"Ai do pastor de vento, que abandona o rabaño! Unha espada está contra o seu brazo e contra o seu ollo dereito. O seu brazo estase secando, o seu ollo dereito estase apagando. Espada, esperta contra o meu pastor, contra o home do meu acompañamento". 13,7 —É o Señor dos Exércitos quen fala—. "Fire ó pastor e que se esparexan as ovellas! Si, eu revolverei a miña man contra as súas crías. 13,8 Sucederá en todo o país —é o Señor quen fala— que de tres partes del, dúas desaparecerán e a terceira quedará. 13,9 Eu farei pasar polo lume esta terceira parte, purificareinos tal como se refina a prata, limpareinos tal como se purifica o ouro. El invocará o meu Nome e eu escoitareino. Direi: "El é o meu pobo". E el dirá: "O Señor é o meu Deus".
What Does This Mean?
This verse is a warning from God to selfish leaders who abandon their people. It says these leaders will face punishment, symbolized by being struck in the arm and eye, leaving them weak and blind.
Explained for Children
Imagine a shepherd who doesn't take care of his sheep and runs away when danger comes. This verse is like saying, 'Bad shepherd! You'll get hurt for not taking care of your animals!'
Historical Background
Zechariah wrote this prophecy around 520-518 BCE to the returning exiles from Babylon. The audience was a community rebuilding after exile, with concerns about leadership and divine judgment.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, think of a boss who leaves their team during tough times. This verse suggests that such leaders will suffer consequences for their abandonment and lack of responsibility.
The speaker here is God, through the prophet Zechariah, warning about the consequences that will come to leaders who abandon their people.
Why are the arm and eye specifically mentioned for punishment?
The arm represents strength and action, while the eye represents vision or insight. The imagery suggests a leader losing both their ability to act and their foresight or judgment.
What does it mean to be an 'idol shepherd'?
An 'idol shepherd' refers to someone who leads others not for God’s sake but for personal gain, like a false idol that only serves itself rather than serving its people or God.
Can you give an example of this verse in action today?
A CEO who neglects their company's well-being during economic downturns and prioritizes short-term profits over long-term stability could face severe repercussions, similar to the message conveyed by Zechariah.