Overview
Staves were wooden staffs carried by shepherds, leaders, and travelers throughout biblical history. They served both practical and symbolic purposes—used for walking, guiding flocks, and representing authority. In Zechariah's prophecy, two staves named "Favor" and "Union" symbolize God's covenant relationship with His people and the consequences of rejecting His leadership.
Key Scriptures
"So I took my two staffs, one called Favor and one called Union, and I cut Union in pieces, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." (Zechariah 11:10, ESV)
"Then I said to them, 'If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.' And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver." (Zechariah 11:12, ESV)
"Then I broke my second staff Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel." (Zechariah 11:14, ESV)
Application
Consider how rejecting God's leadership and authority—symbolized by the breaking of the staves—results in spiritual division and broken covenant relationships in our lives.