What do the staves in Zechariah's prophecy represent?

In Zechariah 11, the staves—called Beauty and Bands—represent two significant aspects of a shepherd's role: Beauty signifies the covenant and care God has for His people, while Bands represents the unity and bond among them. When these staves are broken, as explained in the passage, it symbolizes the end of God's covenant with those who refuse to recognize Him, indicating a transition from the old covenant of works to the new covenant established in Christ. Therefore, these staves illustrate the authority and governance Christ has over His flock, showing that He is the one who sustains and unifies His people.