Zechariah 11 15

Zechariah 11:15 kjv

And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.

Zechariah 11:15 nkjv

And the LORD said to me, "Next, take for yourself the implements of a foolish shepherd.

Zechariah 11:15 niv

Then the LORD said to me, "Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd.

Zechariah 11:15 esv

Then the LORD said to me, "Take once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd.

Zechariah 11:15 nlt

Then the LORD said to me, "Go again and play the part of a worthless shepherd.

Zechariah 11 verses

Zechariah 11 15 Meaning

Zechariah 11:15 is a direct divine command to the prophet Zechariah, instructing him to assume the role of a "foolish shepherd" and acquire his characteristic implements. This instruction marks a shift from Zechariah's previous role as a compassionate shepherd in verses 7-14, which symbolized God's care for His flock (Israel) through the rejected "Good Shepherd." The command to take "again" these implements signifies a new, contrasting prophetic act that dramatizes God's impending judgment upon Israel, specifically for their rejection of the good and righteous leadership offered by God. The "foolish shepherd" represents the kind of destructive and neglectful leadership Israel would suffer, resulting from their rejection of divine wisdom and care, leading to their being abandoned to self-serving and exploitative leaders. It signifies a divine judgment where the people get the leadership they deserve for rejecting God's shepherd.

Zechariah 11 15 Context

Zechariah 11 describes a profound symbolic drama concerning God's relationship with His people, Israel, particularly concerning their leadership. The chapter opens with a prophecy of destruction upon the land (Zec 11:1-3). Then, Zechariah is commanded to act as a good shepherd to a flock destined for slaughter (Zec 11:4-6), representing the oppressed people. He shepherds the flock with two staffs, "Beauty" (grace/favor) and "Bonds" (unity/brotherhood), symbolizing God's covenantal care and the unity of His people (Zec 11:7). However, the flock "abhorred" him (Zec 11:8), and the relationship is dissolved (Zec 11:9-10). Zechariah then demands his wages and receives thirty pieces of silver, a meager price which he throws into the temple treasury (Zec 11:12-13), signifying Israel's contemptuous valuation of God's redemptive work through His shepherd. This act specifically foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Following this rejection of the good shepherd and the breaking of both staffs, Zec 11:15 introduces a new, grim phase: the prophet is now to adopt the guise and implements of a foolish and worthless shepherd, signifying God's judgment and the consequences of their rejection. This chapter serves as a prophecy against corrupt spiritual and civil leadership and foreshadows the rejection of the Messiah, leading to dire consequences.

Zechariah 11 15 Word analysis

• And the LORD said: This phrase establishes divine authority for the command, indicating that what follows is a direct mandate from God, not Zechariah's own idea. The name "LORD" (Yahweh) signifies God's covenant relationship and ultimate sovereignty over His people and their leaders.
• to me: Highlights Zechariah's personal role as the recipient of divine instruction and as a prophetic actor, emphasizing that he is to physically embody this new, harsh prophetic sign.
• Take again: The Hebrew ‘ôd (עוֹד) means "again" or "more." This word is crucial. It signals a dramatic change from Zechariah's previous role as the good shepherd in the earlier part of the chapter (Zec 11:4-14). He is to perform a second, distinct shepherd role, one that is deliberately contrary to his first. This underscores a shift in God's dealing with His people from protective care to judgment through neglect.
• the implements: The Hebrew kəlê (כְּלֵי) refers to tools or articles. In the context of a shepherd, these would typically include a staff, a rod, a pouch, or a sling. However, here they are not for genuine shepherding but for the specific, destructive role of a "foolish shepherd." This suggests a perverse use of traditional tools or implements that are themselves emblematic of the shepherd's folly—perhaps ineffective, damaging, or instruments of exploitation rather than protection.
• of a foolish shepherd: This is the heart of the command. The Hebrew rō‘eh ’ĕwîlî (רֹעֶה אֱוִלִי) directly contrasts with the "good shepherd" that Zechariah previously personified.
  • shepherd (רֹעֶה, rō‘eh): This term usually signifies a protector, guide, and feeder of the flock. In a broader sense, it represents leaders, kings, and spiritual guides in Israel. Here, its combination with "foolish" subverts its positive connotations.
  • foolish (אֱוִלִי, ’ĕwîlî): This is a strong word in Hebrew wisdom literature. An ’ĕwîl is not merely unintelligent, but is morally obtuse, rebellious against God's wisdom, and often acts with destructive disregard for consequences (e.g., Prov 1:7; Ps 14:1). This shepherd is not just negligent; he is perverse and actively harmful in his folly, driven by self-interest rather than the flock's welfare. This 'foolishness' signifies spiritual and moral depravity rather than a mere lack of intellect.

Zechariah 11 15 Bonus section

The "foolish shepherd" prophecy can be understood on multiple layers: as a historical reference to the incompetent or oppressive Jewish leaders in the post-exilic and intertestamental periods (e.g., the Hasmoneans who usurped spiritual authority, or High Priests appointed by foreign powers), or even to the Roman governors who later oppressed Judea. It also functions as a theological principle: when God's people reject the true Shepherd (which culminated in the rejection of Jesus), God may permit destructive leadership as a consequence and a form of judgment. The very implements the foolish shepherd would use could represent instruments of abuse like "shearing the sheep for their wool, devouring their flesh, or tearing their hoofs"—not caring for them (referencing Ezekiel 34). This section of Zechariah strongly connects the past, present (of Zechariah's time), and future, leading up to the coming of Christ and the consequences of His rejection, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD under various 'foolish' or tyrannical leaders.

Zechariah 11 15 Commentary

Zechariah 11:15 marks a pivotal turning point in the prophet's symbolic performance within a chapter steeped in divine judgment. Having depicted God's initial covenantal care through a compassionate shepherd (Zec 11:4-14)—a figure ultimately rejected by the flock (for a paltry 30 pieces of silver, foretelling Christ's betrayal)—Zechariah is now commanded to take up the role of an antithetical, destructive shepherd. This command is not about a sudden change in God's character, but a prophetic revelation of the consequence of Israel's rejection of God's loving leadership. Because they despised the "Good Shepherd" (represented by Zechariah and ultimately Jesus Christ), God would allow them to be subjected to the kind of corrupt, self-serving, and harmful leadership they desired or implicitly tolerated through their actions. The "foolish shepherd" is characterized by spiritual ignorance and moral perversion, contrasting sharply with divine wisdom and care. His "implements" would symbolize instruments of neglect, exploitation, and abuse rather than guidance or protection. This foreshadows a period of severe suffering for Israel under such leadership, either from their own internal corrupt officials, oppressive foreign rulers, or a combination, illustrating God's sovereign hand in permitting their judgment to match their sin. It is a stark reminder that rejection of divine grace inevitably leads to harsh judgment, where people are given over to the very folly they chose.