Zechariah 11:7

KJV

And I will feed the flock of slaughter, [even] you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will feed {H7462} the flock {H6629} of slaughter {H2028}, even you {H3651}, O poor {H6041} of the flock {H6629}. And I took {H3947} unto me two {H8147} staves {H4731}; the one {H259} I called {H7121} Beauty {H5278}, and the other {H259} I called {H7121} Bands {H2254}; and I fed {H7462} the flock {H6629}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I shepherded the flock for slaughter, truly the most miserable of the sheep; and I took two staffs for myself. I called the one No'am [pleasantness], the other I called Hovalim [bound together], and I shepherded the flock.

Berean Standard Bible

So I pastured the flock marked for slaughter, especially the afflicted of the flock. Then I took for myself two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I pastured the flock.

American Standard Version

So I fed the flock of slaughter, verily the poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 11:7 initiates a profound prophetic allegory within the book, depicting the Lord (or a prophetic figure representing Him) assuming the role of a shepherd tending a flock destined for slaughter, specifically focusing on the "poor of the flock." The verse introduces two symbolic staves, "Beauty" (or "Graciousness") and "Bands" (or "Union"), which the shepherd takes to guide and protect the sheep. This act signifies God's renewed, albeit temporary, direct care for His people Israel, highlighting His covenantal favor and the intended unity of the nation, even as they face impending judgment due to corrupt leadership and their own rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 11 marks a dramatic shift from the earlier visions of restoration and temple rebuilding to a somber prophetic drama concerning Israel's leadership and destiny. The preceding verses ([Zechariah 11:1-3](/zechariah/11-1-3 "Zechariah 11:1-3 - Prophecy of Destruction")) describe a devastating judgment upon the land, possibly hinting at the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. Immediately before this verse, [Zechariah 11:4-6](/zechariah/11-4-6 "Zechariah 11:4-6 - The Shepherd's Commission") introduces the divine command to "feed the flock of slaughter," setting the stage for the shepherd's actions described in verse 7. This shepherd is distinct from the corrupt "shepherds" (leaders) mentioned in [Zechariah 11:5](/zechariah/11-5 "Zechariah 11:5 - The Flock's Oppressors"), who exploit their flock. The narrative arc of chapter 11 then proceeds to describe the shepherd's rejection, the breaking of the staves ([Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - Breaking of Beauty") and [Zechariah 11:14](/zechariah/11-14 "Zechariah 11:14 - Breaking of Bands")), and the shepherd being sold for "thirty pieces of silver" ([Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah was written during the post-exilic period (c. 520-518 BC), as the Jewish exiles had returned to Judah from Babylon. The nation was struggling to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple under Persian rule. At this time, the people were led by both civil (e.g., Zerubbabel) and religious (e.g., Joshua the high priest) authorities. However, the broader history of Israel was marked by a recurring pattern of corrupt or negligent leadership, particularly among kings and priests, who often failed to shepherd God's people faithfully. This context of failed human leadership and the people's vulnerability to exploitation (as seen in [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")) provides the backdrop for Zechariah's shepherd allegory. The use of "staves" or "rods" was common for shepherds in the ancient Near East, serving as tools for guidance, protection, and counting the flock, making them potent symbols of authority and care.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 11:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader prophetic literature. It emphasizes the theme of **Divine Shepherdship vs. Corrupt Leadership**, contrasting God's compassionate care with the exploitative practices of human rulers. The imagery of the "flock of slaughter" highlights the **Vulnerability and Judgment of Israel**, a people suffering under poor leadership and facing divine judgment for their unfaithfulness. The specific mention of the "poor of the flock" underscores God's **Concern for the Remnant and the Marginalized**, those who are humble and discerning amidst the broader spiritual decline. Furthermore, the two staves, "Beauty" and "Bands," symbolize **God's Covenantal Grace and National Unity**, which are foundational to Israel's well-being. The subsequent breaking of these staves in [Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - Breaking of Beauty") and [Zechariah 11:14](/zechariah/11-14 "Zechariah 11:14 - Breaking of Bands") foreshadows the dissolution of God's covenantal favor and the fracturing of national unity due to Israel's rejection of the true Shepherd.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slaughter (Hebrew, _hărêgâh'_):** This feminine noun (H2028) denotes a state of being destined for killing or massacre. In the context of "the flock of slaughter," it powerfully conveys the dire predicament of the people of Israel, who are not merely oppressed but are, in effect, being led to their doom by their own corrupt leaders and their rejection of God's true shepherd. It emphasizes their vulnerability and the impending judgment.
* **Beauty (Hebrew, _nôʻam'_):** This noun (H5278) signifies "pleasantness," "delight," "grace," or "favor." As the name of one of the staves, it represents God's gracious covenant with Israel, His divine favor, and the pleasantness and security that His direct rule and protection brought to His people. It embodies the blessings and well-being that flow from a right relationship with God, particularly through His covenant.
* **Bands (Hebrew, _châbal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to wind tightly" or "to bind" (H2254), this word, when used as a noun in this context, refers to "binders" or "union." As the name of the second staff, it symbolizes the unity, brotherhood, and cohesion among the tribes of Israel. It represents the intended solidarity and concord that God desired for His people, preventing internal strife and division, and fostering a united national identity under His divine guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will feed the flock of slaughter, [even] you, O poor of the flock."**: This clause introduces the shepherd (likely the Lord or a prophetic representative) taking charge of a flock already condemned or destined for destruction. The phrase "flock of slaughter" highlights their desperate state, facing exploitation and judgment. The specific address, "even you, O poor of the flock," emphasizes God's particular concern and care for the humble, afflicted, and spiritually discerning within Israel—those who are marginalized and recognize their need for a true shepherd, contrasting them with the complacent or rebellious majority.
* **"And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands;"**: The shepherd's action of taking two distinct staves signifies the assumption of authority and a specific methodology for tending the flock. The naming of these staves is highly symbolic: "Beauty" (or "Graciousness") represents God's covenantal favor, the pleasantness of His guidance, and the blessings that flow from His relationship with Israel. "Bands" (or "Union") symbolizes the internal unity and brotherhood that God intended for His people, preventing division and fostering communal solidarity.
* **"and I fed the flock."**: This concluding phrase reiterates the shepherd's immediate and active role in providing for and caring for the flock, despite their precarious state. It signifies the shepherd's commitment to fulfilling his pastoral duty, embodying divine provision and care, even for a flock that is largely rebellious and destined for judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 11:7 is rich in **Symbolism**. The entire passage functions as an extended **Allegory**, where the "shepherd" represents God's divine care (or a prophetic figure acting on His behalf), and the "flock" symbolizes the nation of Israel. The "flock of slaughter" is a poignant symbol of Israel's vulnerability and their impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness and corrupt leadership. The "poor of the flock" symbolize the humble, discerning remnant within Israel. Most significantly, the two "staves," "Beauty" and "Bands," are potent symbols. "Beauty" (or "Graciousness") embodies God's covenantal favor, grace, and the pleasantness of His guidance, while "Bands" (or "Union") represents the unity and brotherhood among the tribes of Israel. The act of the shepherd taking these staves is a **Metaphor** for assuming divine authority and responsibility over the nation, intending to govern them with grace and maintain their unity. The narrative employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the shepherd's benevolent actions are ultimately met with rejection by the very flock he seeks to save, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 11:7 profoundly illustrates God's persistent and compassionate engagement with His people, even when they are in a state of spiritual decline and facing judgment. It underscores the divine ideal of shepherd leadership—one characterized by grace ("Beauty") and unity ("Bands")—in stark contrast to the self-serving and destructive leadership that Israel often experienced. The verse highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, even as He prepares to withdraw His direct care due to the people's rejection. It also reveals God's special heart for the humble and afflicted ("the poor of the flock"), demonstrating that His salvation is often directed towards those who recognize their need for Him, even within a broader context of national apostasy. The breaking of these staves later in the chapter signifies the breaking of God's covenant and the dissolution of national unity, a tragic consequence of rejecting divine grace and true leadership.

* [Psalm 23:1-4](/psalm/23-1-4 "Psalm 23:1-4 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1-4 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Prophecy Against Evil Shepherds")
* [Ezekiel 34:11-16](/ezekiel/34-11-16 "Ezekiel 34:11-16 - God, the True Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 11:7 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of divine care, human leadership, and our own responsiveness to God's guidance. It challenges us to examine whether we, as individuals and as the collective body of Christ, are truly "the poor of the flock"—those who humbly recognize our need for the Good Shepherd's provision and guidance, or if we are complacent, rebellious, or exploited by those who claim to lead but fail to truly care. The symbolism of "Beauty" and "Bands" reminds us of the twin pillars of God's grace and the vital importance of unity within the Christian community. When grace is undervalued or unity is fractured, the flock becomes vulnerable to spiritual "slaughter." This passage serves as a powerful call to discern true spiritual leadership, to embrace God's covenantal favor, and to actively pursue unity within the church, recognizing that our well-being and effectiveness depend on these foundational principles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be part of "the poor of the flock," recognizing my need for God's direct care and guidance?**
* **How does the concept of "Beauty" (God's gracious covenant) manifest in my daily walk with Christ, and am I living in its pleasantness?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster "Bands" (unity and brotherhood) within my local church or community?**
* **How can I better discern true spiritual leadership from that which exploits or neglects the flock, both in historical and contemporary contexts?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "flock of slaughter" in Zechariah 11:7?**

Answer: The "flock of slaughter" refers to the nation of Israel, depicted as sheep destined for destruction. This imagery highlights their vulnerable state due to corrupt leadership and their impending judgment. It signifies that they are a people being led to ruin, not by external enemies alone, but by their own internal failures and the exploitation of their "shepherds" (leaders), as detailed in [Zechariah 11:4-6](/zechariah/11-4-6 "Zechariah 11:4-6 - The Commission to Feed the Flock"). The divine shepherd steps in to care for them, even in this dire condition, emphasizing God's compassion despite their fate.

**What do the two staves, "Beauty" and "Bands," symbolize?**

Answer: The two staves are powerful symbols of the divine shepherd's method of governing the flock. "Beauty" (Hebrew: *No'am*) symbolizes God's gracious covenant with Israel, His favor, and the pleasantness and security that His direct rule and protection brought. It represents the blessings and well-being derived from God's presence and guidance. "Bands" (Hebrew: *Chabal*) symbolizes the unity and brotherhood among the tribes of Israel, representing the intended cohesion and solidarity that God desired for His people. Their subsequent breaking in [Zechariah 11:10](/zechariah/11-10 "Zechariah 11:10 - Breaking of Beauty") and [Zechariah 11:14](/zechariah/11-14 "Zechariah 11:14 - Breaking of Bands") signifies the dissolution of God's covenantal favor and the fracturing of national unity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 11:7 finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. The prophet Zechariah, acting as the shepherd in this allegory, foreshadows Christ's incarnation and His compassionate care for His "flock of slaughter," the nation of Israel, who were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Jesus came specifically to "feed" or shepherd these "poor of the flock"—the humble, the marginalized, and those who recognized their spiritual destitution, declaring, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes")). He took up the "staves" of "Beauty" and "Bands," embodying God's covenantal grace and seeking to unite His people. His entire ministry was a demonstration of divine "Beauty" or "pleasantness," bringing grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He also sought to gather the dispersed children of God into one unified body, fulfilling the symbolism of "Bands" ([John 11:52](/john/11-52 "John 11:52 - To Gather the Scattered Children of God")). However, just as the shepherd in Zechariah was rejected and sold for "thirty pieces of silver" ([Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")), so too was Jesus rejected by His own people and betrayed for the very same price ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas' Betrayal")). His crucifixion and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jewish people can be seen as the ultimate breaking of the staves, signifying the temporary cessation of God's direct covenantal favor with the nation in that form and the fracturing of their unity, paving the way for a new covenant and a new, unified flock composed of both Jews and Gentiles ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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

Zechariah 11:14

Then I cut asunder mine other staff, [even] Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Isaiah 11:4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Zechariah 11:4

¶ Thus saith the LORD my God; Feed the flock of the slaughter;

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.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: