Zechariah 11:9

Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another.

Then said {H559} I, I will not feed {H7462} you: that that dieth {H4191}, let it die {H4191}; and that that is to be cut off {H3582}, let it be cut off {H3582}; and let the rest {H7604} eat {H398} every one {H802} the flesh {H1320} of another {H7468}.

I said, 'I'm not going to shepherd you. Whichever one is going to die, let it die; whichever is going to be destroyed, let it be destroyed; and the rest can all devour each other.'"

Then I said, โ€œI will no longer shepherd you. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish; and let those who remain devour one anotherโ€™s flesh.โ€

Then said I, I will not feed you: that which dieth, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let them that are left eat every one the flesh of another.

Commentary

Context

Zechariah 11:9 marks a grim turning point in the prophetic vision, illustrating the severe consequences of rejecting divine leadership and care. Chapters 9-11 of Zechariah introduce a series of oracles concerning Israel's future. Chapter 11 specifically portrays the Lord as a good shepherd tending His flock (representing Israel). The prophet acts out this role, using two symbolic staves: "Beauty" (or "Grace"), representing God's covenant and favor, and "Bands" (or "Union"), symbolizing the unity of His people. The narrative describes the people's contempt for the shepherd, culminating in their rejection and the breaking of these staves (Zechariah 11:10 and Zechariah 11:14). Verse 9 is the shepherd's (God's) pronouncement of withdrawal and judgment, allowing the natural, devastating consequences of their rebellion to unfold without His protective intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Abandonment and Judgment: The stark declaration, "I will not feed you," signifies God's withdrawal of His protective presence and provision. This is not arbitrary punishment but a direct consequence of the flock's rejection of His faithful, loving care and guidance. It highlights the principle that those who refuse divine sustenance will ultimately be left to face the harsh realities of their own choices.
  • Consequences of Rebellion: The phrases "that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off" reveal the severe, natural outcomes when God's restraining hand is removed. It implies a state of lawlessness and vulnerability where the weak perish and the flawed are eliminated, emphasizing that a people who forsake their divine Shepherd will suffer internal decay and external threats unchecked.
  • Societal Decay and Internal Strife: The chilling conclusion, "and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another," depicts extreme internal conflict and self-destruction within the community. This is a powerful, metaphorical image for societal breakdown, where people turn against each other, driven by desperation, lack of moral order, or internal divisions, rather than finding unity under a benevolent shepherd. This foreshadows the devastating internal strife that would plague Israel, particularly leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "eat every one the flesh of another" (ืึดื™ืฉื ื‘ึผึฐืฉื‚ึทืจ ืจึตืขึตื”ื•ึผ โ€“ ish basar re'ehu) is a vivid and horrifying depiction of cannibalism, though here it is most likely a metaphor. It powerfully emphasizes the utter breakdown of social order, mutual support, and human decency within the community. It paints a picture of extreme chaos and desperation, where people literally consume each other through strife, exploitation, and violence rather than living in harmony.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God allowing a people to suffer the consequences of their persistent rebellion and rejection of His guidance is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. For example, in Hosea 4:6, the people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, illustrating divine withdrawal from those who reject truth. The warning against internal strife and self-consumption finds a poignant New Testament echo in Paul's admonition against division within the church: "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (Galatians 5:15).

Practical Application

Zechariah 11:9 serves as a sobering warning about the dangers of rejecting divine authority and guidance. When individuals, communities, or nations turn away from God's protective care and moral standards, they open themselves up to internal dissolution and devastating consequences. It highlights the critical importance of spiritual leadership and unity within any community. Without faithful shepherds and a willingness to follow divine guidance, chaos, exploitation, and self-destruction can ensue.

For believers today, this verse underscores the necessity of remaining under the care of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (John 10:11), and actively fostering unity within the body of Christ. Disregarding God's guidance or allowing internal divisions to fester can lead to spiritual and communal decay, mirroring the dire fate depicted in Zechariah's prophecy.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Jeremiah 43:11

    And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, [and deliver] such [as are] for death to death; and such [as are] for captivity to captivity; and such [as are] for the sword to the sword.

  • Matthew 13:10

    And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

  • Matthew 13:11

    He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

  • Psalms 69:22

    ยถ Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.

  • Psalms 69:28

    Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

  • Isaiah 9:19

    Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.

  • Isaiah 9:21

    Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.
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