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Zechariah 11:14
Bible Versions
Then I cut asunder mine other staff, [even] Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
Then I snapped in two my other staff Hovalim [bound together], in order to break up the brotherhood between Y'hudah and Isra'el.
Then I cut in two my second staff called Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
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Isaiah 9:21
Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still. -
Zechariah 11:9
Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another. -
Acts 23:7
And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. -
Acts 23:10
And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle. -
James 3:16
For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. -
Isaiah 11:13
The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. -
Matthew 24:10
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Zechariah 11:14 is a poignant and symbolic verse within a highly prophetic chapter, detailing the actions of a shepherd and the consequences for the flock. It speaks to the breaking of internal unity among God's people, specifically the division between the historical entities of Judah and Israel.
Context of Zechariah 11:14
This verse is part of a complex allegorical prophecy in Zechariah 11, where the prophet acts out the role of a shepherd tending a flock destined for slaughter. The shepherd carries two symbolic staffs: "Beauty" (or "Graciousness") and "Bands" (or "Union"). In verse 10, the staff "Beauty" was broken, signifying the breaking of God's covenant with His people. Verse 14 describes the breaking of the second staff, "Bands," which represents the internal cohesion of the nation.
Meaning of the Staff "Bands" and Its Breaking
The staff named "Bands" (Hebrew: Chabalim or Chobelim, meaning "ropes," "bands," or "unions") symbolizes the unity, connection, and brotherhood among the tribes of Israel. Its breaking signifies the dissolution of this internal bond. The explicit purpose stated is "that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." This points to a profound internal division, a fracturing of the national and spiritual solidarity that was meant to characterize God's chosen people.
Historical and Prophetic Significance
Historically, the most prominent division was the split of the united monarchy into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) after the reign of Solomon. Zechariah's prophecy, however, extends beyond this initial historical split, pointing to a continued and perhaps ultimate breakdown of unity. This can be interpreted as prophetic of the deep internal strife, religious factions, and lack of spiritual solidarity that characterized the Jewish people leading up to the time of Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The rejection of the true Shepherd by His own people, as foreshadowed in this chapter, naturally leads to such disunity, as seen in the prophecy that He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The Hebrew word for "Bands," Chabalim (חֲבָלִים), can refer to ropes, cords, or measuring lines, implying bonds or connections. Its use here powerfully conveys the idea of unity and the breaking of those very ties that hold a community together, leading to disarray and fragmentation.
Practical Application
Zechariah 11:14 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of unity within the body of believers. When God's people are divided by internal strife, theological disagreements, or personal agendas, it weakens their collective witness and effectiveness. The call for believers today is to strive for unity in Christ, fostering peace and mutual understanding rather than allowing "bands" of fellowship to be broken. This unity is essential for the church to fulfill its mission and reflect the nature of God.