Zechariah 11:13
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
فَقَالَ الرَّبُّ لِي: «أَعْطِ هَذَا الثَّمَنَ الْكَرِيمَ الَّذِي ثَمَّنُونِي بِهِ إِلَى الْفَخَّارِيِّ». فَأَخَذْتُ الثَّلاَثِينَ قِطْعَةً مِنَ الْفِضَّةِ وَأَلْقَيْتُهَا فِي بَيْتِ الرَّبِّ إِلَى الْفَخَّارِيِّ.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from Zechariah, God tells the prophet to throw thirty pieces of silver to a potter, referring to how much he was valued by others. This act symbolizes the value placed on God’s work.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you made something amazing and someone offered only a few coins for it. That wouldn't be fair, right? In this story, God is showing that He feels undervalued too, just like when you feel your hard work isn’t appreciated enough.
Historical Background
Zechariah wrote this prophecy around the late 6th century BCE to encourage and guide the people of Judah who had returned from exile. The verse reflects a time when the value placed on God’s mission was minimalized, symbolized by the meager payment of thirty pieces of silver.
Living It Out Today
This can be applied today in scenarios where someone feels their contributions are undervalued or underappreciated. It’s a reminder to stand firm in one's worth and not let others' perceptions diminish it.
Topics
valuefaithfulnesssacrificejudgmentprophetsredemption
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God ask for the thirty pieces to be thrown to the potter?
God wanted to emphasize the undervalued nature of His mission, using the act of throwing silver as a symbolic gesture.
What does 'goodly price' mean in this context?
'Goodly price' here is ironic; it refers to the insufficient amount offered for something invaluable, highlighting the lack of true value placed on God’s work by others.
How can we relate Zechariah 11:13 to contemporary issues?
This verse can be related to situations where people or their contributions are undervalued. It reminds us to stand firm in our worth and value, as determined by a higher authority.
What was the historical background of this prophecy?
Zechariah delivered this prophecy to encourage the returned exiles from Babylon, reflecting on their lack of appreciation for God's work and mission among them.