Matthew Henry Commentary Zechariah 11:15-17

"And Jehovah said unto me, Take unto thee yet again the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those that are cut off, neither will seek those that are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the flesh of the fat [sheep], and will tear their hoofs in pieces. Woe to the worthless shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened." — Zechariah 11:15-17 (ASV)

God, having shown the misery of this people in their being justly left by the Good Shepherd, shows their further misery in being abused by foolish shepherds. The description suits the character Christ gives of the scribes and Pharisees. They never do anything to support the weak, or comfort the fainthearted; but seek their own ease while they are cruel to the flock.

The idol shepherd has the garb and appearance of a shepherd, receives submission, and is supported at great expense; but he leaves the flock to perish through neglect or leads them to ruin by his example. This suits many in different churches and nations, but the warning had a terrible fulfillment in the Jewish teachers. And while such deceive others to their ruin, they will themselves receive the deepest condemnation.