My shepherd. — Unless we are to consider that these verses ought to be transferred to the end of Zechariah 11 (see Notes there), we must take this expression as a title of honour.
Fellow. — This word, except here, occurs only in Leviticus. It means either neighbour, fellow, or, according to others, neighbourly relationship, fellowship. Perhaps the “foolish shepherd” (Zechariah 11:15) could hardly be called by the Lord “the man of my fellowship.” If so, this argument is conclusive for the retention of this passage in its present position. Other arguments in the same direction are that the mention of the “third part” (Zechariah 13:8) is very similar to the mention of “half of the city” (Zechariah 14:2), and that the use of hââretz in the sense of “the land” (Zechariah 13:8) is parallel with Zechariah 14:9, rather than with Zechariah 11:6; but it must not be forgotten that, as far as the word itself is concerned, it may in all these passages mean “the land,” or in all “the earth.” It is only possible to decide on its meaning according to one’s own view of the context.
Wicked men are the Lord’s sword (Psalms 17:13); through them was to be executed His determinate counsel (Acts 2:23). The smiting of the shepherd was on account of the sin of the flock. The shepherd, then, must be understood to be He whom they are before represented as having insulted and rejected (Zechariah 11:12). Part of this verse is quoted by our Lord (Matthew 26:31).
I will turn mine hand — viz., in merciful chastisement. (Comp. Isaiah 1:25.)
The little ones. — The word occurs only here in this form. It means perhaps the humble and patient, and so denotes those who are called afterwards “the third part” (Zechariah 13:9).