff “Beauty” symbolizes the breaking of God’s covenant with the people, a consequence of their rejection of His leadership. The breaking of the staff “Bands” signifies the division between Judah and Israel, a result of their spiritual disunity and a breakdown of brotherhood.

Q: What is the spiritual lesson for modern believers from Zechariah 11?

A: Zechariah 11 serves as a warning against spiritual apathy, the abuse of power, and the rejection of divine guidance. It calls us to examine our own hearts, to embrace humility and service, and to seek leaders who embody Christ-like qualities. It also reminds us of the immense sacrifice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who was rejected so that we might be saved.

Conclusion

Zechariah 11 is a deeply challenging chapter that exposes the consequences of rejecting God’s loving care and choosing self-serving leadership over divine guidance. The prophet’s symbolic actions, particularly the rejected shepherd motif, paint a stark picture of spiritual decay and societal collapse. The thirty pieces of silver serve as a haunting reminder of the price of betrayal and the devaluing of true worth. This prophetic vision finds its ultimate fulfillment in the rejection of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who willingly sacrificed Himself for the sake of His flock. As modern believers, we are called to learn from the mistakes of the past, to embrace humility, and to seek leaders who reflect Christ’s compassion and selflessness. Let us strive to be faithful followers of the Good Shepherd, cherishing His presence in our lives and extending His love to others, especially those who are vulnerable and in need.

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Zechariah 11, Rejected Shepherd, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Prophecy, Israel, Jesus Christ, Betrayal, Covenant, Leadership, Divine Judgment

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Zechariah 11 commentary: A Coptic Orthodox perspective on the rejected shepherd, exploring themes of betrayal, divine judgment, and the significance of the thirty pieces of silver. Understand the prophecy and its fulfillment in Christ.