In Zechariah 11 How Does The Breaking Of The Staffs Relate To The Concept Of Covenant In The Old Testament?
The Breaking of the Staffs in Zechariah 11: Understanding Covenant in the Old Testament
The prophetic book of Zechariah is filled with vivid imagery and profound messages for the people of Israel. In Zechariah 11, the prophet presents a symbolic act involving two staffs—“Beauty” (also translated as “Favor” or “Grace”) and “Bands” (or “Union”). The breaking of these staffs serves as a powerful picture of God’s relationship with His people, particularly in the context of the Old Testament concept of covenant.
The Imagery of the Two Staffs
Zechariah, acting as a shepherd, takes up two staffs:
And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Favor, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock. - Zechariah 11:7 ASV
The staffs represent God’s gracious favor (“Favor” or “Beauty”) and the unity (“Bands” or “Union”) He maintained among the people. Shepherds commonly carried staffs for guiding and protecting the flock, so the image is one of care and authority.
The Breaking of "Favor" (Beauty)
And I took my staff Favor, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the peoples. - Zechariah 11:10 ASV
Here, the breaking of the staff “Favor” is explicitly connected to the breaking of God’s covenant. In the Old Testament, a covenant is a solemn agreement between God and His people, marked by promises and obligations (Genesis 17:7 ASV; Exodus 19:5 ASV). The breaking of the staff signifies God’s withdrawal of protection and blessing due to Israel’s persistent unfaithfulness.
This act echoes earlier warnings, such as in Hosea:
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge ... seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children. - Hosea 4:6 ASV
Thus, the breaking of the staff "Favor" is a symbolic way of saying that the covenant relationship, with its privileges, is suspended because of disobedience.
The Breaking of "Bands" (Union)
Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. - Zechariah 11:14 ASV
The second staff, "Bands," represents the unity between the tribes of Israel. Its breaking points to the disintegration and division among God's people—a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. Historically, this foreshadowed the nation's division and eventual exile, as described in 1 Kings 12:16 ASV.
Theological Insights: Covenant Broken, Yet Hope Remains
The breaking of the staffs reveals a sobering aspect of the Old Testament covenant: while God is faithful, persistent rebellion and rejection can result in judgment and the removal of covenant blessings. Yet, throughout the prophets, God promises restoration and a new covenant:
Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. - Jeremiah 31:31 ASV
This new covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, is unbreakable and based on God’s grace through faith (Hebrews 8:6 ASV; Luke 22:20 ASV).
Christ-Centered Perspective
Ultimately, Zechariah 11 points to the coming of the “Good Shepherd” who would be rejected and valued at “thirty pieces of silver” (Zechariah 11:12 ASV), a prophecy fulfilled in the betrayal of Jesus (Matthew 27:9 ASV). Through Christ, the brokenness caused by sin is overcome, and a new, everlasting covenant is established:
And I will give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. - John 10:28 ASV
Summary
- The breaking of the staffs in Zechariah 11 is a symbolic act revealing the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness: loss of favor and unity.
- This act points to the seriousness of rejecting God’s covenant but also hints at the promise of a new and better covenant in Christ.
- Through Jesus, the broken relationship is restored, and believers are granted eternal security by faith.