זכריה, פרק י״א, פסוק י״ז

A profound cry of grief and warning echoes against corrupt and indifferent leadership. Instead of protecting their people, worthless leaders exploit them, leaving them vulnerable to enemies and internal conflict. Such a ruler is entirely devoid of substance, abandoning the flock to slaughter and looting rather than providing care and security.

Commentators debate the historical identity of this failed leader. Some view the warning as a general prophecy about the future, specifically rejecting the notion that it refers to King Zedekiah of Judah [רש"י]. Others interpret it as a reference to the eventual downfall of the Greek empire [אבן עזרא]. However, the primary approach among commentators identifies this shepherd as King Agrippa, the final monarch of the Herodian dynasty. He ultimately abandoned his nation, aligning himself with the Romans who destroyed the Temple [מצודת דוד, רד"ק, מלבי"ם].

The character and ultimate fate of this leader are depicted through striking imagery involving a sword, an arm, and a right eye. One perspective views this as a description of the tyrant's own cruel behavior. In this light, the sword represents the butcher's knife he uses to slaughter the best of his flock, while his right eye symbolizes his calculating gaze, constantly searching for wealthy victims to rob [רש"י].

Conversely, the majority of commentators understand this imagery as the severe punishment and destruction that will fall upon the corrupt leader. The sword serves as a symbol of death and ruin rather than a literal weapon. His withered arm represents the complete shattering of his physical strength, his bravery, and his military power. At the same time, his dimmed right eye signifies the loss of wisdom, counsel, and providence. His wise advisors will perish, and his hopes for restored greatness will be entirely blinded and destroyed [אבן עזרא, רד"ק, מצודת דוד]. Adding to this tragic end, the blinding of the right eye is also seen as a deeply personal and painful punishment, hinting at the death of Agrippa's righteous son, who was killed alongside him [מלבי"ם].