Matthew Poole and continuators on John 10:12

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not , seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Those that deal in Sheep, either keep them themselves, or by their near Relations, as Iacobs Sons, and David, and Labans Daughters did; or else they hired persons to keep them for them. There is a great deal of difference betwixt the care of an owner, and the care of an hired Servant in any thing; The owner taketh a more Natural diligent care, because the whole profit of the Sheep, thriving, and doing well, returneth unto himself. The hired Servant may be careful in his measure, and degree; but no such Servant will take the care that an Owner will take; nor run the hazards that he will run, because he knoweth, that let the Flock thrive never so well, he shall have no more than the Wages he is hired for: therefore, what our Saviour saith, is true, concerning the generality of such hired Servants, they will take some care of the Flocks of Sheep in their trust, so long as there appeareth no danger; but if any danger appeareth, they leave the Sheep, and flee, and the Wolf cometh, and scattereth the Sheep.

Marginal references: Zech 11.16 17.