Definition: Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 11:8. It's a really powerful and somewhat mysterious verse from the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of intense hardship and punishment for those who were involved in a specific group of people – primarily shepherds – in ancient times. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Three shepherds also I cut off…” : This refers to a group of leaders and officials, likely connected to the establishment of Israel. They were entrusted with protecting the Israelites and guiding them. “…in one month” : This is crucial. It means this punishment was immediately and completely inflicted within a single month. It wasn’t a gradual process; it happened all at once. “my soul lothed them…” : “Lothed” means to severely punish or inflict harm. The verse suggests the punishment was brutal and deeply distressing. It's not just about a minor inconvenience – it was a significant, painful experience for those involved. “and their soul also abhorred me.” : This is the most important part. The people involved suffered immensely, and they were driven to hatred towards the person who inflicted this punishment. It indicates a deep sense of betrayal, anger, and possibly fear. What’s the Significance? This passage is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of God's judgment on those who prioritized their own interests over the well-being of others – particularly the Israelites. It highlights: God’s Justice: It shows that God has a very serious and uncompromising view of justice, and he doesn’t tolerate wrongdoing. Divine Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that God is in control and has the power to punish those who defy him. The Importance of Trust: It underscores how crucial it is to trust in God and to be accountable for our actions. Important Note: The exact details of who these "three shepherds" were, and why they were punished, are debated among scholars. It's likely a symbolic representation of a significant period of rebellion or disobedience within the Israelite community. In short, this verse speaks to a moment of extreme punishment delivered by God in response to a specific act of wrongdoing, leading to profound suffering and hatred. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you a historical context for the passage? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?