D. Warning to Leaders and Encouragement for People (10:2-4)

There is a dramatic contrast between v.1 and v.2a. The prophet moves from Yahweh’s deliverance and provision in the future to his present situation in which the worship of idols was producing disappointment and despair. The prophet rebukes the present leaders who are largely responsible (vv.2-3a) but comforts the people (vv.3b-4).

The shepherd theme introduced in v.2b was a common symbol for rulers in the ancient Near East before it was used in Scripture. It becomes an important element in the prophet’s messianic passages later in the book. Leaders in v.3 is literally “he-goats” ('attûd̠) and is a pejorative term expanding the metaphor. It contrasts the character of earthly leadership with that which it could and should be. A powerful word-play in v.3 is missed by the English translations: the Lord will punish (pāqad̠ 'al) the leaders but care for (pāqad̠) his flock.