Zechariah 9-11

Zechariah 9-11 Notes

9:1

An “oracle” is literally a burden, like being the messenger of bad news.

“...for the eyes of all people and all the tribes of Israel are on the LORD-....” is better said that the eyes of the LORD is on all people and on the tribes of Israel. This connects far better to v. 8 and that the LORD is the one who keeps watch.

No one, no kingdom, no king, no ruler, no saint is outside of His watchful eye. For His people, that “eye” is moving all things for their good. It may well be that they endure chastisement, but that’s only so that they will fully receive His blessing!

vv. 2-5

Tyre and Sidon are familiar to us by way of the NT and Jesus in MT 11:21-22 saying that it would be more tolerable for them in the day of judgment than for those cities in Jesus’ day that witnessed the miracles and still didn’t repent.

This wasn’t a euphemism - it was meant to condemn the hardness of the people. Tyre and Sidon were constructed to be impregnable and opulent. Tyre was a self-absorbed and self-exalting nation, priding themselves on their own wisdom in fortifying their position. They epitomized Proverbs 18:11 that says, “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.” This is nothing but the foolishness of misplaced and temporal security. True security actually lies in what v. 10 states, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are secure.” Tyre was about half a mile off the coast and they believed themselves to be in an invincible force-field of sorts. They couldn’t and wouldn’t be touched - it just wouldn’t make sense for anyone to expend the effort…like Switzerland. And then they were God-smashed (Zec 9:4)! Alexander the Great dumped debris in the water from the mainland to the island, then marched across and completely destroyed it. To the extent that other witnessing nations buckled at the knees in fear (v. 5).

If you remember, AG was referenced back in Daniel 8:5-7 as “the goat that speeds across the earth” with a speed described as “not touching the earth.”

Coming out of the exile of Babylon, they had every reason to believe that they were heading right back into it with AG on his conquering course. The Greek Empire was one of Daniel’s “beastly visions of worldly oppression.”

He conquered and crushed everything surrounding Jerusalem, but that is where God seemingly ordained that that far he would go and no farther, b/c Jerusalem was completely and uniquely spared. Again, the reason for this wasn’t the kind mercy of AG, but the kind mercy of God. 9:8, “But I will encamp at My temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun My people, for now I am keeping watch.”

And this was not just for those in Zechariah’s day b/c a Day was coming through the arrival of the Messiah that would secure the promise of 9:8 for ALL of His people.

v. 9

When justice, deliverance, or restoration occurs for you, are you happy? Of course you are! And deliverance is announced in the coming of a King, the Messiah.

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  (Zechariah 9:9)

If only we had some kind of sign....

Of course, this is identifying the Person of Jesus Christ. Listen to Matthew 21:1-11. Do you see the connection?? I know it’s subtle and you really have to strain to see it….No, you really don’t! We’ll see it more in chapter 11, but you really have to wonder about the ones who refused to see this connection. But, it was also described of them that they wouldn’t believe even if they saw someone rise from the dead, which also proved to be true.

More on this later.....

The NIV doesn’t translate v. 9 very well. It reads, “...your King comes to you, righteous and victorious....” We often equate victory with something that occurs after a battle. That’s not this. The King was never NOT victorious. The ESV and NKJV read, “Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation,....”

v. 10

It’s often said that peace comes through might. The peace that the coming King brings comes from a different kind of strength. It’s not in chariots, horses, or armies--all of those will neither be needed nor present a challenge. It will be peace attained without much of a fight at all. It will be a peace that covers the earth.

In Luke’s gospel, angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus Christ like this: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

John the Baptist proclaimed about Jesus: “Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight. every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth.”

In the temple, Jesus read the scroll from Isaiah 49 and 61 that reads, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD (IOW, the anticipated coming and arrival of the Messiah).” Jesus closed the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. All eyes were fixed on Him. There was nothing but hushed silence and whispers in the room, likely asking, “What do you think’s coming next??” And then Jesus says, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” IOW, the coming King that Zechariah prophesied about, that Isaiah pointed to, that all the prophets have declared for God’s people to put their hope in, He is here and I am Him. goosebumps!!

vv. 11-13

In these three verses, The LORD Almighty says 4x, “I will...” and when He does there is nothing that can change it or stop it in any measure. He says, “I will...free...restore twice as much...bend Judah as a bow...and rouse.”

As one pastor writes about when God says that He will do something, it removes all fear or doubt that it will be accomplished.

“God has bound Himself to His people with a covenant.” It’s in Jesus that God’s covenant with His people is guaranteed, confirmed, and fulfilled. It’s because of Jesus that the repeated failure, disobedience, and rejection of His people doesn’t annul the promise of our salvation. When it says, “...because of the blood of My covenant with you...” the blood is the blood of Jesus. And that makes all the difference in eternity! It’s ONLY on the basis of THIS blood that we have any standing before God, that we have any relationship with Him whatsoever.

It’s b/c of this blood that the prisoners are set free from the waterless pit, that prisoners become prisoners of hope who are returned to a truly and eternally impregnable fortress of safety and a standing that blesses and restores twice as much as was ever lost, which symbolizes what Paul described as an amount that cannot be compared with.

God tells them, “Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” This was not rooted in their current circumstances or surroundings. As KAB pointed out to us last week, it wasn’t (and isn’t) in the practice of empty, heartless, and lifeless religious ritual that doesn’t point to anything. It is in the hope of the Messiah. It’s the same for us. As our eyes, and our hearts, stray away from the Author and Finisher (perfector) of our hope, we lose the security and peace and safety of our anchor and string fortress.

For those in Z’s day the message was, Keep your eyes on the Messiah to come. For us, today, the message is, Keep your eyes on Jesus who came and will be coming again.

Part of the people’s mindset had been that they had lost so much. The temple and city was in ruins--but also in their minds and hearts, it could never reach the glory that it had. But what God is revealing to Z is that God NEVER disciplines so that His people receive less than what He purposes to give them--it’s to bring them INTO blessings that measure far greater than they ever enjoyed before.

They may say, “We have lost so much!” But what God is telling them is, “You have gained so much!”

We should never, ever, despise the LORD’s discipline; it is working for us to bring about greater blessing. If we would have our own way, we would forfeit everything! But God, in His mercy ensures that when we run off track, we are brought back.

Listen to Hebrews 12:10-11, “...but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

This is unbelievable because it’s in His holiness that we inherit every spiritual, physical, and eternal blessings through Christ. Long after these earthly blessings and comforts have dissolved and are no more, our eternal peace, comfort, and blessing will have comparatively just begun, for eternity.

Listen to this quote by a pastor (who used to lead a church not more than a couple of hours from here in Illinois): “God does chastise His people, but it is never with evil intent; it is rather to open the door to greater blessings. Sin is a thief. It robs us of the blessings of God. Chastisement is God’s way of driving the thief out the back door so His blessings can pour in the front door.” Isn’t that a great picture of understanding God’s discipline? Some of you are probably saying to yourself, “Man, there’s about to be a tsunami of blessing coming my way.” Indeed there is. You can bank on it because God has promised it.

vv. 13 - 17

Remember us learning about Antiochus Epiphanes back in Daniel? Well, he enters here again.

[Here’s a concise, 2–3 paragraph overview of Zechariah 9:13–17 in the flow of the chapter and the book as a whole:

Zechariah 9:13–17 forms the climactic conclusion to a chapter that announces God’s coming judgment on Israel’s enemies (9:1–8) and the arrival of the humble, victorious King who brings salvation and peace (9:9–10). After declaring that God will rescue and restore His covenant people (9:11–12), these verses describe how the Lord Himself will empower His people for victory. The imagery of Judah and Ephraim as God’s “bow” and “arrow” (9:13) depicts a reunified and restored Israel acting as the Lord’s instrument as He confronts hostile nations. This is not a picture of human triumph but of divine intervention—God appears like a warrior who marches before them, shields them, and gives them overwhelming victory.

The language then shifts into rich, pastoral imagery that matches the broader themes of Zechariah: the Lord as protector, provider, and shepherd of His flock. In verses 16–17, the restored people of God shine like jewels in a crown—an echo of Zechariah’s larger message that God will refine, beautify, and exalt His people after exile. Throughout the book, the movement is from ruin to renewal, impurity to cleansing, judgment to salvation, and scattered flock to restored kingdom. This final paragraph of chapter 9 encapsulates that pattern: the Shepherd-King who enters Jerusalem in humility (9:9) is the same Lord who conquers, saves, gathers, and adorns His people.

In the context of the whole book, Zechariah 9:13–17 previews the dual themes that dominate the remaining chapters: God’s decisive judgment on the nations and His tender restoration of His people under the coming Messianic Shepherd. The salvation described here is both present and future—rooted in God’s historical deliverance of His people, fulfilled ultimately in the Messiah’s first coming, and pointing ahead to His final victory and kingdom.]

[In Zechariah 9:13, “Ephraim” carries deep covenant and prophetic significance that strengthens the meaning of the whole passage.

1. Ephraim represents the northern kingdom—the scattered, exiled tribes.

By Zechariah’s day, Ephraim (the dominant northern tribe) had been conquered and dispersed for centuries, long before Judah’s Babylonian exile. Mentioning Ephraim alongside Judah is a deliberate prophetic signal: God intends to restore all His people, not just the southern remnant who returned under Zerubbabel. Zechariah is envisioning a reunified Israel—northern and southern kingdoms brought together under God’s saving rule. This links directly to other restoration promises (e.g., Ezek. 37:15–28; Hos. 1–2) where God heals the division between Ephraim and Judah.

2. Ephraim symbolizes full covenant restoration under the coming King.

In Zechariah 9, the Messiah’s arrival (9:9–10) and God’s covenant faithfulness (9:11–12) form the backdrop. Bringing Judah and Ephraim together as God’s “bow” and “arrow” (9:13) shows that the salvation of the humble King isn’t partial—it’s comprehensive. The Lord is not just rescuing a small remnant; He is restoring the whole covenant family, reversing centuries of division, exile, and judgment.

3. In the context of the whole book, Ephraim anticipates the Shepherd-King uniting His flock.

Zechariah repeatedly emphasizes God gathering, cleansing, and beautifying His people (chs. 2–4; 8; 10). Naming Ephraim here foreshadows chapters 10–11, where God promises to regather and shepherd His scattered flock and condemns the false shepherds who divided them. In short, Ephraim points to a future where God’s people are reunited under one Shepherd—fulfilled ultimately in Christ’s saving work (John 10:16).

Bottom line:

Ephraim in Zechariah 9:13 is a symbol of the full, unified, restored people of God—a picture of God undoing Israel’s deepest wounds and divisions through the coming Messianic King.]

[Antiochus Epiphanes is not mentioned explicitly in Zechariah 9, but he fits into the historical-prophetic background in a way that helps explain why the imagery of Judah and Ephraim battling Greece appears in 9:13. Here’s the significance:

1. “I will stir up your sons, O Zion… against your sons, O Greece” (9:13) looks ahead to the Greek oppression that climaxed under Antiochus.

Zechariah was written in the Persian period (late 6th century BC), long before Greece dominated the region. So when Zechariah prophesies a future conflict between Israel and “Greece” (Yavan), he is predicting a major geopolitical shift. That shift came in the 4th–2nd centuries BC as Alexander the Great’s empire spread and eventually gave rise to the Seleucid rulers—including Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose brutal persecution of the Jews triggered the Maccabean revolt (167–164 BC).

In that sense, Antiochus is one of the clearest historical fulfillments of the “Greece” hostility Zechariah foresees.

2. The Maccabean deliverance mirrors the victory imagery of Zechariah 9:13–15.

When the Maccabees rose up against Antiochus, they did so with astonishing, divinely enabled success—much like the prophetic imagery Zechariah uses:

God bends Judah like a bow (9:13)

Ephraim is the arrow

The Lord appears over His people (9:14)

He defends them (9:15)

They triumph despite overwhelming odds

Many Jewish interpreters (ancient and modern) see the Maccabean victories as a historical anticipation—even a partial fulfillment—of these verses. The language is deliberately martial, covenantal, and God-centered, matching the tone of the Maccabean era.

3. But Antiochus is NOT the ultimate or exclusive fulfillment.

Zechariah 9 flows directly into 9:9–10—the coming of the humble King (fulfilled in Christ). The chapter moves from:

God defeating His people’s enemies (9:1–8)

The Messianic King entering Jerusalem (9:9–10)

God restoring and defending His people (9:11–17)

This layered pattern—near, ongoing, and ultimate fulfillment—means:

Antiochus reflects a near-term, historical expression of the Greek hostility Zechariah describes.

The Messiah’s arrival reflects the ultimate fulfillment, where the true Warrior-Shepherd-King delivers His people spiritually and eschatologically.

So Antiochus fits as a historical preview, not the end of the story.

Bottom line:

Antiochus Epiphanes functions as a major historical fulfillment of the “Greece” imagery in Zechariah 9:13, particularly in the Maccabean deliverance, but the prophecy ultimately points beyond him to the Messiah’s final and greater salvation.]

CHAPTER 10

vv.1-2

The abundance, provision, and care of the LORD is positioned against the deceit, lies, and emptiness of idols and of those who don’t direct people to Him. He is the One who gives rain that brings flowers and crops.

False teachers and shepherds are described in the NT book of Jude as “...shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted;...” Peter describes them as waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. IOW, worthless and empty of promise--empty of everything. Jesus would describe them as white-washed tombs.

But these are who we so often follow. God’s people continually fell into this cycle of following after lifeless shepherds, just as easily as they fell into lifeless religion.

When this happens, where there is no true and godly shepherd, God’s people wander, oppressed. But that’s the BIG problem--they had shepherds. They were just continually bad ones. And this wouldn’t end for them. As this looks back to how they stubbornly rejected the shepherds and prophets that were sent to them, it looks presently in their midst at how it was STILL happening (even though fresh out of exile!!), and it also looks forward to how this would continue to be the case as the Messiah arrives.

And, remember, the LORD is jealous for His people, with a perfect jealousy that is committed to their good.

vv. 3-4

“My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders;...”

Remember, what He says He will do, He will do.

And this isn’t solely because they’ve done wrong, or they’ve been negligent, or have misled His people--

it’s because He cares for His flock and He cares for their name.

And so, He will provide for them a Shepherd who will show His care, and will give them the pride and boast of His own glory, but also the foundation, stability, and power that will accomplish this forevermore.

vv. 4-6

“From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler.”

Cornerstone ---> the foundation upon which a bldg is constructed. The anchor and support of the whole structure.

Tent Peg ---> solid stability

Battle bow ---> military power

Historically, Israel has had surprising military might and protection, but it has always come from God’s hand and not theirs. They have been devastated when they have rejected their God but have been protected and delivered either or both when they have depended on Him and when God’s plans have ordained it to be so. These verses point to a time when this would be the case - probably in the near sense of their victory over Antiochus.

But more so, it points to a further and greater victory through the King Messiah Jesus Christ. “The special blessing of Judah was to be found in the One who would come from Judah. He would be the true cornerstone, tent peg, and battle bow. Coming from the tribe of Judah, He would prove to be the sure foundation on which the salvation of His people would be built, the sturdy peg on which their salvation would hang, and the war instrument that would defeat every foe of their salvation.”

There’s a lot going on in this chapter. But I want to sharpen our focus on what God promises to do for His people through Jesus the Messiah, the good Shepherd, that was not being done through the false shepherds of Israel.

Jesus would address this in His ministry (John 10:1-18) and it’s very important that we understand it from how He addresses it. I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago, where Zechariah is just given an outline, the NT gives us the full manuscript.

The Good Shepherd loses none of His sheep. Those that stray and get lost, He calls them and restores them to His fold. This is what we see starting in v. 6 and through the end of the chapter. Israel had split into two kingdoms. The Northern Kingdom (Ephraim), or as some of your versions will read, the tribes of Joseph, was made completely desolate. Or so it would seem. But God does not abandon His people. His discipline/anger is but for a moment for purposes to establish eternal blessing. And this He does for them.

“They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.”

There’s tremendous hope in this verse. They had not been cut off. They would be heard, but more than that, they would gathered back as if they had never been rejected. Their God has remained their God. It’s a prodigal son moment.

The enemies of God’s people would be as nothing against them and (v. 12) “...they would be strengthened in the LORD and in His name they will live securely.”

The ultimate fulfillment of these promises are found in Jesus, the Coming King. It’s a picture of a complete salvation through a restoration into His eternal kingdom.

EXPAND ON THIS

God was showing Zechariah the glory of the Coming King for at least a couple of reasons - to give the people hope, but also so that when He comes He wouldn’t be missed, He wouldn’t be rejected. But sadly, that wouldn’t be the case. He would be missed and rejected, despite proof beyond proof.

But that’s us - we are confronted with the truth of who He is over and over and over, through every form of media there is, and yet, He is still missed, denied, and rejected.

So, we can be thankful that the salvation of those who are His, the call of the Good Shepherd to His sheep, can never be missed, He will not be rejected, and our restoration will never be lost. This is what He will accomplish for His people.

EPSC:

We too have a great need of godly leaders in the church. Sometimes we take that godly leadership for granted; at others, we seek people who will manage the church as if it were a corporation instead of a flock. What we need, however, is godly men who will fight for the flock under their care, not with sword and bow, but with the spiritual weapons described in Ephesians 6, especially prayer. The promised restoration is not restricted to the remnant from Judah, but extends more broadly to include the remnant of the northern kingdom, who will be reunited with what is left of the house of Judah. Such a restoration was beyond the realms of what most Jews of Zechariah’s day expected, but not beyond the power of God. His new people, the church, includes not only Jews but Samaritans from the former territory of the northern kingdom, as well as Gentiles and Jews from all over the Diaspora. God’s vision for the kingdom and his power to accomplish his goals are always far beyond everything we can ask or imagine. This glorious act of salvation is a new exodus in which the Lord himself passes through the troubled waters in order to bring back the scattered remnant and restore them to their true glory. The borders of the land will have to be expanded to make room for their vast numbers and to hold the full scope of their blessing. This is not a grudging master allowing his wayward servant to return to a menial position, but a compassionate father clothing the prodigal son in the best robe and feeding him with the fattened calf. Our true shepherd is Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd appointed by the Father to take care of his flock (John 10). He is the true cornerstone upon which his church is built (Acts 4:11; Eph. 2:20). He is the tent peg upon which our whole salvation rests. In him, God himself passed through the waters of distress, stilling the storm for his disciples (Mark 4:35–41), but undergoing the full assaults of the forces of chaos on the cross. It is because the Father had no compassion on his Son on that day that he can now have compassion on us, who were by nature rebels and sinners against him. In Christ, he unites together Jew and Gentile into one new temple, a place of strength and joy (Eph. 2:11–22). This is truly the new exodus that God has accomplished for his people (Luke 9:31), beginning with the cross and ending with our full and final salvation in the new Jerusalem, our heavenly Mount Zion (Heb. 12:22–24). In him, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3). Why should we feel the need to seek any good thing from any other source?

Iain M. Duguid, A Study Commentary on Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, EP Study Commentary (Darlington, England; Carlisle, PA: Evangelical Press, 2010), 159–160.

CHAPTER 11

Where the Good Shepherd comes to the rescue and restoration of His sheep, the false shepherds will not escape the wrath and anger of a God who loves and protects His people.

Here is an 8‑minute teaching version of your Zechariah 11 outline—tight, clear, Christ‑centered, and paced for delivery. This keeps the structure, but trims explanation so you can teach it smoothly in ~8 minutes.

Zechariah 11 – The Rejected Shepherd

Main Idea (8–12 words):

The Good Shepherd is rejected, sold, and replaced by false shepherds.

Teaching Script (Approx. 8 Minutes)

1) The Good Shepherd Comes—But Israel’s Leaders Reject Him (11:1–6)

Key Text: Zechariah 11:1–6

Zechariah opens with a picture of collapsing forests—Lebanon, Bashan, the Jordan (vv.1–3). These symbolize Israel’s proud leaders being judged. God commands Zechariah to shepherd a “flock doomed to slaughter” (v.4). Their own shepherds—spiritual leaders—are devouring the sheep instead of caring for them (v.5).

Christ Connection:

When Jesus arrives, He finds this exact situation: corrupt shepherds and a helpless flock (Matthew 23; John 10). God the Son steps into a nation spiritually starving under false leadership.

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 2:12–17; Matthew 23:13–36; Luke 19:41–44

Teaching Transition:

The Good Shepherd comes… but He isn’t welcomed. He’s rejected.

2) The Good Shepherd Is Rejected and Valued at Thirty Pieces of Silver (11:7–13)

Key Text: Zechariah 11:7–13

Zechariah uses two staffs as symbols:

Favor (Grace) — God’s covenant protection

Union — unity among God’s people

Both are broken (vv.10, 14)—a sign that rejecting God’s Shepherd brings covenant withdrawal and national fracture.

Then comes the stunning prophecy:

Zechariah asks the flock for his wages, and they pay him thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave (v.12; cf. Ex 21:32). God tells him to throw it into the house of the LORD to the potter (v.13).

Christ Connection:

This is fulfilled exactly in Jesus. Judas sells Him for thirty pieces of silver (Matt 26:14–16) and the money ends up in the temple and then with the potter (Matt 27:3–10). God the Son—the infinite King—is valued at a slave’s price.

Supporting Texts: Hosea 1:6,9; Matthew 26:14–16; 27:3–10; Isaiah 53:3

Teaching Transition:

Rejecting the Good Shepherd always leads somewhere—into the hands of a false shepherd.

3) A Worthless Shepherd Rises in His Place (11:15–17)

Key Text: Zechariah 11:15–17

God tells Zechariah to act out another role—this time a worthless shepherd who neglects the weak, devours the strong, and destroys the flock (v.16).

This shepherd represents the leaders Israel will get after rejecting God’s Shepherd—ultimately pointing toward antichrist-like leadership that harms rather than heals.

But God pronounces judgment:

“Woe to the worthless shepherd…” (v.17)

Christ Connection:

Jesus is the anti-contrast of this shepherd—He lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11–13). Every false shepherd will be judged by the appearing of the True Shepherd (2 Thess 2:8; Rev 19:19–21).

Life Application Questions (Heart-Challenging)

Where am I placing “thirty‑piece value” on Jesus in my life?What area shows I treat Christ as optional or expendable?

Whose voice am I actually following—Christ’s or a hired hand’s?What influence is shaping my decisions more than Jesus right now?

Am I contributing to unity or division among God’s people?What step of repentance, reconciliation, or obedience do I need to make this week?