Zechariah 11:9

"I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me."

Key Reflection

In Zechariah 11:9, God through the prophet speaks of his disillusionment with the leaders of Israel, whom he refers to as "shepherds." This act of cutting off these shepherds in a single month signifies God's rejection and removal of corrupt leadership. The verse reflects the cultural context where shepherding was an essential role, often symbolizing governance or religious authority. By removing these leaders due to their unworthiness, God underscores his commitment to appointing righteous rulers who will genuinely serve the people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And I said, I will not feed you -God, at last, leaves the rebellious soul or people to itself, as He says by Moses, “Then My anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and will hide My Face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall find them”Deuteronomy 31:17: and our Lord tells the captious Jews; “I go My way, and ye shall seek Me and shall die in your sins”John 8:21. That which dieth, let it die -Zechariah seems to condense, but to repeat the abandonment in Jeremiah; “Cast them out of My sight, and let them go forth.

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