Charles Spurgeon Commentary Zechariah 11:4

"Thus said Jehovah my God: Feed the flock of slaughter;" — Zechariah 11:4 (ASV)

This is a deep prophecy. It may be interpreted concerning many events, but I think it primarily refers to the departure of the people of Israel from God, and their rejection of Christ.

It has to do with the first coming of Christ, and the way in which they cast off the great Shepherd, and he cast them off, so that Israel was simply despoiled and scattered throughout the whole earth. The teachers of those days were false to their service.

In that day, says the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness:

The chief strength of Jerusalem's enemies lay in horses and chariots; but God tells his people not to fear them, for he knows how to overcome all power, whether it be the power of cavalry or the power of infantry. He knows how to smite every horse with astonishment, and every rider with madness, for, as the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from henceforth even for ever, and he can protect them against the most powerful foes that may assail them.

And I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah,

It looked as if the Lord had been asleep, but now he says, 'I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah,' – I will look at them, and note their sufferings, pity their griefs, plan for their good, and come forth for their defense.

And will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Their enemies will not be able to see them, but God will see them, and he will deliver his people and overthrow all their adversaries.