Zechariah 11:12 meaning
In this poignant passage, the prophet Zechariah acts as a symbolic shepherd representing God's relationship with His people. The context reflects a period of impending judgment due to Israel's collective rejection of God's guidance, personified through the shepherd metaphor. This chapter forebodes the consequences of the nation's unbelief, ultimately leading to their destruction and scattering. It highlights the gravity of their choice to dishonor the shepherd's leadership, culminating in the acceptance of a lowly compensation for the care he provided.
In Zechariah 11:12, the prophet dramatically asks for his wages, which the people weigh out as a mere thirty pieces of silver. This amount—conveying profound disrespect—echoes the price of a gored slave in ancient times. The act of valuing such a humble sum is a stark reflection of the people's contempt for their shepherd, revealing not only their unworthiness but also the deep spiritual blindness that led them to this point. This foreshadows a pivotal moment in biblical history, linking the rejection of Christ and His subsequent betrayal, as evidenced in the New Testament accounts.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Zechariah 11:7-14 meaning. Zechariah cares for the oppressed Judeans using two staffs: one is called Favor and the other Union. He then dismisses the inadequate leaders and renounces his commission to allow the people to receive the fate awaiting them. Finally, he breaks the two staffs, signifying that God will temporarily remove His favor from the people and will not unify Judah and Israel for a while.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Zechariah 11:1-3 meaning. Zechariah urges the leaders of Lebanon and Bashan to lament the destruction of their forested land because the LORD will come to them with judgment.
- Matthew 26:14-16 meaning. Judas’s Bargain: Judas seeks out the chief priests in order to betray Jesus. He asks them what they will give him for doing this. They reply “thirty pieces of silver”—the prescribed compensation to be paid an owner for the accidental death of his slave. Judas agrees.
- Matthew 27:3-5 meaning. Judas's Remorse: After Jesus was condemned, Judas regrets his betrayal, and he tries to return the thirty pieces of silver. The chief priests refuse to accept it. Judas throws it at their feet and runs away before killing himself.
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