1. Two staffs: Favor and Union (1-11). 

Words of destruction on forest, pasture and thicket make a stark contrast with the message of hope of the previous passages. God commands Zechariah to take up shepherding of sheep marked for slaughter. The two staffs symbolize the external protection (covenant with the nations) and the family bond of Judah and Israel. The sheep detest him, Favor is broken – they will be slaughtered. They realized this was a word of the LORD to them. 

2. The thirty pieces of silver (12-17).

When asked for payment, the people give the 'handsome price' of a slave’s fee, 30 pieces of silver. It was rejection of the prophet, so their union would also be broken. Instead of God’s chosen shepherd, a worthless shepherd would rule them. This event points to one truth: Jesus, the good shepherd, was rejected by his own people (Jn 1:11) and betrayed for 30 pieces of silver so we may be received by God.


Application: Father, thank you for your mercy to us in Jesus. Help me humbly remember it every day. 
One Word: Jesus was rejected in my place.