Zechariah 11:1

The Doomed Flock · Zechariah 11:1–9
Read Zechariah 11

Translations

Modern
Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may consume your cedars!
Traditional
Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars.
Literal
Open, O Lebanon, your doors, that fire may devour your cedars!
Latin
Aperi, Libane, portas tuas, et comedat ignis cedros tuas.

Original

Hebrew
English
Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may consume your cedars!

Notes

Lebanon, with its snow-covered mountains and fertile valleys, was a symbol of strength and fertility.

This taunt song against Lebanon and Bashan wraps up the earlier message about Israel's deliverance and restoration (Zechariah 10:1–12). It might also lead into the next message about good and bad shepherds (Zechariah 11:4–17).

God will strengthen his people with his power and restore them because of his compassion (Zechariah 10:6, 12). The passage mentions shepherds several times (Zechariah 10:2–3; 11:3). These references prepare the reader for the next section, which uses an allegory (a symbolic story) about good and evil shepherds (11:4–17).

Theme notes and profiles

Apocalyptic Literature

Events

Places

Lebanon: A mountainous region known for its cedar trees

Glossary

Zechariah, Book of

Topics

Lebanon of the Temple Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Their Rejection of the Messiah Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of War and Other Judgments