The motif of the good shepherd in chapter 11

Today’s passage is a poem summarizing the relationship between the Messiah and Israel. It is a restatement of the “good shepherd” motif written about in 11:4-14. “‘Awake, sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man, My Associate,’ Declares the Lord of armies. ‘Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn My hand against the little ones’” (v 7). (1) “Awake, sword, against My Shepherd.” “Sword” is a personification of the instrument of violent death. The fact that the Messiah dies shows that He possesses humanity. (2) “Against the man, My Associate.” “My Associate” means “My companion” or “the One who is equal with Me.” In other words, it means that the Father and the Messiah are equal in status. This expression reveals the deity of the Messiah. The Messiah is One who possesses both deity and humanity. (3) “Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn My hand against the little ones.” The death of the Shepherd (the Messiah) took place in 30 AD. The scattering of the sheep took place in 70 AD. Jerusalem was destroyed, and the people of Israel became a people scattered throughout the world. This tragedy also came upon innocent people (the little ones).

The salvation of the people of Israel

“‘And it will come about in all the land,’” Declares the Lord, ‘That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it’” (v 8). This verse prophesies the Great Tribulation. In that day, two-thirds of the Jewish people will be killed. The remaining one-third will be those who receive salvation (ref. Matt. 24:15-18; Rev. 12:6-17). “‘And I will bring the third part through the fire, refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them; I will say, “They are My people,” and they will say, “The Lord is my God.”’” (v 9). (1) During the Great Tribulation, Israel will (a) be brought through the fire, (b) be refined as silver is refined, and (c) be tested as gold is tested. (2) As a result, they will come to confess faith in the Messiah. (a) They will call on the name of the Messiah, (b)  the Messiah will say, “They are My people,” and (c) the people will say, “The Lord is my God.” God’s plan is perfect, and His promises will surely be fulfilled. Let us go out into this world today, placing our trust in the God who rules over history.