The phrase “strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered” comes from Zechariah 13:7 in the Bible. Here is the full verse:
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the LORD Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones.”
This verse speaks prophetically about the coming crucifixion of Jesus Christ. When Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was struck down by death on the cross, his followers were scattered. After Jesus’ death, the disciples hid in fear, scattered and confused. But later, after Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were gathered together again in belief and purpose.
So in the immediate context, this phrase refers to the disorientation and scattering of Jesus’ followers after his death. The striking of the Shepherd resulted in the sheep (Jesus’ followers) being temporarily scattered.
But taking a wider biblical perspective, this phrase also connects to several key theological themes:
Jesus as the Good Shepherd
Jesus identified himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11). The metaphor of Jesus as a shepherd and believers as his sheep highlights his sacrificial love and care for his followers.
So when the Good Shepherd was struck down at the cross, the sheep were left defenseless and scattered. Jesus gave his life to protect and save his sheep.
The Sovereignty of God
While the striking of the Shepherd was an evil act of betrayal and murder, God was still sovereign over the situation. God allowed the Shepherd to be struck to fulfill his purposes of redemption and salvation.
As Acts 2:23 says, “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” The cross was part of God’s sovereign plan to save sinners.
The Temporariness of the Scattering
While the striking of the Shepherd resulted in the immediate scattering of the sheep, this scattering was only temporary. After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were gathered together again in the upper room (John 20:19).
At Pentecost, the gathered believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for ministry (Acts 2). While the sheep were briefly scattered, they were soon regathered and the church began to grow in numbers and spiritual vitality.
God’s Continued Care Over the Scattered Sheep
Even when the sheep were scattered, they were still under God’s care and protection: “I will turn my hand against the little ones.” Though scattered, the sheep were not abandoned or forgotten by God.
God continued to watch over and care for his people, even in their state of fear and dispersion. He brought them back together as the church was formed after Pentecost.
Application for Believers Today
This phrase reminds believers that even when things look bleak and the people of God are temporarily dispersed, God is still in control. The striking of the Shepherd and the scattering of the sheep is part of God’s redemptive plan.
Just as God regathered the scattered sheep after Christ’s resurrection, he can bring hope and renewal out of despair. By trusting in the sovereignty and goodness of the Great Shepherd, believers can have confidence that they will be gathered safely into Christ’s flock.
Even when Christians experience times of loss, grief and distance from God’s people, the Good Shepherd seeks the scattered sheep to bring them back into the fold. He cares for his flock and has promised never to leave or forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).
Old Testament Background
The metaphor of God’s people as sheep under the care of a shepherd has roots in the Old Testament. God promised to gather the scattered sheep of Israel and appoint a Shepherd over them:
“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them…I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” (Ezekiel 34:11-12)
“‘I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.'” (Ezekiel 34:23)
So Jesus fulfills the promised Messianic Shepherd who would care for God’s flock. Yet paradoxically, God’s chosen Shepherd had to be struck down so that the sheep could be saved from sin and death and gathered into God’s kingdom.
Fulfillment in Jesus’ Death
The New Testament writers recognize Zechariah 13:7 as a specific prophecy fulfilled in the death of Jesus:
“Then Jesus told them, ‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” (Matthew 26:31)
“And Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’” (Mark 14:27)
John also alludes to this verse as he recounts Jesus’ arrest in the garden: “Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear…So Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?’” (John 18:10-11)
The striking of the Shepherd that scattered the sheep was specifically fulfilled when Jesus was taken captive and crucified on the cross. This caused the disciples to initially scatter in fear and confusion.
A Continuing Pattern
While Zechariah 13:7 had an immediate fulfillment in Jesus’ death, some scholars see it as having an ongoing pattern of fulfillment throughout church history. Whenever the church faces intense persecution, there is often scattering. But God gathers his people together again during times of revival.
For example, after intense persecution in Jerusalem, the church was scattered…
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1)
Yet God used this scattering to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Then he gathered his church together again at the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15).
Throughout the ages, times of persecution have led to the dispersal of Christians. But the shepherd continues to pursue his scattered sheep to draw them back to himself. The striking of the shepherd allows for a greater spreading of the gospel.
Alternative Views
While most scholars recognize Zechariah 13:7 as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ death, some see it primarily referring to:
- The death of the false prophet Zechariah
- The dispersal of the Jews during the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70
- The exile of the Jews to Babylon after the destruction of the first temple
However, neither of these events fully fits the details and context of the prophecy. Seeing it fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion makes the most biblical and theological sense.
Conclusion
The striking of the shepherd and scattering of the sheep in Zechariah 13:7 poignantly symbolizes the trauma Jesus’ disciples experienced at his crucifixion. Yet God used this tragedy for the greater purpose of redemption. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus lays down his life for the sheep.
This important messianic prophecy finds its primary fulfillment in the crucifixion of Christ. While the sheep were temporarily scattered, the Shepherd’s resurrection gathered them together again. And Jesus continues gathering his scattered sheep even to this day, as he builds his church throughout the world.
Though times of persecution and uncertainty will come, believers can trust in the sovereign care of the Great Shepherd who knows his sheep. He faithfully pursues the scattered and brings cohesion and renewal out of dispersion.