Zechariah 11:7 - So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called “Favor”, and the other I called “Union”, and I fed the flock.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Zechariah 11:7" mean?
Zechariah 11:7 is part of a complex and symbolic passage in the Old Testament. Understanding its meaning requires considering the context of the entire chapter and the book of Zechariah. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its potential interpretations:
Key Elements and Their Meanings:
"So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock": The speaker (Zechariah, acting as a symbolic shepherd) is tasked with caring for a flock that is destined for destruction ("flock of slaughter"). This flock represents the people of Israel (specifically, the leadership, though sometimes it's applied to the entire nation). The "oppressed of the flock" likely refers to the poorer, more vulnerable members of society who are already suffering under poor leadership. This highlights the neglect and suffering already present.
"I took for myself two staffs": The shepherd's staffs are symbols of leadership, authority, and care.
"The one I called 'Favor'": The Hebrew word for "Favor" (No'am) suggests grace, beauty, pleasantness, and covenant faithfulness. This staff represents God's covenant relationship with Israel, his favor upon them, and the blessings that come with that relationship.
"and the other I called 'Union'": The Hebrew word for "Union" (Choblim) implies binding, joining, bands, and brotherhood. This staff symbolizes the unity and harmony that should exist among the people of Israel.
"and I fed the flock": Zechariah is acting in the role of a good shepherd, attempting to lead and nourish the flock.
Possible Interpretations:
Several interpretations exist, often debated among scholars:
1. Initial Attempt at Good Leadership: This interpretation sees Zechariah's actions as a sincere effort to lead the people well, representing God's desire for his people to be united and blessed. The "Favor" staff represents the opportunity to be in right relationship with God, and the "Union" staff represents the possibility of internal harmony. The act of feeding the flock is the beginning of that good leadership. However, the following verses show the ultimate failure of this effort.
2. Prophetic Representation of God's Actions: God, through the prophet, is demonstrating how he would care for his people if they were receptive. The staffs represent the blessings God desires to bestow, but the people are ultimately unworthy. The act of feeding the flock is a temporary measure before judgment.
3. Judgment is Coming: This verse, even in its initial setting, is part of a prophecy of judgment. Though the shepherd attempts to care for the flock, the fact that it's a "flock of slaughter" indicates a predetermined fate. The staffs represent what could have been, but the people's rejection of God and each other makes the destruction inevitable.
Importance of Context:
It's crucial to read the verses that follow to understand the full message:
Zechariah breaks both staffs, signifying the breaking of the covenant with Israel (Favor) and the shattering of unity among the tribes (Union).
He is paid a meager sum for his work, reflecting the low value the people place on God's leadership.
The chapter concludes with a prophecy of a worthless shepherd who will neglect the flock, leading to further disaster.
Overall Meaning:
Zechariah 11:7-14 is a powerful indictment of the leadership (both civil and religious) of Israel at the time. It highlights their failure to care for the people, their rejection of God's covenant, and their lack of unity. The good shepherd's (Zechariah's) efforts are ultimately futile because of the people's unrepentant hearts. This serves as a warning and a prophecy of impending judgment due to their spiritual bankruptcy and the resulting corruption of society.
The passage can be applied more broadly as a critique of leadership and a call for integrity, compassion, and faithfulness to God's covenant. It shows the devastating consequences of rejecting God's ways and neglecting the needs of the vulnerable.
Zechariah 11:7 - So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called “Favor”, and the other I called “Union”, and I fed the flock.
What does "Zechariah 11:7" mean?
Zechariah 11:7 is part of a complex and symbolic passage in the Old Testament. Understanding its meaning requires considering the context of the entire chapter and the book of Zechariah. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its potential interpretations:
Key Elements and Their Meanings:
"So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock": The speaker (Zechariah, acting as a symbolic shepherd) is tasked with caring for a flock that is destined for destruction ("flock of slaughter"). This flock represents the people of Israel (specifically, the leadership, though sometimes it's applied to the entire nation). The "oppressed of the flock" likely refers to the poorer, more vulnerable members of society who are already suffering under poor leadership. This highlights the neglect and suffering already present.
"I took for myself two staffs": The shepherd's staffs are symbols of leadership, authority, and care.
"The one I called 'Favor'": The Hebrew word for "Favor" (No'am) suggests grace, beauty, pleasantness, and covenant faithfulness. This staff represents God's covenant relationship with Israel, his favor upon them, and the blessings that come with that relationship.
"and the other I called 'Union'": The Hebrew word for "Union" (Choblim) implies binding, joining, bands, and brotherhood. This staff symbolizes the unity and harmony that should exist among the people of Israel.
"and I fed the flock": Zechariah is acting in the role of a good shepherd, attempting to lead and nourish the flock.
Possible Interpretations:
Several interpretations exist, often debated among scholars:
1. Initial Attempt at Good Leadership: This interpretation sees Zechariah's actions as a sincere effort to lead the people well, representing God's desire for his people to be united and blessed. The "Favor" staff represents the opportunity to be in right relationship with God, and the "Union" staff represents the possibility of internal harmony. The act of feeding the flock is the beginning of that good leadership. However, the following verses show the ultimate failure of this effort.
2. Prophetic Representation of God's Actions: God, through the prophet, is demonstrating how he would care for his people if they were receptive. The staffs represent the blessings God desires to bestow, but the people are ultimately unworthy. The act of feeding the flock is a temporary measure before judgment.
3. Judgment is Coming: This verse, even in its initial setting, is part of a prophecy of judgment. Though the shepherd attempts to care for the flock, the fact that it's a "flock of slaughter" indicates a predetermined fate. The staffs represent what could have been, but the people's rejection of God and each other makes the destruction inevitable.
Importance of Context:
It's crucial to read the verses that follow to understand the full message:
Zechariah breaks both staffs, signifying the breaking of the covenant with Israel (Favor) and the shattering of unity among the tribes (Union).
He is paid a meager sum for his work, reflecting the low value the people place on God's leadership.
The chapter concludes with a prophecy of a worthless shepherd who will neglect the flock, leading to further disaster.
Overall Meaning:
Zechariah 11:7-14 is a powerful indictment of the leadership (both civil and religious) of Israel at the time. It highlights their failure to care for the people, their rejection of God's covenant, and their lack of unity. The good shepherd's (Zechariah's) efforts are ultimately futile because of the people's unrepentant hearts. This serves as a warning and a prophecy of impending judgment due to their spiritual bankruptcy and the resulting corruption of society.
The passage can be applied more broadly as a critique of leadership and a call for integrity, compassion, and faithfulness to God's covenant. It shows the devastating consequences of rejecting God's ways and neglecting the needs of the vulnerable.