Bible Strands
Zechariah 10:3
“My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts attends to His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His royal steed in battle.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD addresses the house of Judah immediately after describing their wandering caused by false idols and diviners. He declares His response to their corrupt leadership and promises to restore them as a cohesive, battle-ready community.
The words — חָרָה (cha.Rah) literally means "it has burned," describing the intensity of divine anger. אֶפְק֑וֹד ('ef.Kod) translates to "I will visit," indicating a judicial reckoning against the leaders.
The thread — This judgment motif echoes Jeremiah 23:1, which pronounces woe on shepherds who scatter the flock. It also aligns with Ezekiel 34:2 and Ezekiel 34:7, where God condemns Israel's leaders for failing to care for the people.
Why it lands — The text demands acknowledgment that God holds leaders accountable for the spiritual condition of the people. It requires readers to trust His commitment to restore and empower His community rather than rely on deceptive guidance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the Lord of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 34:7 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
- Ezekiel 34:2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?
- Jeremiah 23:1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD.
- Jeremiah 25:34 Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For the days of your slaughter have come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery.
- Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
- Ezekiel 34:20 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: ‘Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
- Zechariah 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!”
- Zephaniah 2:7 The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives.
- Proverbs 21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.
- 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.