Definition: And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 13:4. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic passage about prophecy and its impact. Here's a simplified explanation: What it Means on the Surface: “And it shall come to pass in that day…” – This sets up a future event, a specific moment in time. “That day” is a key word here – it’s not just any day; it's a significant and important period. “[that] the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision…” – This is the core of the verse. It means that the prophets, who are meant to speak for God and reveal His will, will feel deeply ashamed because their visions (their understanding of what God wants) become distorted or difficult to handle. “…when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive.” – This explains why they’re ashamed. “He” refers back to the prophets themselves. The verse says that when they speak, their visions become clouded and misleading. They'll be forced to wear a “rough garment” – this symbolizes being dishonest or trying to trick people. In simpler terms: Imagine the prophets are like skilled artisans who can see God’s plan perfectly. They have a very clear understanding of what is right and just. But when they start to speak, their visions become confusing or even misleading. They feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable because they can't fully express what God wants them to say. What it suggests: The Danger of False Prophecy: The verse warns against prophets who are not careful in their words and interpretations. They might be trying to manipulate people with misleading information. Importance of Truth & Guidance: It highlights the need for prophets to remain truthful and guide people towards God's true will – a clear, honest message that doesn’t lead astray. Overall Significance: This verse is a warning against those who use their words and visions to deceive others. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and faithfulness in prophetic work. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Zechariah 13? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?