Know the Word

His right eye…Zechariah 11:17

“Right eye” only appears in the Bible three times; twice in Zechariah 11:17 regarding the worthless shepherd. The other time is from Jesus, “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you…Mathew 5:29. By repetition they are related. Jesus’ comment comes on the heels of the Beatitudes. With reference to lusts of the flesh that cause people to stumble, take control of them and sin.

In Zechariah, the reference is more complicated. With a great deal of imagery, the prophet describes God’s judgment upon those who lead His people astray. God calls them the foolish shepherd, Verse 15; the worthless (idol) shepherd in verse 17. Both translations are correct: worthless or idol. The Hebrew word means worthless and is often used to describe idols to false gods. In other words, these foolish, worthless shepherds were leading God’s people to worship false gods. Zechariah predicts their destiny, Verse 17.

Woe to the worthless shepherd, who leaves the flock! A sword shall be against his arm, and against his right eye. His arm shall completely wither, and his right eye shall be totally blinded. Could this be a reference to the antichrist? 

In the last days, the Bible predicts the arrival of many false christs; even antichrists. Men who will establish themselves to be the real Christ, when in fact they are not. They are worthless shepherds who will lead people to worship the beast, false gods. When the antichrist appears could the effect of his head wound leave him with a blinded right eye and a withered right arm? Will he be cut off and cast away? Just a thought.