👉 And the LORD said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 11:15. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about preparing for a significant event. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God is setting someone up to protect something incredibly important. It’s not just about protecting a person, but about protecting a promise , a vision , or even the future itself. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said unto me…” : This establishes that God is speaking directly to someone – likely a prophet or leader. “…Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.” : This is where it gets interesting. “Instruments” means tools, methods, or devices. "Foolish shepherd" is a really powerful metaphor. Let's break this down further: Shepherd: A shepherd leads and protects his flock (people). Foolish Shepherd: This suggests someone who’s not wise, skilled, or careful in their approach. They might be impulsive, reckless, or focused on the wrong things. They're not equipped to handle a serious situation. So, what does this mean in practice? The verse is suggesting that God is preparing someone to guard something that’s incredibly important – perhaps a future victory, a divine plan, or even a vital message. It implies a need for someone with: Care and Wisdom: Someone who understands the importance of their task and isn't acting impulsively. Protection: Someone who is vigilant and ready to defend against potential threats (challenges, opposition). Strategic Thinking: The shepherd has to think ahead and plan effectively. Overall Interpretation: Zechariah 11:15 is a message of preparation . It's telling us that God is working behind the scenes to ensure success and protection for something vital. It’s not about a specific person, but about the overall process of safeguarding a significant outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Zechariah 11? Discuss the symbolism in this passage more deeply? Connect it to a broader theme (like hope, protection, or divine guidance)?