A foolish shepherd. This was to represent the foolish, that is, the wicked princes and priests that should rule the people, before their utter destruction. (Challoner) --- Caligula, Claudius, or Nero, monsters of stupidity, may also be meant. To such the Jews preferred to submit: but they soon found out their mistake, when it was too late. Caligula and Nero would be adored in the temple! read more
Hoofs, with excessive travelling. (Calmet) --- They shew no pity, but are wholly intent on their own pleasures. (Haydock) read more
15-17 God, having showed the misery of this people in their being justly left by the Good Shepherd, shows their further misery in being abused by foolish shepherds. The description suits the character Christ gives of the scribes and Pharisees. They never do any thing to support the weak, or comfort the feeble-minded; but seek their own ease, while they are barbarous to the flock. The idol shepherd has the garb and appearance of a shepherd, receives submission, and is supported at much expense;... read more
Zech 11 THE PROPHETIC STRAIN now ceases, and we have to come back in chapter 11 to the actual condition of things among the people to whom Zechariah spoke. The solemn words of governmental judgments here uttered might seem to us strange, had we not the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which show us the sad departure into flagrant law-breaking which marked the masses of the people, whilst outwardly temple and city were being rebuilt. The prophet foresaw the times of trouble that would come upon the... read more
The Foolish Shepherd v. 15. And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd, of a wicked hireling, who bears the insignia of a true shepherd, but cares nothing for the sheep. v. 16. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, one assuming the functions of a true shepherd, which shall not visit those that be cut off, paying no attention to those who perish, neither shall seek the young one, those that have gone astray, nor heal that that is broken,... read more
5. ISRAEL’S REJECTION OF THE GOOD SHEPHERDZechariah 11:0.A. Poetical Introduction (Zechariah 11:1-3). B. The Flock of Slaughter (Zechariah 11:4-6). C. The Prophet tries to be their Shepherd (Zechariah 11:7-8). D. He Fails (Zechariah 11:9-11). E. He is contemptuously Rejected (Zechariah 11:12-13). F. The Result (Zechariah 11:14). G. A worthless Shepherd takes Charge (vats, 15, 16). H. This Shepherd Punished (Zechariah 11:17).1 Open, O Lebanon, thy doors,And let fire devour thy cedars.12 Howl,... read more
Beauty and Bands Zechariah 11:1-17 The times were very dark when Zechariah felt called upon to act as shepherd to Jehovah’s harried flock. Rulers and priests were actuated by selfish greed and mutual antagonism. Three shepherds had already failed. After a brief effort Zechariah renounced the attempt. He broke his staff of Beauty, or Grace, Zechariah 11:10 , r.v. margin, as if God’s tender love had withdrawn from its struggle with evil; and when he challenged the people to set a value on his... read more
The last movement of the message described the rejection of the King. The prophet first foretold the coming of judgment under the figure of the Roman fire devouring the people and spoiling the glory of the false shepherds. The reason for this judgment was the rejection of the anointed King. This King is portrayed as having two staves, one called Beauty, which signified grace, and the other, Bands, which signified union. This true Shepherd rejected the false, and then was Himself rejected of... read more
A Prophecy in Which Zechariah Sees that Instead of True Shepherds There Will Arise False Shepherds. He as The True Shepherd will be Rejected (Zechariah 11:1-17 ). Zchariah now returns to his theme of the false shepherds as found in Zechariah 10:2-3. Up to now the future has on the whole seemed rosy. But Zechariah recognised the problem of the false shepherds. False shepherds have already arisen (Zechariah 10:2-3) and will yet arise and doom will come on the land. Before the eschatological... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Zechariah 11:15-17
And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. 16 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. 17 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... read more