Zechariah 11:7
“So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called “Favor”, and the other I called “Union”, and I fed the flock.”
What does Zechariah 11:7 mean?
This passage describes a shepherd (representing God or a faithful leader) taking on the work of caring for a flock that's headed toward destruction, particularly focusing on the most vulnerable members. The two staffs symbolize the dual responsibility of leadership: one called "Favor" represents God's grace and protection, while "Union" represents the bonds that hold people together in community. The image captures something beautiful about real care for others, it's not abstract or distant but involves active feeding, presence, and the use of tools meant to guide and hold the flock close. For those facing difficulty, this speaks to the kind of leadership that notices the oppressed and doesn't turn away from hard situations.