Zechariah 11:5
Whose possessours slay them, and hold themselues not guiltie: and they that sell thē say, Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich: and their owne shepheards pitie them not. Zechariah 11:5 (KJV)
Context: Zechariah was a prophet who ministered to the Israelites during their return from exile in Babylon. The book of Zechariah contains a series of prophetic visions and messages. In this particular chapter, Zechariah uses symbolic language to convey God’s judgment on the leaders and people of Israel.
Symbolism: The verse employs symbolism to describe the plight of the people. The “possessors” refer to the rulers or leaders of Israel who were responsible for the welfare and protection of the people. However, instead of caring for them, these rulers mistreated and oppressed them. The phrase “they that sell them” may represent those who took advantage of the weak and vulnerable, exploiting them for personal gain.
Lack of accountability: The verse highlights the lack of accountability among those in power. The possessors or rulers slay the people, metaphorically indicating their oppression and disregard for their well‑being. Yet, they hold themselves not guilty, implying that they refuse to acknowledge their wrongdoing or take responsibility for their actions. This reflects a corrupt leadership that does not value the lives and welfare of the people they are meant to serve.
False piety: The verse also reveals the hypocrisy of those who sell the people. They say, “Blessed be the Lord; for I am rich.” This suggests that these individuals use religious language and give thanks to God while pursuing their selfish interests. They wrongly associate their wealth and material prosperity with God’s favour, despite their exploitative behaviour. This highlights the disconnect between their religious claims and their actions.
Lack of compassion: Lastly, the shepherds or leaders of the people, who should have shown compassion and care, instead “pity them not.” This implies that the leaders neglect their responsibilities and fail to provide guidance, protection, and support to the people under their care.
