Zechariah 11:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was broken {H6565} in that day {H3117}: and so the poor {H6041} of the flock {H6629} that waited {H8104} upon me knew {H3045} that it was the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On that day when it was broken, the most miserable of the sheep who paid attention to me knew that this was indeed a message from ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

It was revoked on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock who were watching me knew that it was the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And it was broken in that day; and thus the poor of the flock that gave heed unto me knew that it was the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:11 marks a critical turning point in the prophetic oracle concerning the shepherd and the flock, signifying the breaking of God's covenant of grace with His people. This verse highlights the immediate consequence of this divine act: while the nation as a whole remained largely oblivious, a humble and spiritually discerning remnant, described as "the poor of the flock," recognized this profound event as the direct fulfillment of the Lord's authoritative word and sovereign plan. It underscores the distinction between those who are spiritually attentive and those who are not, even in the midst of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11:11 is situated within a dramatic and complex prophetic oracle spanning [Zechariah chapters 10-11](/zechariah/10 "Zechariah 10-11 - Prophecies of Shepherd and Flock"). This section shifts from earlier visions of future restoration to a somber portrayal of God's impending judgment on His people, Israel, due to their rejection of His true leadership. The prophet Zechariah himself acts out a symbolic parable, assuming the role of a shepherd tending a flock destined for slaughter. He carries two staffs: "Beauty" (or "Graciousness") and "Bands" (or "Union"). The preceding verse, [Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - The Breaking of Beauty"), describes the breaking of the staff "Beauty," symbolizing the termination of God's covenant of grace and protection with His people. Verse 11 directly follows this pivotal action, detailing its immediate spiritual impact on a specific segment of the flock, setting the stage for further prophetic acts concerning the rejection of the shepherd and the subsequent judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah was written during the post-exilic period, likely around 520-518 BC, as the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. This was a time of renewed hope but also significant spiritual and political challenges. The imagery of a shepherd and flock was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, as it was an agrarian society where shepherding was a common and vital profession. Kings and leaders were often referred to as shepherds, and God Himself was frequently depicted as the Shepherd of Israel (e.g., [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). The concept of a "covenant" was central to Israelite identity, defining their relationship with Yahweh. The breaking of such a covenant, especially one of grace, would have signified a profound shift in divine favor and protection, leading to national distress. The "poor of the flock" would have been understood as those who were marginalized or humble, contrasting with the powerful but corrupt leaders of the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Zechariah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Broken Covenant and Divine Judgment**. The breaking of the staff "Beauty" and its immediate recognition by the remnant signifies God's withdrawal of His gracious covenant and protection due to Israel's persistent disobedience and rejection of His true leadership, foreshadowing a period of severe national distress and dispersion. Secondly, it highlights the **Discernment of the Faithful Remnant**. The phrase "the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD" is crucial. It reveals that not everyone understood the profound significance of these prophetic actions. Only the humble, spiritually attentive, and genuinely believing remnant—those who "waited upon" or paid close attention to the Lord—were able to discern that these events were not random occurrences but were indeed the fulfillment of God's spoken word and His sovereign plan. This group represents those who possessed spiritual insight despite widespread national apostasy, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - The Holy Seed is the Remnant")). Lastly, the entire chapter, including this verse, prophetically prefigures the **Rejection of the True Shepherd**. The events described here, leading into the "selling" of the shepherd for [thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd"), are widely interpreted as a prophecy concerning the ultimate rejection of the Messiah, the true Good Shepherd, as seen in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **broken (Hebrew, _pârar'_ H6565):** This root means "to break up" or "to violate," often used figuratively to mean "to frustrate," "to disannul," "to make of none effect," or "to bring to nought." In Zechariah 11:11, it specifically refers to the breaking of the staff "Beauty" (mentioned in the preceding verse), symbolizing the annulment or dissolution of God's covenant of grace. It signifies a divine act of judgment, rendering void the previous relationship of favor and protection.
* **poor (Hebrew, _ʻânîy'_ H6041):** Derived from a root meaning "to be depressed" or "afflicted," this term refers not only to material poverty but carries a strong spiritual connotation. It describes those who are humble, meek, afflicted, or oppressed, and crucially, those who are spiritually dependent on God. These are the ones who, due to their humility and reliance on the Lord, are receptive to divine truth and capable of discerning God's hand in unfolding events, contrasting with the proud or self-sufficient.
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_ H3045):** This is a broad and significant Hebrew verb meaning "to know," encompassing a wide range of understanding from simple ascertainment to deep, intimate recognition. It implies not just intellectual knowledge but experiential understanding, recognition, and often, acknowledgment. In this context, the "poor of the flock" didn't just hear about the event; they understood its profound spiritual significance and recognized it as a divine act, confirming its origin as "the word of the LORD."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was broken in that day:"** This clause refers directly to the symbolic act performed by Zechariah in the previous verse ([Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - The Breaking of Beauty")), where the staff named "Beauty" (or "Graciousness") was broken. "That day" points to the specific time of this prophetic action and, by extension, the historical period it represents—a day of divine judgment and the termination of God's gracious covenant with Israel. This breaking signifies the cessation of divine favor and the withdrawal of God's protective hand, leading to a period of distress and dispersion for the nation.
* **"and so the poor of the flock"** This phrase identifies a specific group within the larger "flock" (Israel). As discussed in the key word analysis, "the poor" (Hebrew: *ʻânîy*) refers to the humble, the afflicted, and those who are spiritually dependent on God, contrasting with the proud or self-sufficient leaders and populace. This group represents the faithful remnant within Israel who possessed spiritual sensitivity.
* **"that waited upon me"** This further describes the "poor of the flock." To "wait upon" the Lord (Hebrew: *shâmar*) implies attentive observation, diligent watching, and faithful adherence to God and His word. It suggests a posture of humility, expectation, and obedience, indicating that this remnant was actively seeking and listening for God's voice and discerning His actions in the world.
* **"knew that it [was] the word of the LORD."** This is the climactic realization of the verse. The humble and attentive remnant understood, with spiritual insight, that the breaking of the staff was not a random event or mere human action, but a direct fulfillment of God's authoritative and sovereign "word" (Hebrew: *dâbâr*). They recognized the divine origin and purpose behind the unfolding judgment, affirming God's faithfulness to His pronouncements, even those concerning discipline.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The primary device is **Symbolism**, where the prophet Zechariah acts out a parable using concrete objects to represent abstract spiritual realities. The "shepherd" symbolizes God's divine leadership and later, the Messiah; the "flock" represents the people of Israel; and the "staff Beauty" symbolizes God's gracious covenant and protection. The breaking of this staff is a symbolic act signifying the termination of this covenant. This symbolic action is also a form of **Prophetic Action**, a common device in Old Testament prophecy where the prophet's physical deeds serve as a living sermon or a visual representation of God's message (e.g., Jeremiah wearing a yoke). Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** drawn between the "poor of the flock" and the rest of the nation. This highlights the spiritual discernment of the humble remnant against the spiritual blindness of the majority, emphasizing that true understanding of God's ways is often granted to those who are spiritually receptive rather than those in positions of power or privilege.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:11 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty and the consequences of rejecting His covenant. Even in judgment, God's actions are purposeful and part of His divine plan, recognized by those with spiritual discernment. It underscores the biblical truth that God's word is always fulfilled, whether in blessing or in discipline. The "poor of the flock" represent the enduring principle of a faithful remnant, a group consistently highlighted throughout Scripture as those who remain loyal to God amidst widespread apostasy and who possess the spiritual insight to understand His dealings. Their recognition that the breaking of the covenant was "the word of the LORD" affirms God's justice and His ultimate control over history, even when His actions appear devastating from a human perspective. This verse serves as a sober reminder that God holds nations accountable for their choices, yet always preserves a people for Himself who will recognize His hand.

* [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")
* [Matthew 11:25](/matthew/11-25 "Matthew 11:25 - Wisdom Revealed to the Humble")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant Chosen by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today, emphasizing the critical importance of spiritual discernment and humility in navigating life's challenges. In a world often marked by confusion, uncertainty, and seemingly inexplicable events, this verse calls us to cultivate a heart that "waits upon" the Lord—a posture of attentive listening, humble submission, and earnest seeking of His will. It reminds us that God's hand is at work even in circumstances that appear chaotic or painful, and that true understanding often comes not to the proud or self-sufficient, but to those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty and depend wholly on Him. When we face personal trials, national crises, or global upheavals, our ability to recognize God's sovereign purposes and the fulfillment of His word will depend on our spiritual attentiveness and our willingness to embrace humility. This verse challenges us to ask whether we are among "the poor of the flock" who genuinely seek to know and understand God's word in all its manifestations, or if we are prone to spiritual blindness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I cultivating a heart that "waits upon" the Lord, actively seeking to discern His will and recognize His hand in my circumstances?**
* **In what ways might I be spiritually "rich" or self-sufficient, preventing me from receiving God's truth with humility?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm that difficult or unexpected events in my life or in the world are ultimately "the word of the LORD," part of His sovereign plan?**
* **What does it mean for me to be part of the "flock" today, and how can I ensure I am among those who truly know and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd?**

### FAQ

**What does "broken in that day" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "Broken in that day" refers to the symbolic act performed by the prophet Zechariah in the preceding verse, [Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - The Breaking of Beauty"), where he breaks the staff named "Beauty" (or "Graciousness"). This act symbolizes the termination of God's covenant of grace and protection with His people, Israel. It signifies the withdrawal of divine favor due to their unfaithfulness and rejection of His true leadership, foreshadowing a period of severe national distress and dispersion.

**Who are "the poor of the flock" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The poor of the flock" (Hebrew: *ʻânîy ha-tsôʼn*) does not primarily refer to material poverty, but to a spiritual condition. It describes the humble, the meek, the afflicted, and those who are spiritually dependent on God. This group represents the faithful remnant within Israel who, unlike the proud or self-sufficient leaders and populace, possessed spiritual sensitivity and were receptive to God's truth. They were the ones who truly "waited upon" the Lord and recognized His hand in the unfolding events. This concept of a humble remnant is a recurring theme throughout biblical prophecy, highlighting those who remain faithful amidst widespread apostasy.

**How does Zechariah 11:11 relate to the coming of the Messiah?**

Answer: Zechariah 11, including verse 11, is widely understood as a profound messianic prophecy, particularly concerning the first coming and rejection of Jesus Christ. The "shepherd" in this chapter prophetically represents the Messiah, the true Good Shepherd. The breaking of the staff "Beauty" and the subsequent events, such as the shepherd being "sold" for [thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd"), are seen as direct foreshadowing of Jesus' rejection by His own people, His betrayal for a specific sum, and His crucifixion. The "poor of the flock" who discerned God's word in this breaking can be seen as a type of the humble disciples and early believers who recognized Jesus as the Messiah, even when He was rejected by the religious establishment and the majority of the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:11 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true Good Shepherd. The prophetic drama enacted by Zechariah, particularly the breaking of the staff "Beauty," prefigures the termination of an old covenant order and the rejection of God's ultimate shepherd, Jesus. When Jesus came, He presented Himself as the Shepherd of Israel, but He was largely rejected by the nation's leaders and many of its people, who preferred their own ways and false shepherds ([John 10:1-18](/john/10-1-18 "John 10:1-18 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Just as the "poor of the flock" in Zechariah's day recognized the divine hand in the breaking of the covenant, so too did a humble remnant in Jesus' time—the disciples, the marginalized, and those "poor in spirit" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"))—recognize Him as the promised Messiah and His words as "the word of the LORD." Their spiritual discernment allowed them to see God's sovereign plan unfolding in Jesus' life, ministry, and ultimately, His sacrificial death. His crucifixion, though a human act of rejection and betrayal (foreshadowed by the thirty pieces of silver in [Zechariah 11:12](/zechariah/11-12 "Zechariah 11:12 - The Price of the Shepherd")), was simultaneously the divine breaking of an old covenant and the establishment of a new, better covenant through His blood ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Thus, Zechariah 11:11 points to the critical moment when God's gracious dealings with Israel, under the old covenant, reached a climax in their rejection of Christ, leading to a new era where spiritual discernment, rather than national privilege, became the key to recognizing God's ongoing work of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zephaniah 3:12

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

Luke 7:22

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Romans 11:7

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Romans 11:12

Now if the fall of them [be] the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

Isaiah 26:8

Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of [our] soul [is] to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.