The sword of God’s judgment has been asleep. Now it wakes up and becomes a slaughtering sword (cf. Ezek 21:20). However, it is not directed here against the foolish shepherd, the Antichrist. The prophet Zechariah has already described his judgment in chapter 11 with the words: “Woe to the foolish shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword over his arm and over his right eye! His arm shall be utterly withered, and his right eye shall be utterly put out” (Zech. 11:17).

The sword awoke against the shepherd who served God in devotion and lived in complete communion with Him! Jesus Christ was struck on the cross by the sword of divine judgment because of our sin, so that it would not have to strike us (cf. Mt 26:31).

This is also hinted at in the moving story of David’s life, when God called out “Enough” to the heavenly executor of judgment on Jerusalem and, after sacrifices had been made, he put his sword back into its sheath (1 Chr 21:15, 26, 27).

Yes, judgment has been averted from us believers. But not only that. Because the good shepherd Jesus Christ died for the sheep, we now have “abundant life” (John 10:10, 11). For this, eternal thanks be to our great Savior!