Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 1:16. It's a really important and symbolic passage about God’s return to a specific place and a promise of restoration. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “The LORD is returning to Jerusalem, and He is bringing back goodness and peace.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Therefore thus saith the LORD” : This is God speaking directly to us. It's like a message from him. “I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies” : "Mercy" means forgiveness, compassion, and kindness. So, God is returning to Jerusalem – a place of importance in Jewish tradition – because He wants to show mercy and kindness. It’s about restoring something that was lost or damaged. “My house shall be built in it” : This is the core of the message. “House” here refers to God's temple, which is a sacred place where he lives and interacts with his people. Building a house signifies creation, growth, and fulfillment – essentially, God’s presence and purpose being restored. “Sayeth the LORD of hosts” : This is a formal way of saying "The LORD says." It adds a sense of authority and importance to the statement. “and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem” : This is a really powerful image. A “line” represents a pathway, a connection, or a stretching out. It suggests that God's presence will be actively extending itself across Jerusalem – meaning He will be present and influencing everything within its boundaries. It also implies a sense of growth and expansion. What does this all mean in the context of the Bible? This verse is often interpreted as a message about: God’s return to a specific place: The story of Zechariah 1:16 is connected to the fall of Jerusalem in Jewish history, and it's seen as a symbolic return to a holy land. Restoration and Healing: It speaks to God’s desire to heal and restore something broken or lost. It suggests that He is working towards a time when everything will be whole again. Hope for the Future: The verse offers hope – a promise of restoration, peace, and fulfillment. In short, it's a hopeful message about God’s return and the restoration of His presence in the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its significance within Jewish tradition? Give you a more detailed explanation of any particular element (like "mercies" or “line”)?