- Why would the prophet (in Zechariah 11:1-3) so scathingly address Lebanon? Is this a reference to an earlier relationship between the land north of Israel and Israel and/or a prediction for the future?
- In Zechariah 11:4 (and subsequently) are the sheep mentioned to be taken literally or, rather, are they people who are being led by shepherds?
- Indeed, would Zechariah 11:6 seem to make it abundantly clear that this is the reference in the preceding verses?
- But, who are these sheep — and who are the shepherds? Is this a reference to Israel? To some other country or countries?
- In Zechariah 11:6, reference is made to not pitying the inhabitants of the land — which land?
- In Zechariah 11:7, who is speaking — the prophet?
- In Zechariah 11:7 and subsequently, is the reference to sheep and staff literal, since this is to serve as an example of what will happen to the people?
- Is the declaration in Zechariah 11:9, that there would be no further concern for “the sheep,” a reference to no further concern for the people — and is this the people Israel?
- In these passages (Zechariah 11:7-10) what do the two shepherd’s staffs (unity and favor) possibly represent — and who, then, would be the shepherd?
- Would the reference in Zechariah 11:14 make it absolutely certain that the “sheep” are the people of Judah and Israel?
- In Zechariah 11:15-17 who is the “shepherd,” who will actually be the destroyer of the flocks and who, then, is the “worthless shepherd who abandons the flock”?
- Would it be an exaggeration to say that the prophet is not entirely clear as to the message although, perhaps, in his own day those who heard it (or read it) understood precisely that to which he was referring?
