Zechariah 11:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:15 marks a pivotal and somber turn in the prophetic drama, where the LORD commands Zechariah to abandon his role as the "good shepherd" and instead assume the symbolic "instruments of a foolish shepherd." This divine directive serves as a stark prophetic sign, illustrating God's impending judgment upon Israel for their rejection of His true, compassionate leadership, foreshadowing a period where they would be subjected to destructive, self-serving, and morally corrupt leaders as a consequence of their unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11 unfolds as a powerful allegorical narrative, depicting God's relationship with His people through the metaphor of a shepherd and his flock. The preceding verses (Zechariah 11:4-14) describe Zechariah acting as a "good shepherd" tending a flock destined for slaughter, symbolizing Israel's impending judgment. He carries two staffs, "Beauty" (or "Graciousness"), representing God's covenant protection, and "Bands" (or "Union"), signifying the brotherhood among Judah and Israel. The breaking of "Beauty" in [Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - Breaking the Staff of Beauty") symbolizes the dissolution of God's covenant with His people, while the breaking of "Bands" in [Zechariah 11:14](/zechariah/11-14 "Zechariah 11:14 - Breaking the Staff of Bands") signifies the rupture of unity among them. Verse 15 introduces a dramatic shift, where the LORD commands Zechariah to take on the persona of a "foolish shepherd," indicating that the consequences of Israel's rejection of the true shepherd would be the imposition of a destructive, oppressive leadership.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was delivered to the Jewish community in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period, roughly 520-518 BC, as they were rebuilding the Temple. At this time, Israel was under foreign dominion, and the people often struggled with spiritual apathy, failing to fully embrace God's covenant. The metaphor of a "shepherd" was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture, commonly used to describe kings, leaders, and even deities who were responsible for the care and protection of their people. In Israel, this metaphor was frequently applied to God Himself and to those He appointed to lead His flock (e.g., Moses, David, prophets, priests). The "foolish shepherd" would have immediately conjured images of corrupt, self-serving rulers who exploited rather than protected their people, a reality Israel often faced, both from foreign powers and from within their own ranks, particularly in the centuries leading up to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 11:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and consequences**, illustrating that God's people, by rejecting His gracious and true leadership, would be given over to the natural and destructive results of their choices. Secondly, it highlights the stark **contrast between good and bad shepherding**, setting the stage for the ultimate revelation of the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") in the New Testament. Thirdly, the passage speaks to the theme of **spiritual blindness and apostasy**, showing how Israel's inability to recognize and embrace God's true shepherd led them to embrace ruinous alternatives. This rejection of divine wisdom and guidance, as seen throughout [the prophetic books](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Prophecy Against Bad Shepherds"), is consistently portrayed as leading to national calamity and internal strife.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This term refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, the covenant name of God in Israel. Its presence here emphasizes that the command to take the instruments of a foolish shepherd is not a random event but a deliberate, sovereign act initiated by God Himself as part of His righteous judgment and prophetic revelation.
* **instruments (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "something prepared," this word denotes any apparatus, implement, utensil, or equipment. In this context, it refers to the tools, gear, or characteristics typical of such a shepherd. It suggests the *means* by which this destructive leader would operate, indicating actions that are exploitative, harmful, and contrary to the welfare of the flock, rather than protective or nurturing.
* **foolish (Hebrew, _ʼĕvilîy'_):** From the root _ʼĕvil_, this term signifies more than mere intellectual deficiency. It implies moral and spiritual foolishness, someone who is senseless, perverse, impious, and acts against wisdom and righteousness. It describes a leader who is not simply inept but is actively destructive, driven by self-interest, folly, and a disregard for God's ways, leading to the ruin of those under their charge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me":** This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the command. Zechariah is not acting on his own initiative but is receiving a direct prophetic instruction from Yahweh, underscoring that the subsequent symbolic action is part of God's sovereign plan and judgment.
* **"Take unto thee yet the instruments":** This is a direct command to Zechariah to perform a symbolic action. The word "yet" (עוֹד, _ʿôḏ_) suggests a continuation or a new phase in the prophetic drama, following the breaking of the staffs. Zechariah is to adopt the *tools* or *characteristics* that define the leadership style of the shepherd described next, indicating a performative prophecy where the prophet embodies the very judgment God is bringing.
* **"of a foolish shepherd":** This phrase defines the nature of the leadership Zechariah is to embody. It is a leadership characterized by moral and spiritual folly, self-interest, and a destructive approach to the flock. This is a stark contrast to the divine shepherding and the "good shepherd" Zechariah previously represented, signifying the kind of corrupt and oppressive rule that would befall Israel as a consequence of their rejection of God's true guidance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the "instruments of a foolish shepherd" are not literal tools but represent the destructive methods and character of corrupt leadership. Zechariah's act of "taking" these instruments is a **Prophetic Action** or **Performative Prophecy**, where the prophet's physical embodiment of the message serves as a vivid, tangible sign of God's impending judgment. There is also a strong sense of **Contrast**, implicitly set against the earlier portrayal of the "good shepherd" (Zechariah 11:4-14) and ultimately against the true, divine Shepherd. This contrast highlights the dire consequences of rejecting divine care. Furthermore, a subtle **Irony** is present: God, the ultimate wise and good Shepherd, commands His prophet to portray a "foolish shepherd," thereby demonstrating His sovereign control even over the rise of destructive leaders as a means of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:15 profoundly illustrates God's just response to the rejection of His divine authority and gracious leadership. When a people turn away from the true Shepherd, God, in His sovereignty, may allow them to experience the consequences of their choices by subjecting them to the very kind of oppressive and destructive leadership they implicitly choose by their spiritual rebellion. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual discernment is paramount, as the failure to recognize and embrace God's chosen leaders and, ultimately, His Messiah, can lead to falling prey to those who exploit and harm rather than protect and nourish. It underscores the biblical principle that a nation's leadership often reflects the spiritual condition of its people.

* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to Foolish Shepherds")
* [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Prophecy Against Corrupt Shepherds")
* [Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23-1-36 "Matthew 23:1-36 - Jesus' Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:15 serves as a potent warning for all generations, urging us to critically evaluate the nature of leadership, both within the church and in broader society. It challenges us to discern whether those in positions of authority are truly serving the flock with wisdom, compassion, and selflessness, or if they are driven by self-interest, folly, and destructive motives. The passage reminds us that spiritual apathy and a rejection of God's truth can lead to severe consequences, as God may allow us to experience the very leadership that reflects our own spiritual state. It calls us to cultivate a deep spiritual discernment, to pray for godly leaders, and to actively support those who genuinely embody the characteristics of a good shepherd, while also recognizing our own responsibility to heed God's voice and not follow those who lead us astray. Ultimately, it directs us to the only true and perfect Shepherd, Jesus Christ, whose leadership is always for our ultimate good and salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern true, godly leadership from "foolish" or destructive leadership in our own contexts, whether in the church, community, or nation?**
* **What are the spiritual consequences when a community or nation rejects divine guidance and embraces self-serving or morally corrupt leaders?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals, exhibit characteristics of a "foolish shepherd" in our own spheres of influence, such as in our families, workplaces, or ministries?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "foolish shepherd" specifically referring to in Zechariah 11:15?**

Answer: The "foolish shepherd" is primarily a symbolic figure, rather than a single historical individual. It represents the kind of corrupt, self-serving, and destructive leadership that God would allow to afflict Israel as a consequence of their rejection of His true, compassionate shepherd. Historically, this prophecy found fulfillment in the various oppressive rulers and internal Jewish factions that exploited the people, particularly leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. These leaders, whether Roman governors or corrupt high priests and religious authorities, were characterized by their moral and spiritual folly, prioritizing personal gain and power over the welfare of the flock, ultimately leading the nation to ruin. The figure serves as a type, illustrating the dire consequences of rejecting God's divine guidance and embracing human folly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:15 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the rejection of Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate Good Shepherd. While the "foolish shepherd" represents the corrupt leadership that would afflict Israel, it is precisely because Israel, as a nation, rejected the loving care and sacrificial leadership of God's Son that they were given over to such destructive forces. Jesus Himself contrasted His own shepherding with that of the false leaders of His day, declaring in [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") that He is "the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep," a stark opposite to the "foolish shepherd" who exploits and harms. The very "smitten shepherd" prophesied in [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - The Smitten Shepherd") points to Christ's suffering and death, which was the antithesis of the self-serving nature of the foolish shepherd. Therefore, Zechariah 11:15 not only prophesies the judgment that befell Israel due to their spiritual blindness but also implicitly highlights the profound need for the redemptive work of the One who would truly gather His flock, offering eternal life and protection, as promised in [John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "John 10:27-28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice").

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

Isaiah 6:10

Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

Isaiah 6:12

And the LORD have removed men far away, and [there be] a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

Lamentations 2:14

Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

Ezekiel 13:3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

Luke 11:40

[Ye] fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

Matthew 15:14

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Matthew 23:17

[Ye] fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?