11:9
Very severe words are then uttered. “I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die”. We focus a lot on the compassion of Jesus, but we also need to remember that Jesus is the judge. When here on earth Jesus also had severe words to say at times. It is clear from the whole of Scripture that there comes a point where chances run out and God says enough is enough, and people get what they want! If they want a world without God, then a world without God they shall have, along with all the consequences. We should note that absolutely terrible things did indeed happen during the siege of Jerusalem.
11:10,11
The judgement may start with Israel, the house of God, but extends to all the nations. Here God breaks the staff called favour, signifying the breaking of the covenant with the nations. However, it is possible that “all the peoples” or “all the nations” refers to the all the Jews scattered in many nations. Zechariah gave a dramatic illustration of the breaking of the covenant. “The sheep traders knew it was the word of the Lord” (ESV) is rather strange. NIV and NKJV have the “oppressed of the flock” or “poor of the flock”. If this latter translation is accepted then it is more understandable, and they knew that God recognised the injustice that they suffered and was taking action. “Sheep traders” is following the Greek version.
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