In exposition of some of the most difficult to understand portions of scripture in the eschatological book of Zechariah, rabbinically trained scholar and subsequently Messianic Jew David Baron (1855-1926) in his truly profound classic “Zechariah” Commentary, offers us an inspiring opinion and admonition re complete eye-to-eye intimate attention and loving sold-out obedience to our great God and Savior.
BACKGROUND: Young Zechariah is prophetically acting-out a message both to
(a) the mostly corrupted flock (people) of Israel; and also
(b) the mostly corrupted shepherds (theocratic leadership – religious and governmental) of Israel.
Zechariah 11:4-7
MY NOTE: verses 1 and 7 in the Standard Version say “of slaughter” as opposed to “for slaughter”. That is likely a better rendition in that it envisions the flock as vulnerable and in great jeopardy, as opposed to originally intended for slaughter – one prophetic intent of these verses being to draw the humble reader to obedience and hope even in the worst of conditions, while disobedience and obstinancy in both sheep and shepherd are clearly condemned.
Zechariah 11:4-7
4 Thus says the Lord my God, “Feed the flock for (OF) slaughter,
5 whose owners slaughter them and feel no guilt; those who sell them say, “Blessed be the Lord, for I am rich’; and their shepherds do not pity them.
6 For I will no longer pity the inhabitants of the land,” says the Lord. “But indeed I will give everyone into his neighbor’s hand and into the hand of his king. They shall attack the land, and I will not deliver them from their hand.”
7 So I fed the flock for (OF) slaughter, in particular the poor of the flock. I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bonds; and I fed the flock.
DAVID BARON: Page 402-403 – and our admonition and hope in the toughest of times when God’s judgment appears on the horizon.
‘By “aniyye hatson” – “the poor of the flock” (v7) we can understand nothing else than the believing remnant who were saved out of the flock of slaughter. They are described as “hashomerim othi” rendered “that waited upon Me,” in the Authorized Version ; and, “they that gave heed unto Me” in the Revised Version. Literally, it is those that “watched with Me,” or, “those that observed Me” – that is, “kept their eyes constantly fixed on Me, ready to act according to My direction and will” – a beautiful designation not only of the believing remnant of Israel, but of those from all nations who have learned in truth that what was spoken by prophets and apostles, and Christ Himself, was indeed the Word of the living God, and whose eyes are fixed upon Him with ready obedience to do His will.’
Baron’s summation is in complete alignment with the promise of salvation in scripture, during all times, including the toughest of times, as expressed by the prophet Isaiah – who likewise spotlights the religious hypocrites while speaking peace to the true followers of the living God:
Isaiah 33:14-16
14 The sinners in Zion are afraid;
Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites:
“Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?”
15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,
He who despises the gain of oppressions,
Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes,
Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from seeing evil:
16 He will dwell on high;
His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks;
Bread will be given him,
His water will be sure.
There is great hope in our God, always.
Psalms 125
1 Those who trust in the Lord
Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
All scripture text (unless otherwise noted) is NKJV
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