God's Power to Restore Israel and Judgment on Its Enemies
Zechariah 10:1-11:3
Zec.10.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שאלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- מיהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלקוש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חזיזים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גשם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joel 2:23 (verbal): Uses the same plea for God to send rain and explicitly mentions the former/latter rains—closely parallels Zechariah’s petition to ask the LORD for rain at the proper season.
- Hosea 6:3 (allusion): Speaks of God coming 'like the rain, like the latter and former rain'—uses the same agricultural image of God’s restorative coming as rain.
- Deuteronomy 11:14 (thematic): Promises that if Israel obeys, God will send seasonal rain for their land—background covenantal context for prophetic requests for rain in Zechariah.
- Psalm 72:6 (verbal): Describes the king coming down 'like rain upon the mown grass,' echoing the imagery of divine blessing coming as rain on fields.
- Isaiah 55:10 (thematic): Compares God’s word/effectiveness to rain and snow that water the earth, connecting the motif of divinely given rain as life-giving and purposeful.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ask of the LORD rain—at the time of the latter rain; the LORD makes flashes of lightning and will give them showers—rain to everyone, grass in the field.
- Ask of the LORD rain—at the season of the latter rain; the LORD makes lightning, and will give them showers—rain, and to every man grass in the field.
Zec.10.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- התרפים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והקוסמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- חזו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחלמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- השוא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ידברו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ינחמון: VERB,piel,impf,3,pl
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- נסעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כמו: PREP
- צאן: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יענו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 23:16-17 (verbal): Condemns prophets who 'prophesy lies' and 'tell dreams' that give false reassurance—language and critique of false seers closely parallel Zech 10:2's charge against diviners and dreamers.
- Ezekiel 13:6-9 (verbal): Denounces those who prophesy out of their own minds and give false visions, promising that their work will be discarded—parallels the accusation of false visions and worthless comfort in Zech 10:2.
- Micah 3:5-7 (thematic): Speaks of prophets and priests who practice divination and give false signs, leading people astray; thematically matches Zech 10:2's critique of deceptive diviners and dreamers.
- Ezekiel 34:5-6 (verbal): Describes God’s flock scattered because 'there was no shepherd'—the explicit 'no shepherd' motif echoes Zech 10:2's conclusion that the people go astray because there is no shepherd.
- Zechariah 11:4-17 (structural): Within the same book, this passage uses shepherd imagery to portray failed/false shepherds and their consequences; provides the broader Zecharian context for the 'no shepherd' theme in 10:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the diviners practice deceit, and the counselors utter falsehood; the dreamers speak empty dreams and give vain comfort. Therefore they wander like sheep; they suffer, for there is no shepherd.
- For the charmers speak wickedness, and the diviners foresee lies; they utter vain dreams, they speak falsehood and offer empty consolation. Therefore they wander like sheep; they are distressed because there is no shepherd.
Zec.10.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- על: PREP
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- חרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אפי: NOUN,m,sg,poss1s
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- העתודים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אפקוד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צבאות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עדרו: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- כסוס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הודו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- במלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 34:1-10 (thematic): Direct condemnation of the 'shepherds' who feed themselves and scatter the flock — matches Zech.10:3's anger against shepherds and promise of punishment for leaders.
- Ezekiel 34:11-16 (verbal): God himself will 'search for' and 'visit' his flock and gather the sheep — language and idea closely parallel Zech.10:3's 'the LORD of hosts will visit his flock'.
- Jeremiah 23:1-4 (allusion): Jeremiah denounces irresponsible shepherds and promises God will gather the remnant and raise up righteous shepherds — similar theme of judgment on leaders and restoration for Judah.
- Isaiah 40:10-11 (thematic): Portrays the LORD as a strong, caring shepherd who comes to tend his flock — parallels the image of divine intervention on behalf of Judah in Zech.10:3.
- Zechariah 11:4-17 (structural): Internal counterpart within Zechariah that develops the 'shepherd' motif (bad shepherds, rejected leadership) and illuminates the book's critique of leaders and God's action toward his flock.
Alternative generated candidates
- Against the wicked my wrath is kindled, and against the shepherds I will punish; for the LORD of hosts will visit his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic horse in battle.
- Against the wicked my anger is kindled, and against the proud I will punish; for the LORD of hosts will visit his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like a majestic horse in battle.
Zec.10.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- פנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יתד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- קשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- נוגש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יחדו: ADV
Parallels
- Isaiah 22:23 (verbal): Uses the image of a peg/plug fixed in a secure place (“I will fasten him like a peg in a sure place”), paralleling Zech.10:4’s “tent peg” (יתד) as a symbol of stability and appointment.
- Isaiah 28:16 (allusion): Speaks of God laying a tested/precious cornerstone in Zion; parallels Zech.10:4’s “cornerstone” motif (ממנו יתד/יתד interpreted alongside a cornerstone image of foundational stability).
- Psalm 118:22 (verbal): “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” — a cornerstone formulation that resonates with Zech.10:4’s reference to a foundational stone/person from whom leadership and stability proceed.
- 1 Peter 2:6 (quotation): Quotations of Isaiah’s cornerstone language applied to Christ (citing Isa.28:16/Ps.118:22) show how the Old Testament cornerstone motif—also present in Zech.10:4—is taken up in the New Testament as a messianic/foundational theme.
Alternative generated candidates
- From them shall come a cornerstone, from them a tent-peg, from them a bow for battle; from them shall go forth every oppressor together.
- From him shall come forth the cornerstone; from him the tent-peg; from him the bow of war—from him shall come every ruler together.
Zec.10.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כגברים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בוסים: VERB,pi'el,ptc,3,m,pl
- בטיט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חוצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- במלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונלחמו: WAW+VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- והבישו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- רכבי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+prsuff:1s
- סוסים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 20:7 (verbal): Contrasts trust in horses/chariots with reliance on Yahweh—echoes Zech.10:5’s confounding of riders on horses and victory because the LORD is with his people.
- Psalm 33:16-17 (thematic): Denounces confidence in military power (horses) and affirms that victory comes from the LORD, paralleling the motif that riders are put to shame because God fights for his people.
- Exodus 14:14 (thematic): “The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Expresses the same idea in Zech.10:5 that victory comes from Yahweh’s presence and action in battle.
- Zechariah 12:8 (structural): In Zech.12 the LORD strengthens Judah so the weak become like David—paralleling 10:5’s statement that they ‘shall be as mighty men’ because the LORD is with them.
- Joel 3:10 (thematic): “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong’” — like Zech.10:5, God empowers the weak to fight and become warriors by his presence and vindication.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall be as mighty men trampling the clay streets in war; they shall fight, for the LORD is with them, and they shall put to shame the riders on horses.
- They shall be as mighty men, trampling the clay of the streets in battle; they shall fight, for the LORD is with them, and put to shame the riders on horses.
Zec.10.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגברתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואת: CONJ
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אושיע: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- והושבותים: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- רחמתים: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כאשר: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- זנחתים: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- ואענם: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 37:21-22 (structural): Speaks of gathering both houses (Israel/Ephraim and Judah) and making them one nation—parallel to God’s promise to save/restore the house of Judah and the house of Joseph.
- Isaiah 54:7-8 (verbal): God acknowledges a brief forsaking but promises compassionate gathering—language of mercy and ‘not casting off’ echoes Zech.10:6’s assurance of compassion and restoration.
- Jeremiah 30:10-11 (thematic): Promises strengthening and saving of Jacob/Israel and declares the LORD’s presence to save them—matches Zech.10:6’s commitment to strengthen, save, and answer his people.
- Amos 9:14-15 (thematic): Describes restoration of Israel to its land and permanence there—resonates with Zech.10:6’s promise to rescue and bring back the house of Joseph and Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph; I will bring them back, for I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them off, for I am the LORD their God, and I will answer them.
- I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph; I will restore them, for I have compassion on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them off; for I am the LORD their God, and I will answer them.
Zec.10.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כגבור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמח: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- כמו: PREP
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- יראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ושמחו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- יגל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
Parallels
- Judges 5:14-16 (thematic): Deborah’s song portrays Ephraim as a leading, warlike tribe—parallel to Zechariah’s image of Ephraim as 'mighty men' (tribal strength and valor).
- Psalm 104:15 (verbal): Speaks of wine as 'that maketh glad the heart of man,' echoing Zechariah’s simile 'their heart shall rejoice as wine' (the wine-joy image).
- Psalm 33:21 (verbal): Says 'for our heart shall rejoice in him,' closely echoing the language and the theme of rejoicing 'in the LORD' found in Zech. 10:7.
- Jeremiah 31:12-13 (thematic): Promises restoration when people 'shall come and sing' and 'their sorrow shall be turned to joy,' paralleling the restoration motif where children 'shall see and be glad' and hearts rejoice in the Lord.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall be as mighty Ephraim, and their heart shall rejoice like wine; their children shall see and be glad, and their hearts shall exult in the LORD.
- They shall be like the warriors of Ephraim; their hearts shall rejoice like wine; their children shall see and be glad, and their hearts shall exult in the LORD.
Zec.10.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשרקה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ואקבצם: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- פדיתים: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- ורבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כמו: PREP
- רבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 5:26 (verbal): Both texts use the image of summoning/whistling to call nations/people to come quickly — a direct verbal parallel of whistle/cry to gather.
- Ezekiel 34:11-13 (thematic): God himself seeks out and gathers his scattered flock from foreign lands — same theme of divine gathering and restoration of the redeemed.
- Isaiah 43:5-6 (thematic): Promises to bring back offspring from east and west and to gather the dispersed — parallels Zechariah’s promise to redeem and assemble Israel.
- Jeremiah 23:3 (thematic): God will gather the remnant of his flock and bring them together — another prophetic promise of collecting and restoring God’s people.
- Isaiah 27:12-13 (structural): Speaks of a future day when God will sound (trumpet) and gather Israel one by one from the lands — structurally parallels Zechariah’s eschatological gathering imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will whistle to them and gather them, for I have ransomed them; they shall multiply as they once multiplied.
- I will whistle for them and gather them, for I have ransomed them; and they shall multiply as they were many.
Zec.10.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואזרעם: VERB,qal,imprf,1,sg
- בעמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובמרחקים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יזכרוני: VERB,qal,imprf,3,pl
- וחיו: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- בניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,pl
- ושבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 30:3-5 (verbal): Speaks of God bringing back the exiles to their land and gathering them from the nations—language and theme of regathering and return echo Zech. 10:9.
- Ezekiel 37:21-22 (verbal): God promises to gather the Israelites from the nations and bring them into their own land, closely paralleling Zechariah’s promise of recollection and return from distant places.
- Isaiah 11:11-12 (thematic): Foretells a renewed gathering of the dispersed from the four corners of the earth—a theme of restoration and return found in Zech. 10:9.
- Psalm 107:4-7 (thematic): Describes those scattered in distant lands who call to the LORD and are brought back and restored—resonates with the imagery of remembering God and being returned in Zech. 10:9.
- Hosea 3:5 (thematic): Looks forward to a time when Israel will return, seek the LORD and David their king—links the motifs of return from exile and turning back to God present in Zech. 10:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will plant them among the peoples; in distant lands they will remember me, and they will live with their children and return.
- Their offspring among the nations and in distant lands shall remember me; and they shall live, and their children shall return.
Zec.10.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והשיבותים: VERB,hiph,impf,1,_,sg
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומאשור: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אקבצם: VERB,qal,impf,1,,sg
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גלעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולבנון: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביאם: VERB,hiph,impf,1,_,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- ימצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 11:11-12 (verbal): Speaks of a future gathering of Israel from Assyria and Egypt and assembling the dispersed of Judah, closely paralleling Zechariah’s list of origins and regathering motif.
- Deuteronomy 30:3-5 (allusion): God’s promise to bring back the exiles to their land and to gather them from the nations echoes Zechariah’s restoration theme and return to the land.
- Ezekiel 37:21-22 (thematic): God declares he will gather the people of Israel from the nations and bring them into their own land so they become one nation—parallel language of regathering and restoration.
- Isaiah 43:5-6 (thematic): Assures the exiles not to fear because God will bring offspring from the east and gather from the west—another prophetic promise of gathering dispersed people into their land.
- Jeremiah 23:3-8 (thematic): God promises to gather the remnant of his flock from all countries and bring them back to their own land, linking regathering and future restoration like Zechariah 10:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will bring them back from the land of Egypt and gather them from Assyria; I will bring them to the land of Gilead and Lebanon—there will not be room enough for them.
- I will bring them back from the land of Egypt, and gather them from Assyria; and I will bring them to the land of Gilead and to Lebanon—there will not be room enough for them.
Zec.10.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועבר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והבישו: VERB,hif,perf,3,pl
- כל: DET
- מצולות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יאר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והורד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- גאון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשור: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ושבט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יסור: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 14:21-22 (allusion): God divides/strikes the sea to allow passage (the Exodus crossing); Zechariah echoes the motif of passing through the sea and subduing its waves.
- Isaiah 11:15 (verbal): Similar language about the Lord striking the sea and making a way—Isaiah’s oracle about God’s triumph over the Sea of Egypt parallels Zechariah’s image of drying the Nile and defeating nations.
- Psalm 106:9 (verbal): Psalm recounts God rebuking the Red Sea and making a path through the depths—close verbal and thematic resonance with Zechariah’s depiction of waters being struck and dried.
- Psalm 114:3-4 (thematic): Poetic depiction of the sea fleeing and the Jordan turning back—another tradition of divine conquest of waters that underlies Zechariah’s imagery.
- Ezekiel 29:3, 11-12 (thematic): Ezekiel’s prophecies against Egypt speak of humbling Pharaoh and drying up the Nile; parallels Zechariah’s oracle about the downfall of Egypt and the drying of its waters.
Alternative generated candidates
- He will pass through the sea of trouble and strike the waves of the sea; he will shame all the depths of the Nile, bring down the haughtiness of Assyria, and the scepter of Egypt will depart.
- He passed through the sea of distress and struck the waves of the sea; all the depths of the river were ashamed. He brought down the pride of Assyria, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart.
Zec.10.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגברתים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- ובשמו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- יתהלכו: VERB,hitp,imprf,3,m,pl
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Micah 4:5 (verbal): Expresses the same idea of walking 'in the name of the LORD'—a communal commitment to live under the Lord's name/presence (direct verbal and thematic parallel).
- Ephesians 6:10 (verbal): Paul's exhortation to 'be strong in the Lord' echoes Zechariah's promise that strength will be in the LORD—shared language of divine strength empowering the people (New Testament verbal/thematic parallel).
- Psalm 89:15-16 (thematic): Speaks of the people who 'shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance,' thematically parallel to walking in the LORD's name/with his presence guiding and empowering the community.
- Zechariah 8:23 (allusion): Within the same book, this verse envisions nations attaching themselves to God's people because 'God is with you'—related theme of the Lord's presence/name being the basis for communal identity and movement (thematic/structural connection).
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall be strong in the LORD, and in his name they shall walk, declares the LORD.
- I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in his name shall they walk, says the LORD.
Zec.11.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבנון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דלתיך: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:2,m,sg
- ותאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בארזיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:2,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezek.31:3-9 (allusion): Uses the cedars of Lebanon as a symbol of pride and subsequent divine judgment — like Zech.11:1, the great cedars are brought low and destroyed.
- Isa.10:34 (verbal): Declares that the trees of the forest will be felled and ‘Lebanon shall fall,’ a close verbal/thematic echo of Lebanon’s cedars being cut down or consumed.
- Nahum 1:4 (thematic): Speaks of the withering of Lebanon’s bloom in the context of divine wrath — parallels Zech.11:1’s image of Lebanon ruined by destructive force.
- Isa.14:8 (thematic): Mentions the cedars of Lebanon reacting to the fall of a great power; both passages use Lebanon’s cedars as emblematic markers of national catastrophe.
- Ps.29:5 (structural): Depicts the LORD’s power over Lebanon (‘He makes Lebanon skip like a calf’), similarly portraying divine action bringing movement/ruin to Lebanon’s mighty trees.
Alternative generated candidates
- Open, O Lebanon—open your gates, that fire may consume your cedars.
- Open, O Lebanon, your gates, that the fire may devour your cedars.
Zec.11.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הילל: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ברוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ארז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אדרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שדדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הילילו: VERB,piel,imp,2,m,pl
- אלוני: NOUN,m,pl,constr
- בשן: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- ירד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבציר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezek. 31:3-9 (allusion): An extended lament using the great cedar of Lebanon as a symbol of a once-mighty power brought low; parallels the fallen cedar imagery and personified trees mourning loss.
- Isa. 14:8 (thematic): The cypress/cedars of Lebanon 'rejoice' or are depicted in relation to the fall of a great king (Babylon); similar personification of trees in a taunt/lament over a fallen ruler.
- Ps. 29:5 (verbal): ‘The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon’ — a verbal and theological parallel attributing the felling of cedars to divine might and judgment.
- Isa. 10:33-34 (structural): Prophetic oracle announcing the felling of Lebanon’s great trees as part of divine judgment; parallels the motif of forests/cedars being brought low in prophetic denunciation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen; the mighty are plundered. Lament, O oaks of Bashan, for the forest of the vintage has come down.
- Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen— the stately ones are plundered. Lament, O oaks of Bashan, for the forest of the harvest has been felled.
Zec.11.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יללת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- כי: CONJ
- שדדה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אדרתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאגת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- כפירים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שדד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גאון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Jeremiah 25:30 (verbal): Uses the image of the LORD's roar and a loud voice announcing judgment — similar verbal motif of a 'voice/roar' heralding devastation as in Zech 11:3.
- Joel 3:16 (verbal): Speaks of God roaring out of Zion and uttering his voice with shaking — parallels the prophetic motif of a roaring voice and catastrophic judgment.
- Isaiah 13:21-22 (thematic): Describes desolation populated by howling/wild creatures and cries from ruined places — thematically parallels Zech 11:3's howling and lament over ruined pride/glory.
- Nahum 2:11-13 (thematic): Uses lion imagery (dens, roar, whelps) to depict the fall of a proud city — parallels Zech 11:3's 'roaring of young lions' and the fall of a region's pride.
- Amos 3:8 (verbal): Declares 'the lion hath roared' as a summons to prophecy — echoes the symbolic use of a lion's roar as the sound of looming divine action/judgment found in Zech 11:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sound of the shepherds' lament— their pasture has been despoiled; the roar of young lions— for the pride of the Jordan is laid low.
- A sound of the shepherds’ wailing, for their pasture is despoiled; a roar of young lions, for the pride of the Jordan is plundered.
Ask of the LORD rain—in the season of gathering; the LORD makes lightning flashes, and he will give showers of rain; he will give to each one grass in the field.
For the diviners speak falsehood, and the soothsayers see a lie; the dreamers utter emptiness, they comfort in vain. Therefore they wander like sheep; they are afflicted, for there is no shepherd.
Against the shepherds my anger is kindled, and upon the leaders I will take account; for the LORD of hosts will visit his flock—the house of Judah—and will set them as his warhorse in glory.
From him shall come the cornerstone, from him the peg, from him the battle bow; from him shall go forth every conqueror, all of them together.
They shall be like warriors, trampling the mire of the streets in battle; they shall fight, for the LORD is with them, and they shall put to shame the riders on horses.
I will strengthen the house of Judah; I will save the house of Joseph and bring them back, for I have mercy on them. They shall be as though I had not cast them off, for I am the LORD their God; and I will answer them.
They shall be as mighty men in Ephraim; their hearts shall rejoice like wine; their children shall see and be glad—their heart shall exult in the LORD.
I will whistle for them and gather them, for I have redeemed them; they shall multiply as they increased.
I will sow them among the peoples, and they shall remember me in far countries; they shall live with their children, and return.
I will bring them back from the land of Egypt and gather them from Assyria; I will bring them to the land of Gilead and to Lebanon—till no place is found for them.
He will pass through the sea of distress and strike the waves of the sea; all the depths of the river will be put to shame. The pride of Assyria shall be humbled, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart.
They shall be strong in the LORD and shall walk by his name, says the LORD.
Open, O Lebanon, your gates, that fire may devour your cedars.
Cry aloud, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen; the mighty have been laid low. Wail, O oaks of Bashan, for the forest of the vintage has come down.
The voice of the shepherds is a wail, for their pasture is plundered; the roar of young lions—for the pride of the Jordan is spoiled.