[[Zech-11]] Prev: [[Prophecies in Zech-10]] | Next: [[Prophecies in Zech-12]] --- ### Open your doors, Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars. Wail, cypress tree, for the cedar has fallen... Wail, you oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest has come down. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: A prediction of a devastating invasion and fire sweeping from Lebanon and Bashan southward into the land. *Historical context*: Theologians and historians, including Josephus, link this to the Roman invasion (AD 66–70). Josephus recorded that during the siege of Jerusalem, the Temple doors (made of Lebanese cedar) were opened to the fire. It is often interpreted as the literal path taken by the Roman legions under Vespasian and Titus as they moved through Lebanon and Bashan to destroy Judea. *Related to*: ### I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: The removal of three prominent leaders or classes of leadership within a very short timeframe due to mutual detestation between them and the Lord. *Historical context*: While various historical identifications exist (such as specific kings or high priests), many scholars identify these 'three shepherds' as the three ruling offices of Israel—the priest, the prophet, and the king—which were effectively terminated following the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the rejection of the Messiah. Others specifically point to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians who opposed Jesus. *Related to*: ### So they weighed for my wages thirty pieces of silver. Yahweh said to me, 'Throw it to the potter, the handsome price that I was valued at by them!' *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: The shepherd is valued at the price of a common slave (thirty pieces of silver), which is then ordered to be thrown to a potter. *Historical context*: This is widely recognized as a direct Messianic prophecy. In the New Testament ([[Matt-26#v15|Matthew 26:15]]), Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for exactly thirty pieces of silver. Following his remorse, he returned the money to the Temple ([[Matt-27#v3|Matthew 27:3]]-10). Because it was 'blood money,' the priests used it to purchase a field from a potter (the 'Potter's Field') for the burial of strangers, precisely matching the prophecy's details. *Related to*: ### I took the thirty pieces of silver, and threw them to the potter, in Yahweh's house. *Type*: fulfillment *Summary*: The specific act of casting the silver to the potter within the Temple precinct. *Historical context*: Fulfilled in [[Matt-27#v5|Matthew 27:5]]-10. Judas threw the thirty pieces of silver into the Temple (Yahweh's house) before hanging himself. The chief priests then used that specific silver to purchase the 'Potter's Field' (Akeldama), fulfilling the prophetic requirement that the money be associated with both the Temple and a potter. *Related to*: [[Zech-11#v12|Zechariah 11:12]]-13 ### For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off... but he will eat the meat of the fat sheep... Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: The rise of a corrupt and predatory leader who exploits the people instead of protecting them, eventually facing divine judgment. *Historical context*: This is often interpreted as an eschatological prophecy referring to the Antichrist (the 'Son of Perdition'). The judgment mentioned—the sword on his arm and right eye—is linked by some commentators to the 'fatal head wound' described in [[Rev-13#v3|Revelation 13:3]]. Historically, it has also been applied to various corrupt Jewish leaders or Roman emperors who presided over the suffering of the Jewish people after they rejected the 'Good Shepherd.' *Related to*: --- #ai_prophecy