Zechariah 11:2

Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

Howl {H3213}, fir tree {H1265}; for the cedar {H730} is fallen {H5307}; because the mighty {H117} are spoiled {H7703}: howl {H3213}, O ye oaks {H437} of Bashan {H1316}; for the forest {H3293} of the vintage {H1208}{H1219} is come down {H3381}.

Wail, cypress, because the cedar has fallen, those splendid trees are ruined. Wail, oaks of Bashan, because the thick forest has been felled.

Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen;the majestic trees are ruined!Wail, O oaks of Bashan,for the dense forest has been cut down!

Wail, O fir-tree, for the cedar is fallen, because the goodly ones are destroyed: wail, O ye oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest is come down.

Commentary

Zechariah 11:2 delivers a powerful prophetic lament, painting a vivid picture of widespread destruction and the fall of prominent figures. It continues the imagery introduced in Zechariah 11:1, setting a somber tone for the chapter.

Context

This verse is part of a highly symbolic and often challenging section of Zechariah (chapters 9-14), which focuses on future events, including the coming of the Messiah, His rejection, and subsequent judgment upon Israel and the nations. Chapter 11, in particular, describes a prophetic drama involving a "shepherd" (often interpreted as the Lord Himself or a good shepherd representing Him) and a "flock" (Israel). The lament in verse 2 signifies the devastating consequences of the flock's rejection of their true shepherd and the breaking of God's covenant. It foreshadows a time of immense political and social upheaval, likely pointing to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, following the rejection of Christ.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The primary theme is the announcement of God's severe judgment upon those who have rejected His guidance and leadership. The "howling" trees symbolize the mourning and despair that will accompany this judgment.
  • Fall of the Mighty: The "cedar," "fir tree," and "oaks of Bashan" are rich biblical symbols of strength, majesty, and powerful leaders or nations. Their "fall" and "spoiling" indicate the overthrow of established authorities and the destruction of significant powers, particularly corrupt leaders within Israel who misled the people.
  • Widespread Devastation: The call for multiple types of trees to "howl" emphasizes that the destruction will be extensive, affecting even the most resilient and prominent aspects of the land or society.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "howl" (ื™ึฐืœึตืœ, yalal) is an onomatopoeic word, vividly conveying a cry of distress, pain, or lamentation. It's often associated with mourning for the dead or national calamity. The phrase "forest of the vintage" (ื™ึทืขึทืจ ื”ึทื‘ึผึธืฆื•ึผืจ, ya'ar hab-batzur) is unique. While "vintage" usually refers to grape harvest, here it likely carries the sense of a "cut-down" or "felled" forest, perhaps linking to the idea of a harvest of judgment, where the trees (leaders/nations) are cut down in a destructive manner. Bashan, known for its strong oaks, underscores the idea that even the most robust will fall.

Related Scriptures

  • The idea of strong trees symbolizing nations or leaders is also seen in Ezekiel 31:3-14, where Assyria is likened to a majestic cedar that is ultimately cut down due to its pride.
  • The theme of judgment upon unfaithful shepherds is extensively developed in Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Ezekiel 34:1-10, which contextualizes the deeper meaning of Zechariah 11 regarding Israel's leadership.

Practical Application

Zechariah 11:2 serves as a stark reminder that pride, unfaithfulness, and the rejection of divine leadership ultimately lead to catastrophic consequences. For believers, it highlights the importance of discerning true spiritual leadership and remaining faithful to God's covenant. It also underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His willingness to bring down even the mightiest when their actions defy His will. This verse encourages humility and reliance on God, rather than on human strength or worldly power, reminding us that all earthly glory is temporary compared to the enduring kingdom of God, as promised in Daniel 2:44.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 32:15

    Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.

  • Isaiah 32:19

    When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place.

  • Amos 6:1

    ยถ Woe to them [that are] at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, [which are] named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

  • Isaiah 2:12

    For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

  • Isaiah 2:17

    And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

  • Ezekiel 31:2

    Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?

  • Ezekiel 31:3

    Behold, the Assyrian [was] a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.
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