Zechariah 11:9

Then said I, I will not feede you: that that dieth, let it die: and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off, and let the rest eate, euery one the flesh of another. Zechariah 11:9 (KJV)

Zechariah 11:9 belongs to a prophetic section of the book of Zechariah, written during the period when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian exile. The book presents a series of visions and messages that emphasize three major themes: the restoration of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah, and the righteous judgment of God.

In chapter 11 the prophet employs the familiar image of a flock of sheep to represent Israel and its leaders. Zechariah assumes the role of a shepherd, symbolizing God’s tender care for His people. Yet the sheep—Israel—have turned away, rejecting divine guidance and becoming wayward.

The verse itself marks a stark turning point in God’s relationship with the nation. The speaker declares, “I will not feed you,” indicating that divine provision and protection are withdrawn. The phrases “that that dieth, let it die” and “that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off” convey that those destined for destruction will experience the full consequences of their rebellion. The final clause, “let the rest eat every one the flesh of another,” paints a vivid picture of chaos, where, in the absence of God’s shepherding, the people turn on one another.

This imagery serves as a sobering warning of the disastrous outcomes that follow the rejection of God’s care. It underscores the certainty of divine judgment and the inevitable fallout of disobedience. The passage calls the audience to recognize the seriousness of turning away from God’s guidance and to return to faithful obedience.

It is essential to interpret this verse within the broader context of Zechariah and the whole of Scripture. While the Bible affirms God’s love and compassion, it also affirms His justice and the accountability He requires of His people. Through passages such as Zechariah 11:9, believers are urged to repent, to trust in God’s guidance, and to remain steadfast in obedience, thereby avoiding the dire consequences of rebellion.