Spirit of Grace

¹ This message (oracle, burden, prophecy) concerning the fate of Israel came from the LORD: “This message is from the LORD, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit…. ⁷ The LORD will give victory to the rest of Judah first, before Jerusalem, so that the people of Jerusalem and the royal line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah. ⁸ On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD who goes before them! ⁹ For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. ¹⁰ Then I will pour out a Spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on Me (Jesus) whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for Him as for a firstborn son who has died.” Zechariah 12:1, 7-10, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

Zechariah chapters 12 through 14 contain the final and great section from Zechariah’s prophecy (see Zechariah 12:1-14:21). In these chapters, the prophet Zechariah takes readers to the end times, and he sees a glorious future for Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem and the defeat of their enemies through their repentance and turning from sin (see also Jeremiah 7:3-11). Even more important, this last section of Zechariah reveals more about Jesus the Messiah and His glorious future as Lord and King at His second coming in power and great glory to establish the promised Kingdom (see Zechariah 14:16-21).

In these final chapters, Zechariah repeats two important phrases. First, Zechariah repeats the phrase in “that day” (e.g., see Zechariah 12:3-4, 6, 8-9, 11; Zechariah 13:1-2, 4; Zechariah 14:4, 6, 8-9, 13, 20-21). Many biblical scholars believe “that day” is “the Day of the Lord” when the living LORD God of glory brings His wrath and judgment at the end of the age to finally destroy all evil and establish His holy Kingdom through justice for His faithful people.[1] Also, Zechariah emphasizes in these final chapters the phrase “all nations” and “all peoples” that come against Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:2-3, 6, 9; see also Zechariah 14:2, 12, 14, 16). Some biblical scholars believe these final chapters are part of the famous “battle of Armageddon” described in the book of Revelation when Satan and his evil alliance come against Jesus and faithful His people (Revelation 16:12-16; Revelation 19:17-21; see also Joel 3:9-16).

Zechariah’s prophecy came in approximately 500 BC. At the time, the Jews were returning from foreign Exile to their promised land, Palestine to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple (see 2 Kings 24:14-16; 2 Kings 25:11). The Jews were small, and the Persians now ruled the Jews (see 2 Chronicles 36:21-23; Ezra 1:1-4; Ezra 2:64-65). However, Zechariah proclaimed a glorious future for Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem.

Before Christ’s coming to earth at this first coming, the prophet Zechariah had a vision of the future fate of Israel, Jerusalem, and Judah as pronounced by the LORD God (see Zechariah 12:1). Zechariah knew he could trust the living LORD God’s message and predictions because he knew only the living LORD’s sovereign power stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit within humans (Zechariah 12:1; see also Genesis 1:1, 6-8; Psalm 102:25-26; Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 45:12; Isaiah 48:13; Jeremiah 51:15; Acts 14:15; Hebrews 1:10-12). The living LORD God – Yahweh[2] – is the Creator and the King of the heavens and earth, and only He gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on the earth (e.g., see Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Isaiah 40:26; Isaiah 51:13; Jeremiah 10:11-12; Acts 14:15; Acts 17:24-26).[3] In the living LORD God, we live, move, and have our being and power (e.g., see Acts 17:28; Ephesians 3:14-17).[4] The living LORD God watches over and controls the heavens and earth and the very people He gave birth (e.g., Psalm 11:4; Psalm 33:13-15, Psalm 139:13-16; Proverbs 15:3; 1 Kings 8:39; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 16:17; Jeremiah 18:5-6; Hebrews 4:13). Therefore, the true and living LORD God can ALWAYS be trusted (e.g., Jeremiah 17:5-8, 13-14).

Zechariah sees into the future the glorious victory of Jerusalem[5] and Judah through the living LORD God’s grace and power (see Zechariah 12:1-3, 10; Zechariah 14:1-3). In the future, the living LORD God promises to make Jerusalem and Judah strong to withstand enemy attacks (Zechariah 12:2; see also Psalm 118:14; 2 Timothy 4:17). Zechariah predicted that one day all the Gentile nations on earth would come together to attack Jerusalem and Judah, but the living LORD God will make Jerusalem His instrument of judgment. Jerusalem will become like a very heavy and immovable stone or rock against all the nations that will not yield (Zechariah 12:2-3, 9; see also Isaiah 28:16; Joel 3:1-2; Zechariah 10:3-7; Zechariah 14:1-3, 14). Anyone who tries to move this heavy stone or rock will get crushed and cut into pieces though all nations of the earth are gathered against Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:3; see also Isaiah 8:14-15; Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45; Zechariah 9:14-16; Matthew 21:42-44).

Moreover, the living LORD God promises to confuse, blind, and bewilder any armies and their horses that come against Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:2, 4; see also Exodus 15:1-21, Deuteronomy 28:28; 2 Kings 6:8-23; Psalm 76:6). For the living LORD God promises He will watch over and keep His eyes open towards the people of Jerusalem and Judah that trusts in Him, but He will defeat all Jerusalem and Judah’s enemies (Zechariah 12:4; see also Psalm 32:8; Psalm 33:18, 21-22). Then, the leaders of Judah will say to themselves that the people of Jerusalem are strong because the LORD of Hosts is their God is their strength (Zechariah 12:5; see also Zechariah 10:5).[6] Truly, if God is for you, who can ever be against you to defeat you (e.g., see Exodus 3:2; Exodus 14:22; Numbers 14:9; 2 Kings 6:16; Psalm 118:6; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4). Those who trust in the living LORD God Almighty need not fear or be afraid because He is with you (e.g., see Jeremiah 1:8, 12).  

Also, in the future, the living LORD God promises to make the clans of Judah like a firepot that sets the forest aflame — like a burning match among the sheaves (see Zechariah 12:6). Judah will destroy or purify all the neighboring nations right and left, while Jerusalem stands unmoved and secure (Zechariah 12:6; see also Zechariah 2:6-8; Zechariah 9:14-16). The living LORD God Almighty declares He will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, and He will become Jerusalem’s glory within the city (e.g., see Zechariah 2:5, 10-12; Zechariah 8:1-2; Revelation 21:10-11, 23-24). Jerusalem is the apple of the living LORD God’s eye, and He loves Jerusalem with a jealous and affectionate love more than any other city (e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 87:1-2; Zechariah 1:14; Zechariah 2:8; Zechariah 8:3). Moreover, Jerusalem will become filled with a great number of people and animals living within Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:6; see also e.g., Zechariah 2:4; Zechariah 8:3-5; Zechariah 14:10-11). The living LORD God promises to return to Jerusalem and Judah with His mercy, and Jerusalem and Judah will overflow with prosperity (e.g., see Zechariah 1:16-17).

Then, the living LORD God promises to restore and give His salvation and victory to Judah first, before Jerusalem (see Zechariah 12:7). The living LORD God desires that the glory of David’s house and the glory of Jerusalem’s residents not magnify nor overshadow the ordinary people living in Judah (see Zechariah 12:7). Moreover, Zechariah declares that the living LORD God promises to shield and defend the people living in Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:8; see also Psalm 91:4; Joel 3:16). The weakest and lowliest amongst Jerusalem will be as mighty and glorious as King David, the man after God’s own heart (Zechariah 12:8; see also 1 Samuel 13:14; Joel 3:10; Acts 13:22).[7] Likewise, the prophet Zechariah proclaims that the royal line of David shall have godlike glory, as the Angel of the LORD[8] goes before and leads God’s people (Zechariah 12:8; see also Genesis 16:7; Exodus 14:19; Exodus 33:2; Joshua 5:13-15). Even more, all faithful and obedient people of God will become empowered and strengthened by the living LORD God’s Spirit to overpower and defeat their enemies (e.g., see Leviticus 26:7-9, 11-12; Deuteronomy 28:7; Deuteronomy 32:30; Joshua 23:9-11; Ephesians 3:16-17). The living LORD God declares that His plans is to destroy and make a clean sweep of all the Gentile nations that come against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:9; see also Jeremiah 46:27-28; Haggai 2:21-22; Zechariah 1:21; Zechariah 9:14-15; Zechariah 14:2-3).

Next, the prophet Zechariah predicts the living LORD God will pour out His Spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:10; see also Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 39:25, 29; Zechariah 4:6). In the last days, like the other the Old Testament prophets predict, the living LORD God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people (e.g., see Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17). This Spirit will be the living LORD God’s loving-kindness, mercy, and compassion that will bring new life and power (Zechariah 12:10; see also e.g., Ezekiel 37:5-6, 9-10, 14).

At that time, Zechariah predicts the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem will then be able to finally recognize and worship Jesus as both Lord and Messiah and as the One they critically wounded and pierced, without proper ground for a death sentence (Zechariah 12:10; see also Psalm 22:16; Isaiah 53:3, 5; John 19:34, 37; John 20:27; Acts 13:28-30; Philippians 2:9-11). Moreover, the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem will weep and mourn for Jesus, whom they unjustly killed and pierced, as a parent grieves the loss of the firstborn child (Zechariah 12:10, 12; see also Matthew 24:30; Acts 2:23-24, 36-37; Acts 3:14-15; Acts 7:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Revelation 1:7). The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem at that day will be even greater and massive than the grievous mourning for the godly King Josiah, who was killed in the valley of Megiddo (Zechariah 12:11; see also 2 Kings 23:29).[9]

Then, everyone of Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem will REPENT and cry in profound sorrow when they see the pierced and RESURRECTED Messiah (Christ), whom they killed by hanging Him on Calvary’s Cross (Zechariah 12:12-14; see also Matthew 24:30; Acts 5:30-32). The deep and sincere national mourning and repentance will affect the entire community, both family by family and men and women alike. The families of David, Nathan, Levi, and Shimeites will be bowed down with universal grief and mourning — king, prophet, priest, and people, both high and low (see Zechariah 12:12-13). Each family will go into private mourning, husbands and wives apart, to face their sorrow alone (see Zechariah 12:14).

Many biblical scholars see in the verses of Zechariah 12 the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah). Truly, Jesus is the Rock, Capstone, or Cornerstone of God (Zechariah 12:3; see also e.g., Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 61:1-11; Zechariah 4:7; Zechariah 10:4; Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:4-7). Jesus the Messiah is the sure foundation and precious stone of Zion predicted by the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Isaiah 28:16; Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45; Matthew 7:24-25; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11-12; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19-22). Even more, the Lord Jesus is the powerful and all-seeing Capstone (omniscience) that will defeat and destroy the forces of evil and sin in a single day (Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:7, 10; see also Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 28:16).

Likewise, many biblical scholars believe Zechariah 12 refers to Jesus the Messiah (Christ) at His second coming in the clouds of heaven to establish His Kingdom on earth (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 11:15). At that moment, the family of David and those who live in Jerusalem will recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah (Christ), and they will acknowledge and worship Jesus as Lord with deep regret that He was the One whom their forefathers pierced and impaled (Zechariah 12:10; see also e.g., Isaiah 52:13; Matthew 24:30; Acts 5:42; Philippians 2:9-11). Only Jesus Christ was pierced for our wrongdoings and wounded for our sins; however, He gives everyone peace, healing, wholeness, and forgiveness through repentance (turning from sin) and faith in Him (e.g., see Isaiah 53:5, 7-8; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:24; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24-25). The resurrected Jesus Christ, who is Ruler of the kings of the earth, has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father (e.g., see 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:9-10).

Significantly, Zechariah sees the living LORD God’s outpouring of His Spirit of grace and prayer on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (see Zechariah 12:10). One of the most beautiful parts of the Holy Scriptures is God’s grace! The LORD God’s grace is His kindness and love. HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS! The living LORD God FREELY gives to EVERYONE His Spirit of grace and prayer through REPENTANCE (turning from sin), FAITH (trust), and OBEDIENCE to His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Acts 5:32; Acts 8:9-25; Ephesians 2:5, 8-10). The Lord Jesus Christ is grace (e.g., see John 1:14). Out of the Lord Jesus Christ’s fullness we have all received God’s grace through faith in Him (see John 1:16-17). The Lord Jesus Christ is our DIRECT connection to the SOURCE of the Spirit of grace and prayer, His Father – the living LORD God of heaven and earth (e.g., see John 1:51 (NLT); John 15:5; Ephesians 3:7; Hebrews 4:14-16). The living and sovereign LORD God GIVES His grace (favor) to everyone who has faith in His Son, Jesus the Messiah. God’s grace is so connected with Jesus Christ that the Apostle Paul could speak of the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Timothy 2:1). The overwhelming power of God’s grace is displayed for us in and through His Son, the Lord Jesus (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Moreover, grace is connected to God’s mercy, the atoning death of Jesus Christ, and with our salvation (e.g., see Romans 1:16-17; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 1:10, 13; 1 Peter 5:10). The Spirit of grace and prayer abides and lives within all faithful believers of Jesus to complete the living LORD God’s good works on earth (e.g., see Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 9:14; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13). For believers of Jesus, our calling, our witness, our works are all based on the enabling power of God’s Spirit of grace and prayer in our lives (e.g., see Acts 4:33; Acts 6:8; Acts 11:23; Acts 14:26; Acts 15:40; Acts 20:32; 2 Corinthians 9:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). God’s grace is His sustaining power within our lives and hearts that strengthens us to obey Him and serve to others (e.g., see Hebrews 13:9; 1 Peter 4:10). The Apostle Paul sharply rejected any perversion of the Spirit of grace which failed to recognize that the true experience of God’s grace changes one’s life in the direction of righteousness (e.g., see Romans 6:1, 14-15). GRACE NEVER GIVES FREEDOM TO SIN (e.g., see Jude 1:4).

Some people who read Zechariah and other Old Testament prophecies believe these promises are only for Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem – the Jews. The increased blessings of the Jewish people are one of the LORD God’s covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:17; Genesis 32:12; Hebrews 11:12). The faithful LORD God of glory graciously chose the Jewish people as His treasured possession and holy people (e.g., see Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Kings 3:8; Acts 13:17).

HERE IS GOOD NEWS - GOSPEL! Through personal FAITH and OBEDIENCE in the Lord Jesus Christ, we Gentiles (non-Jews) also receive God’s abundant grace, righteousness, forgiveness, and adoption into God’s people – Israel and Judah (e.g., see John 1:12-13; John 3:15-17; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:22-23; 2 Corinthians 13:4; Romans 1:5-6, 16-17; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:9). In other words, EVERYONE that place their hope and obedient faith in God’s Son Jesus becomes one with His Father, the living LORD God as the true Israel (Jew or Hebrew) and the true children of Abraham (e.g., see Isaiah 56:8; John 10:16; John 17:11; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:6-9, 26-29; Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus Christ unites and reconciles all faithful believers in Him – Gentiles and Jews – to His Father, the living LORD God (e.g., see John 14:6; Ephesians 2:15-16, 18, 21; Ephesians 3:6, 12). Believing Gentiles are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His Father’s household built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief Cornerstone (see Ephesians 2:15-16, 19-22). As part of God’s family through faith in Jesus, we Gentiles can also approach God’s throne of grace with freedom and confidence (e.g., see Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:6, 12; Hebrews 4:14-16).  Through FAITH in Jesus Christ, BOTH Jews and Gentiles share all the glorious blessings and grace of the living LORD God as His children (e.g., see Galatians 3:26-29).

Therefore, love and trust the LORD JESUS with your WHOLE HEART and MIND, because He is the long-awaited Christ (Messiah) predicted by the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Matthew 1:16; Luke 2:10-11; Acts 5:42; Acts 9:22; Acts 17:3; Acts 18:5, 28; Ephesians 3:17). The living LORD God loves and accepts ALL PEOPLE from every nation who humbly and WHOLEHEARTEDLY loves and serves Him and His Son Jesus by faith (allegiance) and does what is right towards others (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 Chronicles 28:9-10; Luke 3:8; Acts 10:1-2, 34-35, 43; Acts 15:9). We have peace and reconciliation with the living LORD God of glory through faith, obedience, and devotion to His Son Jesus, who is Lord of all people (e.g., see Acts 2:36; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:11-13; Ephesians 2:14-18).

Reference

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

Butler, Trent C. Holman Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1991).

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[1] The “Day of the LORD” frequently occurs throughout the Old Testament prophets (e.g., see Isaiah 13:6, 9; Jeremiah 46:10; Ezekiel 13:5; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:1, 11, 31; Joel 3:14; Amos 5:18-20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Malachi 4:5). The New Testament writers also see the “Day of the LORD” when the Jesus the Messiah (Christ) returns in glory with His holy angels (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 1:8; Philippians 1:6, 10; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; 2 Peter 3:10).

[2] Yahweh is the LORD God’s divine name in Hebrew (see Exodus 3:15 Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 24:16). Yahweh is a transliteration of the proper name YHWH that is sometimes rendered “Jehovah.”.

[3] The Hebrew word ruach means breath, wind, and spirit, and ruach represents the breath of life in humans and animals (e.g., see Genesis 6:17; Genesis 7:15-22) The loss of God's ruach brings death (e.g., see Genesis 1:1-2; Genesis 2:7; Psalm 104:29-30; Psalm 146:4). The ruach is the God-given power to recognize, to will, to understand, and to make decisions. We owe all our spiritual nature and abilities in these areas not to a process of becoming a better human animal but to God's creative ruach working inside our bodies. 

[4] The living LORD God is the reigning and eternal King and Creator who deserves our wholehearted worship, obedience, and love (e.g., Jeremiah 10:10; Daniel 6:26; Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 14:7; Revelation 19:6). Heaven is the living LORD God’s throne, and the earth is His footstool (e.g., see Psalm 103:19; Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 66:1-2; Matthew 5:34-35). The all-powerful and sovereign LORD God looks with grace and mercy on those who are humble and repentant in spirit, and who wholeheartedly honors Him and obeys His commandments (e.g., see 1 Chronicles 28:9-10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2-4; Matthew 5:3-4; Matthew 23:12; Luke 18:13-14; Acts 14:15-17; Acts 17:27, 30).

[5] In the Holy Scriptures, Jerusalem is also called Zion.

[6] The living LORD of Hosts is also called GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, LORD All-Powerful, the LORD Almighty, or King (e.g., see 1 Samuel 1:3; Jeremiah 48:15; Jeremiah 50:34). The Hosts consist of God’s angels, human armies, the forces of nature such as fire, hail, and wind, the sun, moon, stars, and occasionally Israel. These forces are the living LORD God’s agents He uses to protect and defend His people (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15; Joshua 10:9-15; 2 Kings 6:17). The living LORD God Almighty is the sovereign King of all, and He controls all the powers of the universe (e.g., see Psalm 97:1; Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 5:24; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 15:3; Revelation 19:6).

[7] King David was known as a man after God’s own heart, despite his failings with Bathsheba described in 2 Samuel 11. When confronted with his sins with Bathsheba, he repented and renewed his wholehearted allegiance and devotion to the living LORD God only (e.g., see 1 Kings 2:1-4). Because of King David’s devotion to the living LORD God, King David’s family line was blessed with the living LORD God’s only begotten Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 132:11; Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:10-11; Acts 13:23).

[8] The Angel of the LORD is God as the Divine Warrior, Rescuer, and Protector (e.g., see Zechariah 1:11; Zechariah 3:1).

[9] The reference is to the slaying of good King Josiah by Pharaoh Neco (see 2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:23-24). Josiah was one of Judah’s greatest kings, and he ruled for 31 years. During his reign, Josiah carried out extensive religious reforms, including removing altars, idols, and symbols of ungodly worship from the Jerusalem Temple, and he returned the people to the wholehearted worship of the living LORD God only. Even more, Josiah rediscovered the Law of Moses and acted immediately on what the Law of Moses taught. However, Josiah unwisely thrusted himself into international politics by marching against Egypt, and he died suddenly in battle. Josiah’s untimely death shocked the nation. The story of King Josiah can be found at 2 Kings 22:1 through 2 Kings 23:30 and 2 Chronicles chapters 34 and 35.

NEVER Reject Jesus!

⁴ This is what the LORD my God says: “Go and care for the flock that is intended for slaughter…. ¹² And I said to them, “If you like, give me my wages, whatever I am worth; but only if you want to.” So, they counted out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. ¹³ And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter” …  So, I took the thirty coins and threw them to the potter in the Temple of the LORD….  Zechariah 11:4, 12-13, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

The prophet Zechariah wrote his Old Testament prophecy in approximately 500 BC. The living LORD God Almighty called the prophet Zechariah along with the prophets Haggai and Malachi to encourage the Jews returning from foreign Exile into the Promised Land – Palestine (Zechariah 1:1; see also Ezra 5:1-2; Ezra 6:14; Haggai 1:1-2). After the Exile, the Jewish people no longer had a king, the Jerusalem Temple was destroyed, and foreigners now ruled their land, first the Babylonians and then the Persian government (e.g., see Jeremiah 39:1-10; 2 Chronicles 36:17-23; Ezra 1:1-5). The beautiful Jerusalem Temple built by King Solomon laid in ruins and Jerusalem was destroyed (e.g., see 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-20; Jeremiah 52:4-27).

However, the prophet Zechariah, along with Haggai, encouraged the Jewish people to rebuild their Promised Land and rebuild the Jerusalem Temple, often called the Second Temple. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah assured God’s people that the living LORD God Almighty’s Presence and Power were with them through His Spirit to rebuild the Temple and the land (Haggai 1:13; Haggai 2:4-5; Zechariah 4:6-7; see also 2 Samuel 5:10; 2 Chronicles 1:1). Even more important, Zechariah and Haggai revealed the beautiful and glorious future for God’s people and the coming Messiah – the Lord Jesus (e.g., see Haggai 2:7; Zechariah 1:16-17; Zechariah 9:9-10)! However, chapter 11 of Zechariah’s prophecy also predicts into the future the rejection by the people of the Good Shepherd and Messiah – the Lord Jesus Christ in His first coming.

Some biblical scholars have noted that chapter 11 contains some of the darkest prophecies in the entire Holy Scriptures. If there was any question about the use of the word “oracle” or “burden” to introduce Zechariah chapters 9 through 11, chapter 11 should explain why. In approximately 500 BC, the living LORD God announced His coming wrath and destruction against wicked religious leaders and their followers who reject the Good Shepherd and Messiah – the Lord Jesus Christ (see Zechariah 11:1-3, 6, 9, 17). God’s wrath would begin with Lebanon in the north and continue to Bashan and into the Jordan Valley (see Zechariah 11:1-3).

Zechariah chapter 11 divides into three distinct parts. The first section (verses 1 through 3) predicts the coming judgment and destruction of the people who reject the Lord Jesus Christ. The second section (verses 4 through 14) describes symbolically through the prophet Zechariah the future rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ by the very people He cared for and shepherded. In this case, Zechariah assumed the role of a shepherd and served the people, but the people rejected and abandoned Zechariah. This section contains the prophecy of the pricing of the shepherd at thirty pieces of silver quoted in Matthew 27:9-10). The third section (verses 15 through 17) describes the coming evil shepherd, who some scholars call the antichrist.

In the second section beginning with verse 4, the living LORD God instructed His servant Zechariah to take a job as a good shepherd (see Zechariah 11:4). The living LORD God told His servant Zechariah to care and feed the flock that was being abused and slaughtered by the evil and wicked religious shepherds (see Zechariah 11:4). Particularly, the living LORD God instructed Zechariah to care for the flock that was oppressed and abused – the weak and sick, the refugees (aliens), the fatherless, and the widows (see Zechariah 11:7). Throughout the Old Testament and into the New Testament, the living LORD God Almighty has repeatedly sent His good servants to teach and encourage the people to do right and good by seeking mercy and justice for orphans (fatherless), the poor, foreigners (refugees), and the widows (e.g., see Exodus 22:21-23; Leviticus 25:17; Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Isaiah 1:17, 23; Isaiah 56:1; Jeremiah 5:1, 28; Jeremiah 22:3-5; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 12:7; Matthew 25:34-36; James 1:27).

In Zechariah 11, many biblical scholars believe the living LORD God instructed the prophet Zechariah to assume the role of a good shepherd and portray events to be fulfilled in the ultimate Good Shepherd and Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ (see also John 10:7, 11, 14). When the Lord Jesus Christ walked the earth, He saw the crowds of people who were harassed, mistreated, and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (e.g., see Matthew 9:35-36; Mark 6:32-34). Jesus cared for, fed, and healed the people, whether Jewish or non-Jewish, with all compassion, mercy, and forgiveness (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 14:14; Mark 8:1-3).

Similarly, during Zechariah’s time, the living LORD God of heaven saw the people being neglected, abandoned and abused for slaughter (Zechariah 11:4, 15-17; see also Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34). Sadly, the evil and wicked religious shepherds neglected and abused God’s people during Old Testament times, and their abuse continued during the New Testament times of Jesus and even today (e.g., see Jeremiah 23:1-3; Jeremiah 50:6-7; Ezekiel 34:1-10; Matthew 24:11, 24; John 10:12-13; Acts 20:29-30; Jude 1:12).

So, the living LORD God announced He would have no compassion, pity, and mercy on the people (see Zechariah 11:6). The living LORD God proclaimed He would allow the people of His land to suffer the consequences of their sins, and He would not deliver nor protect them from harm (see Zechariah 11:6). Instead, the living LORD God would allow His people to fall into the hands of their neighbor and wicked leaders (see Zechariah 11:6). Then, these evil people and leaders will devastate and destroy the land and turn the land into a wilderness (Zechariah 11:6; see also Zechariah 14:13). Similarly, the prophets before Zechariah made the same proclamation of the living LORD God’s destruction of the people and their land because of their idolatry and unfaithfulness to the living LORD God and His moral covenant (e.g., see Isaiah 9:19-21; Jeremiah 13:14-15; Lamentations 2:2-3, 17, 21; Ezekiel 7:3-4, 8-9; Micah 7:1-6).

So, Zechariah took over from the evil shepherds, and he cared for the oppressed flock (Zechariah 11:7; see also Jeremiah 25:34). Next, the living LORD God instructed His servant Zechariah to take two shepherd’s staffs (staves) (see Zechariah 11:7). One staff was named Favor (some biblical translations say Grace, Lovely, Pleasant, or Beauty) and the other staff was called Union (some biblical translations say Harmony, Bands, or Cords) (see Zechariah 11:7, 10, 14). The living LORD God called His servant Zechariah to shepherd and care for the flock with these two staffs – Favor and Union (see Zechariah 11:7). Within a month, Zechariah got rid of the three evil and corrupt shepherds (Zechariah 11:3, 8; see also Zechariah 10:3). Many scholars have noted that Zechariah’s prophecy does not identify nor name the three shepherds. Possibly, these evil shepherds represented the unfit prophets, priests, and kings. In the alternative, these three evil shepherds represent the unholy trinity that will arise at the end of the age — Satan the dragon, the false Christ or antichrist, and the false prophet (see Revelation 13:1-18).

However, Zechariah grew tired and impatient with the sheep, and they disliked Zechariah too (see Zechariah 11:8). Zechariah announced to the sheep he would not be their shepherd any longer (see Zechariah 11:9). The living LORD God through His servant Zechariah allowed the sheep to suffer the consequences of their wickedness and sinfulness and devour one another (Zechariah 11:9; see also Jeremiah 15:1-2; Revelation 13:10). Zechariah terminated his providential care and favor of the sheep.

Afterward, the living LORD God took His staff called Favor (Grace, Lovely, Pleasant, or Beauty) and snapped the staff called Favor into two pieces (see Zechariah 11:10). The breaking of the staff called Favor symbolized the living LORD God revoking and annulling the covenant He had made with all people (see Zechariah 11:10). That was the end of the agreement (covenant) (see Zechariah 11:11)! The suffering flock watched Zechariah break the staff called Favor, and the flock knew that the LORD was speaking through Zechariah’s actions (see Zechariah 11:11)! Even worse, the evil shepherds saw the breaking of the LORD’s covenant of Favor (see Zechariah 11:11).

The Holy Scriptures speak of an everlasting or eternal covenant (see Genesis 9:16; Genesis 17:7, 13, 19; Isaiah 55:3; Isaiah 61:8-9; Jeremiah 32:39-40; Ezekiel 37:26; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 13:20). This eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep (see Hebrews 13:20). A covenant is an agreement, a promise, treaty, alliance, or contract between two parties. The covenant or testament is a central, unifying theme in the Holy Scriptures.

Next, Zechariah requested his pay as a shepherd (see Zechariah 11:12). So, Zechariah was paid thirty pieces of silver (see Zechariah 11:12).[1] Despite Zechariah’s compassion and care for the abused flock, he was paid only thirty pieces of silver! Zechariah sarcastically called this amount a “magnificent” or “handsome price” at Zechariah 11:13. So, the living LORD God instructed Zechariah to throw the insulting thirty pieces of silver to the potter at the house of the LORD (see Zechariah 11:13). This prophecy was fulfilled by Judas’ tragic betrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ where Judas sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver to the evil and wicked religious leaders (see Matthew 26:14-16; Matthew 27:9).

Thirty pieces of silver were the redemption price paid for a slave in the Book of the Covenant given by Moses (see Exodus 21:32).[2] Interestingly, Joseph in the Old Testament was paid twenty shekels of silver when the Midianite merchants came and sold him to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph into Egyptian slavery (see Genesis 37:28). Even more important, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was paid thirty shekels of silver, the price for a slave or servant, before His sacrificial death for our sins (Matthew 26:14-16; Matthew 27:9; see also e.g., Matthew 20:28; Mark 8:31; Mark 10:45).

In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot, who was one of the original Twelve apostles appointed by Jesus, rejected and betrayed Jesus for thirty shekels of silver (Matthew 26:14-16, 25; Matthew 27:3, 9; see also see Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:16-19; John 12:4). Judas Iscariot failed to resist Satan, and he allowed Satan to trick him into rejecting Jesus for money (John 6:70-71; John 13:2, 26-27; John 15:16, 19; John 17:12; see also Ephesians 4:27; Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:6-9). Greedy and selfish Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and offered to serve as a guide for those who arrested Jesus (see Matthew 26:15; Mark 14:10-11; Acts 1:15-17). The chief priests paid Judas Iscariot thirty pieces of silver to hand Jesus over to them for death (see Matthew 26:15-16). Sadly, Judas Iscariot’s deliberate rejection and betrayal of holy Jesus led to his eternal doom and condemnation (e.g., see Matthew 27:5; John 17:12; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31). Later, Judas Iscariot acknowledged his sins of betraying Jesus, who was an innocent Man, and he tried to return thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders (see Matthew 27:3-4). However, the chief priests and the elders refused the blood money; however, Judas Iscariot threw the money into the Temple (Matthew 27:5-8; see also Zechariah 11:13).

Many biblical commentaries note the similarities of Zechariah 11:12-13 and the New Testament rejection and betrayal of Jesus not only by greedy Judas Iscariot but also many other Jews (see Matthew 26:14-16; Matthew 27:9-10). Most of the quote from Zechariah 11:12-13 also contains allusions to Jeremiah’s prophecy (see Jeremiah 18:1-4; 19:1-13; Jeremiah 32:6-9). In fact, the New Testament Gospel writer attribute Judas Iscariot’s deliberate rejection and betrayal to the prophet Jeremiah and not Zechariah (see Matthew 27:9-10). Both Zechariah and Jeremiah emphasized the utmost importance of serving and worshipping the living LORD God and obeying His moral covenant (e.g., see Jeremiah 22:3-5; Jeremiah 26:12-13; Jeremiah 35:12-16; Zechariah 1:2-6; Zechariah 7:8-10; Zechariah 8:14-17, 19).  

Then, Zechariah broke into two pieces his second staff called Union (Harmony, Bands, or Cords) (see Zechariah 11:14). The breaking of the second staff called Union represented breaking the family bond and brotherhood between Judah and Israel (Zechariah 11:14; see also Zechariah 11:7). Some biblical scholars argue the breaking of the second staff called Union occurred because Israel and Judah rejected the LORD God’s Son, Jesus the Messiah. Not long after the prophet Zechariah’s time during the intertestamental period, the Jewish people began to divide into numerous factions: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Herodians, and Zealots. The discord among the Jewish people was a key factor leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in A.D. 70 by the Romans.

Finally, verses 15 through 17 describe the second symbolic act in which the prophet Zechariah assumed the role of a wicked and evil shepherd. Unlike the good shepherd, this evil shepherd had no morals and corrupt. Having rejected Zechariah as the true shepherd, the living LORD God commanded Zechariah to play the role of a false shepherd. Some biblical scholars see in verses 15 through 17 the raise of the coming antichrist. Because the people have rejected the true Christ and Good Shepherd, the flock are now left to the antichrist!

In verse 15, the living LORD God instructed Zechariah once again, but this time to take the equipment and instruments of a worthless and foolish shepherd (see Zechariah 11:15). This worthless shepherd over the land would not care for the lost, nor seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy (Zechariah 11:16; see also Ezekiel 34:4-6; Matthew 9:36). Unlike the good shepherd, the foolish and greedy shepherd will selfishly care for his owns needs and steal from the flock (Zechariah 11:16; see also John 10:10, 12-13). Even more, instead of caring for the needs of the people, this evil shepherd tells lies and devours the flock for his selfish pleasure (Zechariah 10:2; Zechariah 11:16; see also Ezekiel 34:1-3). However, the living LORD God warned that His wrath and judgment would come against the useless shepherd who abandons and neglects and does not care for His people (Zechariah 11:17; see also Jeremiah 23:1-2; Ezekiel 34:7-10; Jude 1:12).

When the Lord Jesus walked the earth, He saw the crowds of people who were harassed and helpless (Matthew 4:23-35; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; see also Ezekiel 34:5-6). From generation to generation, wicked and evil shepherds have arisen with their false dreams, false hopes, and false predicts, and they claim to speak for the living LORD God (e.g., see Jeremiah 14:14; Jeremiah 23:16; Mark 13:22; 1 John 4:1). Even worse, these evil leaders praise God for their riches and wealth, while God’s people are bought and massacred (Zechariah 11:5; see also Ezekiel 34:2-3). These sinful shepherds mistreat, sell, and slaughter the sheep without remorse, guilt, nor mercy (Zechariah 11:5; see also Ezekiel 34:8). As a result, the flock wanders aimlessly and with no hope, no protection, and no guidance because there was no good shepherd to guide them (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:5-6; Zechariah 10:2). Therefore, the living LORD God promises to punish and remove these bad shepherds who fleece and mistreat His people – the flock (e.g., see Jeremiah 25:34-36; Ezekiel 34:8-10; Zechariah 10:3).

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS! The true and living LORD God of heaven saw His people being abused and neglected. Since the beginning of time, the living LORD God has sent His good shepherds (prophets or messengers) that have cared for and protected His flock and proclaimed His message of repentance and obedience to His moral commandments (e.g., see Numbers 27:17-18; Jeremiah 1:5, 10; Jeremiah 3:15; Jeremiah 4:4, 14; Matthew 21:33-46; Matthew 22:2-7; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19). The living LORD God appoints ALL leaders, priest, and prophets to care for and shepherd the people (e.g., see Psalm 75:6-7; Daniel 2:20-21; Daniel 4:17; John 19:11; Romans 13:1-2).

True servants of the living LORD God encourage everyone to seek obedience to God as well as truth, mercy, humility, and goodness (e.g., see Isaiah 1:17; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:6, 14-15; Micah 6:6-8; Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 12:7). However, many of the living LORD God’s shepherds have been rejected, abused, mistreated, and even killed by the people they are shepherding (Zechariah 11:8-11; see also e.g., Nehemiah 9:26; Jeremiah 2:30; Matthew 5:12; Matthew 21:34-36; Matthew 23:33-37; Luke 11:49; Hebrews 11:35-38). Sadly, the flock oftentimes rebelled, persecuted, and abused the living LORD God’s good servants (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 24:19; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16; 2 Corinthians 11:24-26).

Then, the living LORD God came through His beloved Son Jesus to shepherd and care for His people (e.g., see Jeremiah 23:4-6; Ezekiel 34:11-31; Matthew 1:21-23; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 21:37; John 1:11, 14; John 10:11; Hebrews 1:1-3).[3] The living LORD God sent His Son Jesus to seek and save the hurting, abused, and neglected sheep that were lost and wandering (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:15-16; Matthew 20:28; Luke 19:10; John 3:16-17). When the Lord Jesus walked the earth, He went through all the towns and villages doing good and proclaiming repentance because His Father – the living LORD God – was in Him (e.g., see Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:18-19; John 3:2; John 8:29; John 10:30, 32, 36-38; Acts 10:38). The Lord Jesus saw the crowds of people who were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (e.g., see Matthew 9:35-36; Mark 6:32-34). Jesus cared for, fed, and healed the people, whether Jewish or non-Jewish, with compassion, mercy, and forgiveness (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 14:14; Mark 8:1-3).

The Lord Jesus is the Great and Chief Shepherd of the sheep and Overseer of our souls (e.g., see John 10:11, 14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4). The Lord Jesus is the Gate for the sheep that leads everyone to His Father, who is the living and gracious LORD God of heaven and Shepherd (e.g., see Psalm 23:1; John 10:7, 9; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12). Through the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah), EVERYONE finds safety, salvation, direction, nourishment, good pastures, and God’s grace (e.g., see Psalm 23:2-3; John 1:4; Ezekiel 34:14; John 3:15-16, 36; John 10:9-10; John 20:30-31; Romans 5:17). The Lord Jesus Christ willingly gave and sacrificed His life as a payment (ransom) for the sheep (all people) so that we can be safe and find life through faith in Him (e.g., see Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 6:37-40; John 10:11, 14-18, 28-29; John 17:12; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 5:11-12; Revelation 7:17).

Despite Jesus’ love and care, the people rebelled and killed the living LORD God’s Son, who was the ultimate Shepherd the living LORD God sent to care for His people (e.g., see Matthew 21:38-39, 42; Luke 24:20; Acts 2:23; Acts 7:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Hebrews 13:20). The Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah predicted the Lord Jesus’ coming as both the Messiah (Branch) and Great Shepherd sent from God; nevertheless, the prophets also predicted the Lord Jesus’ betrayal by the people (e.g., see Isaiah 40:3-5, 9-11; Isaiah 53:2-4; Jeremiah 23:4-6; Ezekiel 34:11-12, 23; Ezekiel 37:24; Micah 5:2, 4; Zechariah 9:9-10; Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 2:6; Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27; John 12:41; John 16:32).

HERE IS MORE GOOD NEWS! The living LORD God and His Son Jesus send out their true shepherds to continue the good works of serving, feeding, and caring for the sheep (e.g., see Matthew 10:16; Matthew 23:33-34; Matthew 28:18-20; John 21:15-17; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 5:21). From generation to generation, the living LORD God has sent out His good servants that do His good works and proclaim His true message of REPENTANCE – turning from sin and evil and turning to Him and His moral commands (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Jeremiah 3:14-15; Jeremiah 7:25; Zechariah 1:3-4; Matthew 9:37-38; Matthew 23:34; Acts 26:14-18; 2 Corinthians 4:2). These good workers preach God’s holy message in season and out of season, and they correct, teach, and encourage the sheep with great patience and watchful instruction to live moral and godly lives (e.g., see 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 13; 2 Timothy 4:2, 5).

Even more, these good servants of the living LORD God cares for, watches over, protects, and serves God’s sheep and NEVER abuses, manipulates, exploit, nor harms the sheep for money and sexual immorality (e.g., see Matthew 20:25-28; 2 Corinthians 12:17-18; 1 Timothy 3:2-4, 8, 12; 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 1:6-9; Titus 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Truly, these good shepherds of God are filled with the Holy Spirit, and they faithfully keep watch over all the flock, which Jesus brought with His own blood (e.g., see John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3). These good workers of God focus on humbly serving, loving, and helping others (e.g., see Matthew 20:25-28; Matthew 23:11-12; Mark 9:35; Mark 10:43-45).

Good servants of the living LORD God know they will have to answer to the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, when He appears (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 1 Peter 5:4). All people will either receive a crown of glory for their good works or eternal condemnation for their evildoing (e.g., see Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4). Therefore, the LORD God’s good shepherd conduct themselves in the world, and especially in their relations with believers, with all humility, integrity, holiness, and godly sincerity, relying not on worldly wisdom and trickery but on God’s grace (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:10).

The living LORD God, His Son Jesus, and His faithful messengers have warned the people about evil shepherds such as false prophets and false teachers that come to abuse and harm the people (e.g., see Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Matthew 7:15-16, 21-23; Matthew 24:24-25; Acts 20:25-31; 2 Peter 2:1). In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus and his faithful servant Apostle Paul were concerned about evil shepherds that would come to abuse and harm the people (e.g., see Matthew 7:15-23; Acts 20:28-31). These false apostles and deceitful workers masquerade as apostles of Christ and angels of light, but they are workers of Satan (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Some appointed shepherds become prideful and wicked. Even worse, these evil leaders use their position and power to abuse God’s people and seek after other gods (e.g., see Jeremiah 2:7-8; Jeremiah 10:21; Ezekiel 34:1-10; Zechariah 10:2). 

These wicked leaders are hypocrites and do not practice what they preach (e.g., see Matthew 23:3, 14-15). The Lord Jesus warned that such evil shepherds are lawless and evildoers, and they proclaim unfaithfulness to the living LORD God and disobedience to His moral commandments (e.g., see Matthew 7:23). In fact, these evil workers of Satan specifically target anyone who obeys the living LORD God’s commandmensts and His Son Jesus (e.g., see Revelation 12:17). The moral and holy commands were spoken and written by the true and living LORD God of heaven and affirmed by His Son Jesus and His servants (e.g. see, Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:15-16; John 14:15, 21, 23; John 15:10; Romans 7:7, 12-14, 16; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Timothy 1:8; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 5:3; Revelation 14:12). Jesus NEVER abolished the moral commands of His Father the living LORD God but preached obedience to the moral commands (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-20, 21-48; Matthew 19:17-19; Luke 18:19-20; Matthew 23:1-3). The essence of the moral commands is LOVE and FAITH in the living and true LORD God – Yahweh first and foremost and love and care for your neighbors (e.g., see Genesis 15:6; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:34-40; Ephesians 2:8-10).

The Lord Jesus specifically proclaimed that these lawless and ungodly workers of Satan elevate their man-made rules, traditions, ceremonies, and rituals over the actual commandments of His Father, the living LORD God (e.g., see Matthew 23:15-22, 28; Mark 7:3, 5-10, 13; Galatians 1:14). These evil shepherds teach others to abandon and ignore the living LORD God and His moral commands (e.g., see Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Jeremiah 2:7-8; Matthew 7:23). In fact, these evildoers’ hearts are filled with sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, vulgarity, wickedness, self-indulgence, envy, slander, pride, self-importance, jealousy, violence, and foolishness (e.g., see Matthew 23:5-7, 25-27; Matthew 27:18; Mark 7:20-23; Mark 15:10; Luke 11:39; Luke 16:14; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The Lord Jesus declared that these false prophets, priests, and teachers appear righteous to people on the outside but inside their hearts they neglect the more important teachings of the Law — the love and obedience for God as well as justice, equality, mercy, truth, and faithfulness towards others (e.g., see 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalm 33:5; Jeremiah 5:1; Micah 6:6-8; Zechariah 7:9; Matthew 23:23, 28; Luke 11:42). The Lord Jesus warned these evil shepherd’s bad actions, evil deeds, and malicious behaviors reveal they are in allegiance with Satan (e.g., see Isaiah 56:11; Ezekiel 34:1-4; Matthew 7:15-16; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

The evil shepherds of Satan reject God’s eternal commands to care and love others, particularly the least of theses – the weak and sick, the refugees (aliens), the fatherless, and the widows (Zechariah 7:10; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The living LORD God’s message of mercy, fairness, goodness, truth, and forgiveness towards one another and caring for the widows, orphans, foreigners, weak, and the poor were given by Moses, the Old Testament prophets, the New Testament apostles, and most importantly by the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior (e.g., see Exodus 22:21-23; Psalm 82:3-4; Proverbs 22:22-23; Isaiah 1:11-17, 23; Isaiah 56:1-2; Jeremiah 5:27-28; Jeremiah 21:12; Hosea 6:6; Hosea 10:12; Amos 5:24; Micah 6:6-8; Zechariah 5:4; Zechariah 7:9-10; Zechariah 8:16-17, 19; Matthew 5:3-10, 16-17, 44; Matthew 22:39; Matthew 23:23; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:12-15; 1 John 3:16-18). The Holy Scriptures repeatedly highlights the importance of showing mercy and caring for others in need, mainly those who are poor, weak, elderly, sick, the refugees (aliens), the fatherless, and the widows (Zechariah 7:10; see also e.g., Leviticus 19:32-37; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; James 1:27). The Old Testament prophets, John the Baptist, and the Lord Jesus Christ encouraged the people to obey the LORD’s covenant, especially in matters of justice, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, goodness (righteousness), fairness, and truthfulness (Zechariah 8:15-17; see also Leviticus 25:17; Deuteronomy 22:1; Isaiah 56:1; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8: Zephaniah 2:3). In the past, Israel and Judah failed to obey these moral covenant instructions sent by His Spirit to the holy prophets, and the living LORD God punished and scattered His evil and rebellious people (Zechariah 1:4; Zechariah 2:6; Zechariah 7:11-14; see also Deuteronomy 28:33; Jeremiah 22:3-5, 17; Ezekiel 5:9-12).

Evil shepherds such as false prophets, priests, and teachers masquerade as servants of God, but they are in alliance with Satan, who is the father of lies, rebellion, and lawlessness (e.g., see Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:6-7; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7-9). These false prophets, priests, and teachers of Satan secretly introduce destructive sacrileges, heresies, and blasphemies, and they even deny the sovereign the Lord Jesus and His teaching (e.g., see 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:22; 1 John 4:1-3). These evil shepherds are ungodly people, who claim to know the LORD God but by their evil actions and deeds, they deny Him (e.g., see Titus 1:16). Even more, these false prophets, priests, and teachers are hateful and disobedient, and they misrepresent the grace of our God into a license for sin (e.g., see Jude 1:4).

These savage wolves oftentimes come amongst people, and they distort the living LORD God’s truths with soothe words and sounding arguments in order to draw away God’s people to follow their destructive, man-made, and immoral teaching (e.g., see Acts 20:29-31; Colossians 2:4, 8; 2 Peter 2:18-19). Inwardly, these workers of Satan are greedy, liars, adulterous, divisive, and quarrelsome, and they only serve themselves and their appetite while neglecting the flock (e.g., see Jeremiah 23:1-4; Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:19; 1 Timothy 6:5; Titus 1:11; 2 Peter 2:14-15). Furthermore, these dishonest prophets, priest, and teachers peddle and sell the word of God for money and dishonest gain (e.g., see Jeremiah 6:13; 2 Corinthians 2:17; Titus 1:11-14). In their greed, lies, and adultery, these hypocritical liars with seared consciences exploit the sheep (e.g., see 2 Peter 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:2; 2 Timothy 3:6). Sadly, many people follow these evil shepherds and their sinful conduct and false teaching (e.g., see 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:3-5; 2 Peter 2:2, 18;).

However, the Holy Scriptures declare these deceiving and lying prophets, priest, and teachers of Satan that lead people away from the living LORD God and His commands are doomed for eternal death and destruction, along with their leader, Satan (Zechariah 11:17; see also e.g., Matthew 23:33; 2 Peter 2:1, 17; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:7-10). The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel saw similar visions of the living LORD God’s wrath against the evil and wicked religious shepherds and those who rejected Him and His Son Jesus (see; Jeremiah 12:10-13; Jeremiah 25:34-38; Ezekiel 34:1-10). The Jewish leaders experienced God’s wrath for their sins by the Assyrian army in 722 BC, the Babylonian army in 586 BC, and then by the Roman army in AD 70 (e.g., see 2 King 17:7-23; 2 Kings 25:1-21; Jeremiah 50:27; Jeremiah 51:40; Jeremiah 52:4-27; Lamentations 2:2, 17, 21). In AD 70, the Roman armies came and destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and scattered the Jews to the nations of the world. With the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70, daily sacrifices and Judaism ceased to exist politically, and the Jewish people were scattered throughout the known world.

When the Lord Jesus walked the earth, He predicted the future destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jewish people (e.g., see Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36). Moreover, the Lord Jesus warned His disciples not to be deceived by false and wicked religious leaders but to stand firm in faith and allegiance to Him and His Father, the living LORD God (e.g., see Mark 13:5-13, 21-22). EVERYONE who stays faithful and obedient to the LORD God and His Son Jesus will be saved and find favor (e.g., see Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:19; Revelation 2:10). Rejecting the living LORD God and His Son Jesus will lead to destruction!

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

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[1] Some biblical translations say “thirty shekels” which is equivalent to thirty pieces of silver or twelve ounces of silver.

[2] The Book of the Covenant begins at Exodus 20:22 and continues through Exodus 23:19 and ratified by Moses and the ancient Israelites at Exodus 24:7. Essentially, the Book of the Covenant applies the Ten Commandments to details of everyday life.

[3] The living LORD God’s coming through His beloved Son Jesus is called the “Incarnation” – God coming in human flesh (e.g., see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:1, 16-17, 21-23; John 1:1-5, 14; Philippians 2:6-7).