ZECHARIAH 11

JESUS, THE SHEPHERD DESTINED FOR SLAUGHTER 

Zechariah speaks to Lebanon, warning them that their grand cedar trees will be devoured by fire, symbolizing how the proud and powerful will be humbled.

God tells Zechariah that he will become a shepherd over a flock of sheep doomed for slaughter. During Zechariah’s time as a shepherd, which was either literal or figurative, he became frustrated. Zechariah carried two staffs, one named “Union” and the other named “Favor,” which he broke in half out of anger and protest, symbolizing the broken covenant between God and the Israelites.

Zechariah requests a fair wage but is paid an inadequate sum, thirty pieces of silver. This amount is significant because it points to the disciple, Judas, who is given thirty pieces of silver for his betrayal of Jesus (see Matthew 26). This chapter tells of Jesus, the ultimate shepherd and God’s own Son, who was led to His slaughter for the sin of humanity.

The betrayal and rejection of God’s shepherd reflects a pattern of corrupt leadership—both in Zechariah’s time and in the temple when Jesus flipped the tables (see Matthew 21:12-13), confronting the exploitation and corruption in God’s house.