Zec 11:4 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Zech 11:4-17: 11:4-17 The metaphor of the Hebrew leaders as shepherds binds together the last three messages (9:9–11:17 ) of Zechariah’s first oracle (chs 9–11 ). This message combines allegory with symbolic action on Zechariah’s part to dramatize the wickedness of Israel’s shepherds. The prophet acts out a parable of a “good shepherd” called by God to lead and unite his people, but the people reject this shepherd along with the promise of protection from the nations (11:10 ) and unity between Judah and Israel (11:14 ). Zechariah’s symbolic actions foreshadow the ministry of Jesus the Messiah as the Good Shepherd (see John 10:1-21 ). 11:4 The people of Israel are God’s flock (see Isa 40:11 ; Mic 5:4 ). The relative helplessness of sheep places a premium on their careful shepherding. • intended for slaughter: Like sheep fattened for butchering, the people are being treated as disposable goods in a corrupt economy.

a11:4-17►

b9:9–11:17►

c9–11►

d11:10►

e11:14►

fJohn 10:1-21►

g11:4►

hIsa 40:11►

iMic 5:4►

‏ Zechariah 11:4

Summary for Zech 11:4-17: 11:4-17 ^a The metaphor of the Hebrew leaders as shepherds binds together the last three messages (9:9–11:17 ^b) of Zechariah’s first oracle (chs 9–11 ^c). This message combines allegory with symbolic action on Zechariah’s part to dramatize the wickedness of Israel’s shepherds. The prophet acts out a parable of a “good shepherd” called by God to lead and unite his people, but the people reject this shepherd along with the promise of protection from the nations (11:10 ^d) and unity between Judah and Israel (11:14 ^e). Zechariah’s symbolic actions foreshadow the ministry of Jesus the Messiah as the Good Shepherd (see John 10:1-21 ^f). 11:4 ^g The people of Israel are God’s flock (see Isa 40:11 ^h; Mic 5:4 ⁱ). The relative helplessness of sheep places a premium on their careful shepherding.

• intended for slaughter: Like sheep fattened for butchering, the people are being treated as disposable goods in a corrupt economy.