Book of Zechariah - Chapter 13 - Verse 7

This verse from the book of Zechariah prophesies the betrayal and scattering of the disciples following the crucifixion of Jesus. The shepherd mentioned in the verse represents Jesus, and the sword symbolizes the divine judgment that will come upon Him. Despite being innocent, Jesus will face suffering and death, as ordained by God. The scattering of the sheep refers to the disciples abandoning Jesus in His time of need, fulfilling the prophecy that they would be scattered. The verse also promises that God will turn His hand upon the little ones, indicating His protection and guidance over those who remain faithful to Him, even in the midst of hardship and tribulation. Ultimately, this verse foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus for the salvation of mankind and serves as a reminder of the divine plan that unfolded through His death and resurrection.

One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Zechariah reveals a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Shepherd who would be struck down for the sins of his people. The language used here is symbolic, with the sword representing God's judgment and the shepherd representing Jesus. The phrase "the man that is my fellow" can be understood as a reference to the divine nature of Jesus, who is one with God. The scattering of the sheep mirrors the scattering of the disciples after Jesus' arrest, emphasizing the abandonment and betrayal that Jesus would face. Ultimately, this verse points to the sacrificial death of Jesus as the means by which God's hand would be turned toward his people, offering salvation and redemption to all who believe. Through a word study, we can see that the use of "fellow" emphasizes the close relationship between God and Jesus, highlighting Jesus' unique position as both fully God and fully man.