Definition: And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 14:4. It’s a really dramatic and symbolic passage from the Old Testament that speaks about the future destruction of Jerusalem. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it says: “In the future, God will punish Jerusalem with a devastating earthquake and fire.” Let’s unpack the details: “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives…” : This refers to Mount Olives, located near Jerusalem. It means God will be actively present near Jerusalem during this time. Think of it as a powerful, watchful presence. “…which [is] before Jerusalem on the east…” : The Mount of Olives is directly in front of Jerusalem, giving it a central and significant position. “…and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west…” : This is the key part! The mountain will split open, creating a massive valley. It’s like a giant, gaping wound. “[And there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.” : This describes the resulting valley: “A very great valley” : It's a huge, expansive space. “Half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south” : This means that most of the mountain will move away from Jerusalem, creating a significant land area that’s now separate from the city. What does this all mean? The Bible describes this as a prophecy of a future time when God is actively punishing Jerusalem for its sins. It's often interpreted as a sign of impending doom and judgment. It’s a vivid image of a catastrophic event – an earthquake and fire – that will completely destroy the city. Important Note: This verse is complex and has been debated throughout history. Different interpretations exist, but it generally signifies a devastating future event for Jerusalem. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Provide context about the historical situation surrounding this prophecy? Discuss different possible interpretations of the verse?