Zechariah 11:1

Open thy doors. There is considerable difference of opinion as to how the symbolism of ch. 11 should be interpreted. The language is so highly figurative and the prophet has offered so little explanation that it is impossible to be dogmatic as to its teachings. Two principal views concerning it have been held: (1) That the passage is a forecast of the punishment to fall upon the Jews for their rejection of God’s leadership, especially of the Messiah. (2) That the passage is a review of Israel’s past history put into parabolic form to warn them of what future transgression might bring. The latter view is here briefly presented as illustrative of a possible interpretation. At the same time the view that the chapter is predictive — that is, insofar as it is a warning of Israel’s fate if the people reject their present and future leadership — has much to commend it.

Verses 1-3 have been variously understood. Among the views held are the following: (1) That they forecast a continuation of the desolation for some time to come before the glorious prospect of ch. 10:5-12 will be realized. (2) That they represent a warning of the punishment that will inevitably result from further disobedience and apostasy. (3) That they are a lament over the fall of Assyria and Egypt, whose humiliation was predicted in ch. 10:11. (4) That they are a review of the desolations that had already occurred and of their causes, as a warning to the present generation.

Cedars. Invasions were frequently accompanied by a wanton destruction of valuable timber. However, here, the cedar, fir (cypress), and the oak are probably used metaphorically of prominent leaders or of the nations themselves.