Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing.

Study Bible

But they refused to pay attention
This phrase highlights the deliberate disobedience of the people. In the context of Zechariah, the Israelites had returned from exile and were being called to genuine repentance and obedience. Historically, this refusal to heed God's word was a recurring issue for Israel, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 7:24, where the people did not listen or incline their ear. This refusal is a heart issue, indicating a willful rejection of God's commands and a preference for their own ways.

and turned a stubborn shoulder;
The imagery of a "stubborn shoulder" suggests resistance and rebellion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, turning the shoulder was a metaphor for rejecting authority or instruction. This phrase can be connected to Deuteronomy 9:6, where Israel is described as a "stiff-necked people," indicating their persistent rebellion against God. The stubbornness here is not just physical but spiritual, showing a hardened heart against divine guidance.

they stopped up their ears from hearing.
This phrase indicates a conscious decision to ignore God's message. The act of stopping up ears is symbolic of a refusal to listen, akin to the behavior described in Isaiah 6:10, where the people's hearts are calloused, and their ears are dull. This deliberate deafness to God's word is a serious spiritual condition, as faith comes from hearing the message of Christ (Romans 10:17). The refusal to hear is a rejection of the opportunity for repentance and restoration, which God continually offers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet who ministered to the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile. His messages often called for repentance and spiritual renewal.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which had been exiled to Babylon but was now returning to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.

3. The People of Judah
The audience of Zechariah's prophecy, who were being admonished for their disobedience and hard-heartedness.

4. The Exile
The period when the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon, a significant event that shaped their identity and relationship with God.

5. The Return
The period when the exiles returned to Judah, a time of rebuilding and spiritual reflection.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Spiritual Deafness
Ignoring God's voice leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from His will. We must cultivate a heart that is open and responsive to His guidance.

The Consequences of Stubbornness
A stubborn heart can lead to missed opportunities for growth and blessing. We should strive to be pliable and teachable in our walk with God.

The Importance of Active Listening
True listening involves more than hearing words; it requires understanding and acting upon God's instructions. We should practice active listening in our spiritual lives.

Repentance and Renewal
Just as Zechariah called the people to repentance, we are called to examine our hearts and turn back to God when we stray.

Community Accountability
The collective disobedience of Judah serves as a reminder of the importance of community accountability in maintaining faithfulness to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day examples of "turning a stubborn shoulder" to God's instructions, and how can we avoid this in our own lives?

2. How does the pattern of disobedience in Zechariah 7:11 compare to other instances in the Bible, such as in Jeremiah 7:24 or Acts 7:51?

3. In what ways can we practice active listening to God's voice in our daily routines?

4. How can we encourage one another within our faith communities to remain open and responsive to God's guidance?

5. Reflect on a time when you resisted God's direction. What steps did you take to realign yourself with His will, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 7:24
This verse similarly describes the people's refusal to listen to God, highlighting a pattern of disobedience and stubbornness.

Isaiah 6:10
This passage speaks of the people's hearts being hardened, their ears dull, and their eyes closed, which parallels the imagery in Zechariah 7:11.

Acts 7:51
Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of being stiff-necked and resisting the Holy Spirit, echoing the stubbornness described in Zechariah.