Zechariah 11:8

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

Three {H7969} shepherds {H7462} also I cut off {H3582} in one {H259} month {H3391}; and my soul {H5315} lothed {H7114} them, and their soul {H5315} also abhorred {H973} me.

"In a single month I got rid of three shepherds, because I grew impatient with them; and besides, they detested me.

And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me.

And I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me.

Commentary

Zechariah 11:8 is a powerful and somber verse within a prophetic oracle concerning the leadership of Israel and God's interaction with His people. It reads: "Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me."

Context

This verse is part of Zechariah's symbolic enactment as a shepherd, representing the Lord Himself. In Zechariah 11:4, the prophet is commanded to "Feed the flock of the slaughter," a flock destined for destruction due to their corrupt leaders. The "three shepherds" mentioned here are widely interpreted as a symbolic representation of a succession of bad or corrupt leaders—either political, religious, or both—who exploit rather than genuinely care for God's people. Their swift removal ("in one month") signifies a decisive and rapid divine judgment. This passage anticipates the rejection of the true Shepherd (Zechariah 11:12-13) and the subsequent rise of a "foolish shepherd" (Zechariah 11:15-17) who brings further woe upon the flock.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment on Corrupt Leadership: The verse highlights God's intolerance for leaders who misuse their authority and neglect their flock. The swift "cutting off" is an act of divine justice against those who have failed in their stewardship. This resonates with other prophetic warnings against unfaithful rulers, such as those found in Ezekiel 34:2-10, where God condemns the shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock.
  • Mutual Rejection: The phrase "my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me" speaks to a profound spiritual alienation. God's soul was grieved and disgusted by their actions, and in turn, these shepherds—representing the unfaithful leadership—despised God's ways and authority. This mutual abhorrence underscores the depth of their rebellion and the necessity of judgment.
  • The Importance of True Shepherding: By contrasting the actions of these "three shepherds" with the Lord's own role as the good shepherd, the passage implicitly emphasizes the qualities of genuine, righteous leadership—care, protection, and devotion to the welfare of the flock. This theme is beautifully expanded upon in Jesus' description of Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "lothed" (קָצַר - qatsar) can carry a sense of being "short of patience" or "vexed," but in this context, especially with the reciprocal "abhorred," it conveys a strong sense of disgust and weariness. Similarly, "abhorred" (בָּחַל - bachal) means to loathe, despise, or reject. The intensity of these words underlines the deep spiritual chasm between God and these unfaithful leaders, emphasizing their utter unsuitability for their roles and the severity of the divine response.

Practical Application

Zechariah 11:8 serves as a timeless warning to all who hold positions of leadership, whether in spiritual, political, or social spheres. It reminds us that God holds leaders accountable for their stewardship of those under their care. For believers, it encourages discernment in recognizing and rejecting leadership that is self-serving or abusive, and to pray for and support those who genuinely embody the characteristics of a Christ-like shepherd. Ultimately, it points to the perfect and compassionate leadership of the Lord God Himself, who truly cares for His flock, as beautifully articulated in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 49:7

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

  • John 15:18

    If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

  • Matthew 23:34

    Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

  • Matthew 23:36

    Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

  • John 7:7

    The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

  • Hosea 5:7

    They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions.

  • Luke 19:14

    But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this [man] to reign over us.