Definition: Your fathers, where [are] they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 1:5. It’s a really important question that gets to the heart of God’s plan for Israel. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is asking God, “Where are my ancestors? And where are the prophets? Are they still alive?” It’s about understanding God’s purpose and how He will deal with them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Your fathers, where are they?” – This refers to the Israelites in Egypt. They were enslaved and suffering under a harsh rule. The verse is asking, "Where did my ancestors go?" “And the prophets, do they live for ever?” – This is the big question. The prophets were God’s messengers who warned about the coming of Israel's doom, and they also called people to repentance and faith. The verse is asking: “Are the prophets still alive? Do they continue to speak to us?" What it suggests: God’s Plan is Complete: This verse implies that God has a complete plan for his chosen people. He's not just looking at the past; he’s also considering what will happen now . A Time of Judgment is Coming: The phrase "where are they?" hints that there’s an impending crisis, a time when Israel will be brought out of slavery and faced with God's judgment. God’s Will is Being Fulfilled: The verse suggests that God isn’t just passively watching events unfold; He’s actively working to bring about the fulfillment of his purposes, even if it means hardship for those he has chosen. In short, Zechariah 1:5 is a question about God's relationship with his ancestors and the continued work of His messengers. It speaks to a future time when Israel will be liberated and God’s plan will be fully realized. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Zechariah? Discuss the significance of this passage in the context of the Old Testament? Explore what it might mean for our lives today?