Wailing Shepherds

O. T. #2313 "Wailing Shepherds" 

Nov. 2, 2022

Zechariah 11 

LET IT GLOW

Looking at the time of Zechariah's writings, and putting it perspective for us, his prophecies were given during the time of Haggai. Both spoke after the 70 years of captivity for the Jews in Babylon. The remnant of Israel and Judah (believers in God) made 3 different journeys back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple. The books recording events during that time are found in Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is towards the end of the Old Testament. (Then God was silent 400 years.) That helps me put all of this in perspective and I hope it does for you, too. Let me tell you, I am struggling with this chapter, for I am no scholar, just able to read commentaries who were written by those who were. There are various views as to its meaning, but here we go. What can we learn and apply to our life?

So far, we have seen Zechariah as the prophet of hope. His name actually means "the Lord remembers." However...

Some consider the conquerors of Alexander the Great and then the Roman armies. The first 3 verses tell of the judgment resulting from the coming Messiah's rejection by the Jews. It doesn't sound very encouraging. Keep in mind that the Jews were scattered then. 

The key places mentioned are Lebanon, Jordan, and Bashan. Fires were coming upon them, in the forest, and thickets. This could be a description of the Romans invading the Holy Land. The cedars of Lebanon, which were located north of Judah are mentioned first. (Beirut is the modern capital, which you may recognize.) Those cedars were used to build Solomon's Temple and his palace. 

This could be a literal fire, set by the invading armies. Not only would the forests suffer, but also the pastureland. No one or nothing would escape the judgment visited upon by the land by God. 

LET IT GROW 

In verse 3, we are told there will be wailing shepherds. Those were the ones who led the people astray from God., paying for their sins. Those leaders were to protect, provide for, and lead the people in God's ways. The shepherds themselves are led to the slaughter. 

The high priest, Caiaphas, thought his killing Jesus would keep his people from destruction. (John 11) By rejecting Jesus as the Messiah, the opened the doors of judgment and dispersal. Not only id Jesus for the sins of the Jews, but for the Gentiles, too. (1 John 2:1-3) the rejection of the truth led to their accepting lies, and the Roman invasion, and the destruction of the city and Temple. (Wiersbe)

Keep in mind, this could also refer to the results of the Great Tribulation, before Jesus returns to reign as King-Priest. History tends to repeat itself. (Next, we will study about the True Shepherd.)

On a more positive note, believers will not be part of the Tribulation for we will have been raptured out by that time. When all is finished, we will not stand in the judgment, but our trial will be concerning our obedience, giving of gifts, loving others, etc.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we are trusting in You as Sovereign Controller of all things. 

You are our Hope, our Way, The Truth, the Life for the believer.

You will give us a new day and a new way of life-heaven.

In the meantime, bless Your followers with peace, love, and mercy today.