Definition: Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 10:3. It's a really important and complex passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step to make it understandable. Here’s what it means, explained simply: “Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds…” : This is the beginning of the problem. Zechariah (a prophet) says he felt anger – a strong feeling of displeasure or resentment – towards the shepherds. He wasn't just annoyed; he felt a deep, burning anger. "...and I punished the goats…” : This is where it gets more symbolic. The “goats” aren’t literal goats. They represent the people of Judah (which means Israel in Jewish tradition). Zechariah says he punished them – this suggests a harsh and serious response to their wrongdoings. “for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah…” : This is the core of the message. “The house of Judah” refers to the Jewish people, specifically the tribe of Benjamin, who were known for being rebellious and prone to wandering away from God’s instructions. “Has visited” means that God has appeared or visited them. "...and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.” : This is a very powerful metaphor. “Goodly horse” suggests a powerful, well-equipped army – a nation fighting for its faith and loyalty to God. It’s like preparing for a major conflict. So, putting it all together: Zechariah was feeling extremely angry at the shepherds because they were leading people astray. He used this anger as a way to punish them harshly. God, in his sight, has now visited the Jewish people (specifically the tribe of Benjamin), and he’s preparing them for a major battle – a conflict against their own rebellious ways. Important Context: This is part of a larger prophecy about the future. The Bible often uses symbolic language to describe events that are yet to happen. The verse suggests a time when God will be very serious with his people, and they will face a significant challenge. In essence, this verse paints a picture of a moment of intense divine judgment and preparation for a larger conflict. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the Bible as a whole? Offer a different perspective on the meaning of the verse?