Zechariah - Lesson 25 – Zechariah Ch 11 concl

This episode is part 25 of a verse-by-verse study of Zechariah, led by Tom Bradford. It continues from where the previous lesson paused at Zechariah 11:12. Bradford begins by addressing a common Christian interpretation that God breaking the covenant meant abolishing the Torah, arguing instead that breaking a covenant means violating its terms and incurring penalties, not termination. He then reads Zechariah 11:12-17, focusing on the symbolic actions. Bradford explains that the 30 silver shekels paid to Zechariah represent the price of a slave, showing contempt for God's message, and connects this to Judas's betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He discusses the phrase 'throw it to the potter' and its link to the potter's field in Matthew 27. Bradford moves to the breaking of the second staff, symbolizing the fractured unity between Judah and Israel. He emphasizes that Zechariah's prophecy looks back at past events and forward to future restoration. Bradford critiques replacement theology, stating that God's covenants with Israel, including the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and new covenants, are described as eternal in scripture, and the church errs in claiming to replace Israel. He warns against false shepherds, describing their negative characteristics from Zechariah 11:16, such as not seeking the lost or healing the broken, and contrasts this with Ezekiel's description of a good shepherd. Bradford shares a personal anecdote about a pastor claiming divine ordination, illustrating the presence of false leaders today. He concludes that God curses worthless shepherds, with the final verses pointing to end-times judgment, and previews the next lesson on chapter 12.

As heard by us

Zechariah 11 turns a broken staff into a hard argument about covenant and the bad shepherd.

This lesson on Zechariah 11 stays with the broken staff called Noam and the claim that breaking a covenant means violating its terms, not erasing the covenant itself.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If covenant disputes are your comfort food, this one is plated hot.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify