Book of Zechariah - Chapter 11 - Verse 17

The verse "Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened." from the book of Zechariah in the Bible is a prophetic warning against negligent and corrupt leadership. In this passage, the "idol shepherd" symbolizes leaders who abandon their responsibilities to their people, like a shepherd who deserts his flock. The mention of the sword represents divine judgment that will come upon these leaders for their failures. The drying up of the arm and darkening of the eye symbolize the loss of strength and vision, indicating the consequences of their sinful actions. This verse serves as a reminder that leaders have a duty to care for and protect those under their charge, and the consequences of neglecting this duty are severe.

One possible theological interpretation of the verse from the book of Zechariah is that it serves as a warning against false shepherds or leaders who neglect their responsibility to care for and protect their followers. In this context, the "idol shepherd" could refer to a leader who prioritizes their own interests or agendas above those of the people they are meant to guide. The imagery of the sword upon the arm and right eye symbolizes the consequences of their neglect and failure to lead effectively - their strength and vision will be taken away from them. This can serve as a cautionary tale for individuals in positions of authority to always act in the best interests of those they are responsible for. In a broader sense, the verse can also be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of true leadership and the detrimental effects of selfish or irresponsible behavior in leadership roles.