Definition: And [men] shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from the Book of Zechariah! It's a really powerful message about hope and future peace. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a future time where God will protect Jerusalem (which is often understood as the location of the city of Jerusalem) from destruction. It’s saying that even though there will be terrible things happening to Jerusalem, God will ultimately safeguard it and make it safe for people to live in it. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And [men] shall dwell…” : This is a bit tricky. It doesn’t mean just people – it means the entire community of Jerusalem. Think of it as a whole city, with its people, its leaders, and its history. “…and there shall be no more utter destruction…” : This part is really crucial. "Utter destruction" means total devastation – complete loss of life, property, and everything. It's the worst possible thing that could happen. "...but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.” : This is the core message. Jerusalem will not be destroyed. Instead, it will be safe and comfortable for its people to live in. It’s being protected by God. What does this mean practically? This verse is often interpreted as a promise of eventual peace and restoration for Jerusalem. It speaks to the idea that God intends to restore his people to their homeland after a period of hardship. It's a message of hope and reassurance about the future. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible, and it’s often connected to events leading up to the fall of Babylon (a powerful empire). However, its primary focus is on God's protection and restoration for his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you a little context about the book of Zechariah? Compare it to another Bible passage?