What does Zechariah 11:11 mean?
"And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD." - Zechariah 11:11
The book of Zechariah was written by the prophet Zechariah, who was a contemporary of Haggai and the grandson of Iddo, a priest. He lived and prophesied during the time when the Israelites were returning to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. His prophecies were meant to encourage and challenge the people of Judah to remain faithful to God and to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Zechariah 11:11 in the King James Version reads: "And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord."
This verse is part of a larger passage in which Zechariah speaks about his role as a shepherd over the people of Judah. He is to symbolize the care and guidance that God provides for His people. In this chapter, Zechariah uses the imagery of shepherding to address the failures and rejection of the Israelites and how these events have been prophesied.
In Zechariah 11, the prophet speaks about the shepherds of Judah who have failed in their responsibilities and have allowed the people to be scattered and oppressed. This verse describes a breaking that occurs on a particular day, signifying a significant event in the future, which can be interpreted as the coming destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD.
The "poor of the flock" represents the faithful remnant of God's people who recognize and acknowledge the word of the Lord. Despite the failures and betrayals of the leaders, there are those among the people who remain loyal and obedient to God. This verse implies that they understand the significance of the breaking that occurs and that it confirms the truth of God's word.
The broader context of this verse portrays a message of judgment for the leaders of Judah, but also a promise of restoration for the remnant of faithful followers. It is a reminder that despite the unfaithfulness of leaders and the suffering endured by the people, God is ultimately in control and will not abandon those who remain devoted to Him.
This passage is filled with symbolism that reflects not only the historical context in which it was written but also the broader theme of God's faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience. The shepherds represent the leadership of the nation, while the flock represents the people of Judah. The breaking is a symbol of the judgment that will come upon them, but it also serves as a revelation to the faithful that God's word is true and trustworthy.
The themes of judgment, restoration, faithfulness, and obedience are prominent in this verse. It serves as a warning to those in positions of leadership to take their responsibilities seriously and to remain faithful to God. It also offers hope to the faithful remnant that even in times of suffering and despair, God is still present and working for their ultimate good.
In summary, Zechariah 11:11 in the King James Version is a verse that carries a powerful message of judgment and restoration. It uses the imagery of shepherding to communicate the failures of the leaders of Judah and the faithfulness of the remnant. It reminds us that despite the brokenness and suffering in the world, God's word remains true and promises ultimate restoration for those who remain faithful to Him.
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Zechariah 11:11 - "And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD."
"And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD." - Zechariah 11:11
Zechariah 11:4 - "Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;"
Ezra 8:11 - "And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males."
Zechariah 12:11 - "In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon."
Zechariah 7:11 - "But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear."
Zechariah 11:1 - "Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars."
Zechariah 8:11 - "But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts."
Zechariah 11:15 - "¶ And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd."
Luke 1:11-12
Zechariah 14:11 - "And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited."
Zechariah 11:3 - "¶ There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled."
1 Chronicles 26:11 - "Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brethren of Hosah were thirteen."
Zechariah 6:11 - "Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;"
Zechariah 11:14 - "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel."
Zechariah 9:11 - "As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water."
Zechariah 5:11 - "And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base."
Zechariah 11:8 - "Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me."
Nehemiah 11:5 - "And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni."
Luke 1:11-12
Zechariah 4:11 - "¶ Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?"
Zechariah 11:2 - "Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down."
Zechariah 11:10 - "¶ And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people."
Zechariah 11:5 - "Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty: and they that sell them say, Blessed be the LORD; for I am rich: and their own shepherds pity them not."
"Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;" - Zechariah 11:4
Zechariah 11:12 - "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver."
"In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon." - Zechariah 12:11
"But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear." - Zechariah 7:11
"And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males." - Ezra 8:11
Zechariah 1:11 - "And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest."