Definition: And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 10:6. It’s a really important and comforting passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s care for two specific groups of people – Judah (a large group of Israelites) and Joseph (a group of Jewish people). God is saying He will actively protect and restore these groups, even though they've been treated harshly. Let’s break it down word by word: “Zechariah 10:6” : This refers to a specific prophecy or vision given by Zechariah, a prophet in the Old Testament. “And I will strengthen the house of Judah…” : This means God is going to help and protect the people of Judah – that’s a group of Israelites who were often treated unfairly under King Jehoiathan. "Strengthen" here implies making them more secure and resilient. “…and I will save the house of Joseph…” : This refers to a specific group of Jewish people, known as Joseph. They were known for their wisdom and ability to lead, but they were often neglected and mistreated. “And I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off…” : This is the core of the verse’s meaning. God is offering forgiveness and a chance for reconciliation. It's saying, "I'm not going to leave them alone. I will actively work to help them." The phrase “as though I had not cast them off” suggests that God feels sympathy for them because of their history. “For I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.” : This is a powerful statement of God’s commitment. It means: "I am the Lord, who is watching over you all. And I will listen to what you have to say." In simpler terms, it's about God's continued care and protection for the people of Judah and Joseph, promising them a chance for restoration and reconciliation. What does this tell us about God? This verse speaks to God’s: Mercy: He doesn’t just punish; He offers forgiveness. Protection: He actively defends his people. Care: He is intensely concerned for their well-being. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story of God's faithfulness and His relationship with the Israelites throughout history, showing that even after periods of hardship, God remains committed to helping them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story from the Bible? Discuss its significance in the context of other parts of Scripture?