Charles Spurgeon Commentary Zechariah 11:7

"So I fed the flock of slaughter, verily the poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock." — Zechariah 11:7 (ASV)

The "Beauty" is the loving-kindness of the presence of God; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. By "Bands" we understand binders, the unity of the flock; that which kept the people together.

These are the two staves – the two staves with which the good shepherd blessed his flock when he is with them.

God will begin by saving the most defenseless. The tents of the people were easily swept away by their powerful foes. "Therefore," says the prophet, "the Lord shall save the tents of Judah first." As for the people in the strongly defended city of Jerusalem, He would protect them, but He would do it in such a way that they should not take the glory to themselves.

God is always very jealous of His own honour. He will save us, but it will be in a way that shall prevent our pride from glorying in it.

He will never allow one saved soul to be able to say, "I saved myself," or "I contributed to the merit which has brought me to heaven." No; God must have all the glory—every jot and tittle of it; and all His people are glad that He should have it.