Zechariah 11:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.

Complete Jewish Bible:

ADONAI said to me, "This time, take the equipment of a worthless shepherd.

Berean Standard Bible:

And the LORD said to me: “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd.

American Standard Version:

And Jehovah said unto me, Take unto thee yet again the instruments of a foolish shepherd.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And the LORD^{H3068} said^{H559} unto me, Take^{H3947} unto thee yet the instruments^{H3627} of a foolish^{H196} shepherd^{H7462}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Zechariah 11:15

Zechariah 11:15 is a part of the prophetic book of Zechariah, which is situated within the post-exilic period of Jewish history, around the late 6th century BCE. The book contains visions and oracles that aim to encourage the returned exiles to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and to reassure them of God's presence and sovereignty.

In the broader context of Zechariah 11, the prophet is depicting a narrative where he acts out the roles of both a good shepherd and a foolish shepherd. The good shepherd is understood to represent God or a righteous leader, while the foolish shepherd symbolizes a future leader who fails to care for the people of Israel. The verse in question, Zechariah 11:15, specifically refers to God instructing the prophet to take up the instruments of a foolish shepherd.

The "instruments" mentioned could be metaphorical for the actions, attitudes, or perhaps even the tools associated with a bad leader. These might include neglect, greed, or oppression—contrary to the care, guidance, and protection expected of a true shepherd. By taking up these instruments, Zechariah would be embodying the role of a leader who abandons his responsibilities, contributing to the people's distress and scattering, as described in the subsequent verses.

Historically, this passage may reflect the disappointment and criticism of the contemporary leaders of Judah who were seen as failing in their duties to shepherd the people of Israel with justice and righteousness. It also serves as a prophetic warning about the consequences of poor leadership and the devastation that can follow when leaders do not act in the best interests of their people. The theme resonates with broader biblical concerns about governance and the need for leaders to be accountable to God and to the people they serve.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3947
   There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָקַח
   Transliteration: lâqach
   Pronunciation: law-kakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3627
   There are 276 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּלִי
   Transliteration: kᵉlîy
   Pronunciation: kel-ee'
   Description: from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever.
   
5. Strong's Number: H196
   There are 200 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱוִלִי
   Transliteration: ʼĕvilîy
   Pronunciation: ev-ee-lee'
   Description: from אֱוִיל; silly, foolish; hence (morally) impious; foolish.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7462
   There are 144 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָעָה
   Transliteration: râʻâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend); [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste.