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The Destruction of the Land (Daily Portion 10414)
Scripture Passage:
Zechariah 11:1-17 Bible commentators recognize this chapter as a difficult one to interpret. It is good to approach this chapter as having three major sections: 1) the coming destruction of the land (v.1-3) which will come because of 2) their rejection of the good shepherd (v.4-14) and 3) their acceptance of the evil shepherd (v.15-17). This chapter points to the rejection of Jesus Christ as Messiah and to the acceptance of the antichrist and the destruction of the land of Israel during the Tribulation.
What Does It Say?
- The oaks of _________ are told to howl because the forest of the __________ is come down.
- The prophet heard the roaring of the young _______ because their dwelling place, the _________ of Jordan, is spoiled.
- When the possessors of the flock of the slaughter sell them, their own shepherds ______ them not.
- The Lord took to Himself two sticks, or staves, calling one _________ and the other one __________.
- The Lord told Zechariah, Take unto thee yet the ______________ of a ___________ shepherd.
What Does It Mean?
- The “flock of the slaughter” is mentioned two times in this passage (v.4, 7). Who makes up the flock of the slaughter and why are they called this?
- Verse ten refers to the staff called Beauty. When it is broken, God breaks His covenant with all the people. How does God’s concept of beauty differ from ours? A reading of the following verses may help: Exodus 28:2And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
See All...; 2Chronicles 20:21And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
See All...; Psalm 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
See All...; Psalm 29:2; Psalm 90:17; Psalm 96:6; Proverbs 31:30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
See All...; Isaiah 28:5In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,
See All...; Isaiah 61:3; Romans 10:15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
See All.... - Verses 12 and 13 clearly refer to Jesus Christ. How were these verses fulfilled during the first coming of Christ to earth? Can you find where they are fulfilled in the New Testament?
What Does It Mean to Me?
- The “poor of the flock” are mentioned two times in this chapter (v.7, 11). Verse 11 refers to the breaking of the covenant with all the people: “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.” Who are the poor of the flock? What is happening in this verse?
- In part, verse 17 states: “Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock!” An idol is a false image set up as a god. What then would an idol shepherd be? For help see the following: Isaiah 44:10Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?
See All...; Isaiah 56:9-12; Jeremiah 2:26-27 [26] As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets. [27] Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.
See All...; Jeremiah 23:1-2; Luke 11:42-48 [42] But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. [43] Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. [44] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. [45] Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. [46] And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. [47] Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. [48] Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
See All....
Suggested Memory Verses
Zechariah 11:12And 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.
See All..., 13
Proverbs 28:11
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.