Zechariah 11:3

[There is] a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.

There is a voice {H6963} of the howling {H3215} of the shepherds {H7462}; for their glory {H155} is spoiled {H7703}: a voice {H6963} of the roaring {H7581} of young lions {H3715}; for the pride {H1347} of Jordan {H3383} is spoiled {H7703}.

Listen to the wail of the shepherds, because their glory is spoiled. Listen to the roaring of young lions, because the Yarden's thickets are plundered.

Listen to the wailing of the shepherds,for their glory is in ruins.Listen to the roaring of the young lions,for the thickets of the Jordan are destroyed.

A voice of the wailing of the shepherds! for their glory is destroyed: a voice of the roaring of young lions! for the pride of the Jordan is laid waste.

Commentary

Zechariah 11:3 delivers a vivid, sorrowful prophecy depicting widespread distress and desolation, primarily targeting the corrupt leadership and the land of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of Zechariah's eleventh chapter, which employs rich symbolic language to describe the impending judgment upon Israel due to its rejection of the Good Shepherd (a prefigurement of Christ) and the failure of its human leaders. The chapter introduces the prophet as a shepherd, illustrating the responsibility and subsequent abandonment of the flock. Verse 3 specifically details the lamentable consequences of this failure, setting the stage for the broader prophetic narrative of judgment on unworthy leaders.

Key Themes

  • Failed Leadership and Divine Judgment: The "howling of the shepherds" represents the deep lament and suffering of Israel's corrupt leaders (both political and religious) as their power, influence, and wealth are stripped away. This highlights divine judgment for their neglect, exploitation, and ultimate abandonment of the flock.
  • Desolation and Loss: "Their glory is spoiled" and "the pride of Jordan is spoiled" signify the utter devastation and loss of what was once a source of strength, beauty, and prosperity. The "pride of Jordan" likely refers to the lush, fertile thickets and plains along the Jordan River, symbolizing the nation's former abundance, its natural beauty, or even its protective barriers, now laid waste. This imagery powerfully conveys a state of complete ruin.
  • Intense Lament and Consequence: The "voice of the roaring of young lions" further emphasizes the intensity of the desolation and perhaps the lament of powerful figures or the consequences of their predatory actions. It underscores the severe repercussions for a nation that has strayed from God's path and rejected righteous leadership, leading to widespread suffering and despair.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "spoiled" (shadad) carries a strong connotation of being plundered, devastated, or laid waste, emphasizing the completeness of the destruction. The terms "howling" (yelalah) and "roaring" (sha'ag) vividly depict sounds of intense grief, pain, and distress, painting a picture of utter despair among those who once held power and pride. These powerful verbs convey the depth of the lament and the severity of the judgment.

Reflection and Application

Zechariah 11:3 serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of rejecting divine guidance and embracing corrupt leadership. It underscores that true glory and security are not found in worldly power or material prosperity but in faithfulness to God and righteous stewardship. For believers today, it highlights the importance of discerning good leadership and the solemn responsibility of those in positions of spiritual authority to care for God's flock, rather than exploiting them. The lament described here is a stark warning against spiritual and moral decay that leads to profound loss and desolation, echoing similar warnings throughout scripture about God's judgment on false shepherds and the inevitable decline when a nation or people abandon their divine covenant.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 50:44

    Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who [is] a chosen [man, that] I may appoint over her? for who [is] like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who [is] that shepherd that will stand before me?

  • Jeremiah 25:34

    Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves [in the ashes], ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

  • Jeremiah 25:36

    A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, [shall be heard]: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture.

  • Acts 7:52

    Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

  • Zechariah 11:15

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

  • Zechariah 11:17

    Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

  • James 5:1

    ¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].
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