Zechariah 11:4 kjv
Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;
Zechariah 11:4 nkjv
Thus says the LORD my God, "Feed the flock for slaughter,
Zechariah 11:4 niv
This is what the LORD my God says: "Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter.
Zechariah 11:4 esv
Thus said the LORD my God: "Become shepherd of the flock doomed to slaughter.
Zechariah 11:4 nlt
This is what the LORD my God says: "Go and care for the flock that is intended for slaughter.
Zechariah 11 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 44:22 | Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. | People suffering as a 'flock for slaughter'. |
| Jer 12:3 | But You, O LORD, know me... Drag them out like sheep for the slaughter and prepare them for the day of slaughter. | God's judgment leading to slaughter for the wicked. |
| Rom 8:36 | As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” | Paul quoting Ps 44:22, Christians seen as destined for suffering. |
| Isa 53:7 | He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter... | Foreshadows Christ's willing suffering for humanity. |
| Eze 34:2 | Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! | Condemnation of Israel's unfaithful leaders, a recurring theme. |
| Jer 23:1 | “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. | Divine judgment against irresponsible leaders. |
| Zech 11:5 | Those who buy them slaughter them and go unpunished... | The dire consequences and corruption of the "shepherds" and "buyers." |
| Zech 11:6 | “For I will no longer have pity on the inhabitants of the land,” declares the LORD. “Indeed, I will deliver everyone into his neighbor’s hand... | God withdrawing mercy and allowing internal conflict/destruction. |
| Zech 11:7 | So I shepherded the flock doomed to slaughter, therefore, the afflicted of the flock. | Zechariah begins his symbolic action, emphasizing the state of the people. |
| Mt 9:36 | When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. | Jesus' empathy for the leaderless people, fulfilling the need for a true shepherd. |
| Jn 10:11 | I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. | Jesus contrasts Himself with failed leaders, showing sacrificial love. |
| Heb 13:20 | Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep... | Jesus identified as the great Shepherd. |
| 1 Pet 2:25 | For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. | Believers returning to Christ as their true Shepherd. |
| 1 Pet 5:2 | Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight... | Command to spiritual leaders to truly care for God's flock. |
| Isa 56:11 | The dogs are greedy; they are never satisfied. They are shepherds who have no understanding; they have all turned to their own way... | Israel's spiritual leaders are depicted as corrupt and self-serving. |
| Hos 13:7-8 | So I will be to them like a lion; like a leopard I will lurk by the wayside. I will meet them like a bear robbed of her cubs... | God's fierce judgment likened to a predatory animal attacking. |
| Acts 20:29 | I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. | Paul warns of false teachers who prey on the flock. |
| Jer 50:6 | My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray... | Israel's leaders causing them to wander and be lost. |
| Mic 5:4 | And He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD... | Prophecy of the Messiah, the true Shepherd. |
| Ps 78:70-72 | He chose David His servant... to shepherd Jacob His people, Israel His inheritance. | David as an example of a good, divinely appointed shepherd. |
| Lk 19:41-44 | And when He drew near and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!... | Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem's impending destruction. |
Zechariah 11 verses
Zechariah 11 4 Meaning
Zechariah 11:4 reveals a direct divine command from the LORD God to Zechariah, or a symbolic prophetic figure, to "shepherd the flock doomed to slaughter." This powerful and paradoxical directive signifies God's pronouncement of judgment upon His people, Israel, due to the failure of their corrupt leaders (shepherds) and the people's own rebellion. Despite their impending destruction, God still instructs a form of care and oversight, underscoring both His justice and His enduring, though grieving, engagement with His covenant people in their fallen state.
Zechariah 11 4 Context
Zechariah 11 initiates a new prophetic vision, often referred to as the "Shepherd Discourse" or "Book of Woes," setting it apart from the preceding night visions and post-exilic temple focus. The chapter uses an allegorical drama where Zechariah acts as a shepherd of a flock doomed to slaughter. This imagery is steeped in Old Testament prophetic tradition, where Israel's leaders—kings, priests, and prophets—are frequently referred to as shepherds and the people as their flock. Historically, Zechariah ministered during the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile (around 520 BC). However, this specific prophecy in chapter 11 seems to transcend the immediate post-exilic period, extending to a time when God’s patience with unfaithful leadership and rebellious people reaches its limit, anticipating future judgment, particularly pointing to the rejection of the Messiah and the destruction of Jerusalem. The "flock doomed to slaughter" primarily refers to the people of Israel who, due to the failure of their earthly leaders and their own spiritual unfaithfulness, were appointed for judgment and dispersion by God. The command in verse 4 introduces this dramatic and somber section, setting the stage for the shepherd's two staves, "Favor" and "Union," and their eventual breaking, symbolizing the breaking of God's covenant with His people and their division. The command also directly implies a polemic against the present and future 'shepherds' of Israel who exploit rather than protect the flock.
Zechariah 11 4 Word analysis
- Thus says the LORD my God: (Hebrew: כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי - Koh amar YHVH Elohay). This is a solemn prophetic formula, emphasizing the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It highlights that the words are not Zechariah's own, but direct revelation from the Almighty. The use of "my God" reflects Zechariah's personal relationship and submission to God's will, even for such a grim task.
- Shepherd: (Hebrew: רְעֵה - re‘eh from the verb רָעָה ra'ah). The imperative command to "shepherd" (tend, feed, lead, protect). In the Bible, 'shepherd' is a foundational metaphor for leadership, governance, and spiritual care, particularly applied to kings, priests, and eventually, the Messiah. Here, it is given in a seemingly contradictory context, suggesting an overseeing of a flock not for flourishing, but for a terrible end, highlighting a bitter irony or a final, sad oversight.
- the flock: (Hebrew: הַצֹּאן - ha-tso’n). This term typically refers to sheep or a flock of sheep, which universally symbolizes God's people, Israel, throughout the Old and New Testaments. The definite article "the" indicates a specific, identifiable group—namely, God's chosen people who are the recipients of this prophecy and its judgment.
- doomed to slaughter: (Hebrew: הַהֲרֵגָה - ha-haregah). This is a stark and direct phrase, literally "of the slaughter" or "for the slaughter." The use of the definite article preceding "slaughter" further emphasizes that their fate is predetermined and certain. It signifies that the flock has been designated for destruction, often by their enemies or even by God's judgment directly. This is not accidental slaughter but an appointed one, a divine judgment or a consequence of their deep spiritual decay and the failures of their corrupt leadership.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "Thus says the LORD my God": Establishes the divine decree and Zechariah's role as a prophetic messenger. The gravity of the subsequent command is underlined by the supreme authority from which it issues.
- "Shepherd the flock": This phrase combines the caring, protective role of a shepherd with the identity of Israel as God's people. It implies a degree of continued engagement or presence even amidst the upcoming devastation, whether it is for judgment, lament, or simply an observed descent into chaos.
- "doomed to slaughter": This addition drastically alters the pastoral imagery. It introduces the horrific destiny of the flock, emphasizing that despite the act of 'shepherding,' the ultimate outcome for this specific flock is not preservation or prosperity, but judgment and demise. This highlights the severe spiritual condition of the people and the extent of God's coming wrath, due to their sin and rejection of Him. It also prepares the reader for the difficult and destructive actions of the 'shepherd' in the verses to come.
Zechariah 11 4 Bonus section
The prophecy in Zechariah 11, particularly beginning with this verse, carries strong messianic overtones. Many scholars interpret Zechariah, as the shepherd figure, as performing a symbolic act that prefigures the ministry and rejection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Christ came to "shepherd" His people, Israel (Mt 15:24), but they ultimately rejected Him (Jn 1:11, Lk 19:42). Thus, the "flock doomed to slaughter" could be seen not only as the historically unfaithful Israel but also, more directly, as the generation that would reject their Messiah, leading to their desolation. The subsequent events in Zechariah 11, such as the shepherd's staff breaking and the betrayal for "thirty pieces of silver" (Zech 11:12-13), resonate powerfully with New Testament accounts of Christ's passion, reinforcing this deep connection. This specific command to "shepherd" could also represent God's final attempt, through the Messiah, to gather His people, even as He knows many are destined for judgment.
Zechariah 11 4 Commentary
Zechariah 11:4 delivers a divine mandate for a shepherd to oversee a flock already consigned to slaughter. This command is grim and paradoxical, reflecting God's lament over His chosen people, Israel, whose ultimate rejection of His true spiritual care (foreshadowing the Messiah) would lead to their severe judgment. The task assigned is not one of deliverance in the typical sense, but rather a final, observational tending of those about to fall under the weight of divine wrath and historical consequence. This imagery critiques the long history of unfaithful shepherds (Israel's corrupt rulers and religious leaders) who exploited the people instead of protecting and nourishing them. Their self-serving ways led the flock to spiritual destitution, making them ripe for "slaughter" by their enemies or by internal decay, directly reflecting God's withdrawing hand. The "flock doomed to slaughter" encapsulates Israel's dire future without a true, divine shepherd. It points to a period of great suffering and dispersion for the nation, ultimately fulfilled in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, a judgment that came after their rejection of Jesus, the true Good Shepherd. This verse sets the tone for a powerful allegorical act by Zechariah, symbolizing God's deep sorrow but also His resolute justice concerning His people and their leaders.For example, this verse illustrates that God's plan can involve difficult, uncomfortable tasks for His servants. It shows how past spiritual neglect by leaders can lead to collective ruin for a people. Furthermore, it reminds believers of the critical need for vigilant, self-sacrificing leadership within the church, unlike the shepherds condemned here.