Book of Zechariah - Chapter 11 - Verse 16

The verse "For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces." can be interpreted as a warning to the people of Israel about the impending judgement that will come upon them. The shepherd mentioned in the verse represents a leader who will not care for or protect the weak and vulnerable members of society, but instead, will only serve his own interests. This leader will take advantage of those who are wealthy and powerful, exploiting them for his own gain. The actions described in the verse symbolize a lack of compassion and justice, leading to destruction and chaos. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of allowing selfish and corrupt leaders to rule over a society, emphasizing the importance of choosing leaders who prioritize the well-being of all people.

This verse from the book of Zechariah describes a shepherd who will not fulfill his duties to care for the flock. Instead of visiting those who are cut off, seeking the young ones, healing the broken, and feeding those who are still, this shepherd will only focus on his own selfish desires. The word "shepherd" in this verse can be understood metaphorically as someone in a position of leadership or authority who is meant to guide and care for others. The theological interpretation of this verse could suggest a warning about leaders who neglect their responsibilities and prioritize their own interests over the well-being of those they are meant to serve. The imagery of eating the flesh of the fat and tearing their claws in pieces conveys a sense of violence and exploitation, further emphasizing the negative characteristics of this selfish shepherd. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to prioritize compassion, service, and integrity in leadership.