Definition: And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Zechariah 12:12. It’s a pretty dramatic and poetic passage about a time of great sorrow and upheaval. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of intense suffering and separation for families connected to the powerful and historically significant family of David. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the land shall mourn…” : This suggests a general sense of sadness and despair throughout the entire region. It’s not just one specific place, but a whole area experiencing hardship. “…every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart.” : This is the core of the message. It means that all families connected to the David line – meaning those who are descendants of David himself – will be separated from each other. Specifically: “The family of the house of David…” : This refers directly to the royal family of David, the king of Israel. “…and their wives apart” : This is a key detail. It implies that these families will be separated from each other , suggesting a disruption and loss of connection. What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of impending doom or a time of great tribulation for the Jewish people. Here’s what it could symbolize: A Loss of Faith: It speaks to a loss of faith in God’s promises and a potential rejection of His guidance. Political Instability: The David family was a powerful force in ancient Israel, and this verse suggests a period where political power is shifting, causing conflict and division. A Time of Testing: It represents a time when God's people are facing significant challenges – possibly related to their history, their laws, or their future. Important Note: The exact meaning of the verse has been debated for centuries. Different interpretations exist, but it generally points to a period of great hardship and separation for those connected to the David family lineage. In short, this verse paints a picture of a deeply sorrowful time when families are separated, reflecting a significant challenge facing the Jewish people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the possible interpretations of the verse in more detail?