Definition: In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 12:6. It's a pretty dramatic and hopeful prophecy – essentially, it describes a future event with a very significant outcome. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about a time when God is going to punish those who are leading Judah (a region of Israel) with extreme force. It envisions a massive, destructive event where these leaders will be consumed by a fiery and relentless attack. Let’s unpack the imagery: “In that day…” : This sets the scene – it's about to happen in the future, specifically in a specific time. “…will make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf…” : This is where the imagery really comes into play. Think of it this way: “An Hearth of Fire” : This suggests a burning, intense, and powerful force – something that will quickly consume everything. It's not just a small blaze; it’s a massive, rapid burn. “…among the wood” : This implies a forceful, overwhelming attack. “…like a torch of fire in a sheaf” : This is a more symbolic image. A sheaf is like a harvest – it represents bounty and prosperity. So, this means the attackers are coming with a devastating amount of power and destruction. “They shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left…” : This is the key part of the prophecy. It describes a total and overwhelming assault. “…devour all the people around about” : This means they will actively wipe out everything – not just destroy things, but completely eliminate them. “On the right hand and on the left” : This emphasizes that it’s not just a random attack; it's a deliberate and relentless assault from multiple directions. “…and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.” : This is the ultimate outcome – a complete reversal of what happened before. “In her own place” : This refers back to the city of Jerusalem, which was destroyed in the past. “[Even] in Jerusalem” : This emphasizes that this destruction will be complete and that the restoration of the city (Jerusalem) is a fundamental part of what's happening. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a time of great upheaval and impending disaster. It suggests that those who are in charge of Judah are about to become victims of a terrible, unstoppable force – likely driven by their own ambition or perhaps even malice. It’s a warning about the potential for corruption and destruction within leadership. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many layers of meaning. It's often interpreted as a prediction of a time of great conflict and ultimately, restoration. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on general interpretations of biblical texts. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about the symbolism behind the imagery? Would you like me to explain a particular part in more detail?