Zechariah 11:17 (KJV) The Idol Shepherd

Zechariah 11:17 (KJV)
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.

It would be easy to misread this text if it were read in haste. This is not a judgment of laziness and lack of busyness. The word is idol, not idle.

This shepherd may be one who leads people into idolatry. Who would have ever thought there would come a day when well-known pastors would yoke up with Islam? Who would have ever envisioned a time when a preacher would say he could not have been a Christian if he had not also been a Buddhist? The pastor who will point his flock anywhere so long as he increases the size of his crowd is undoubtedly an idol shepherd. 

Another interpretation, and a valid one in the context would be the shepherd who is an idol to his flock. In our day of celebrity worship, it is natural that some people would worship the preacher rather than the Lord. Characters in the Bible, Paul and Barnabas, and the angel of Revelation rebuked people for worshipping them. Too many preachers today accept that praise and worship. Some encourage it because it aides in their influence over their constituents. 

These idol shepherds are smitten. They have no power from God and no understanding of the Word of God. They are blind and only lead their followers into the ditch.

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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Zechariah 11:17 (KJV) The Idol Shepherd

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