Definition: And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 2:4. It's a really important passage in the Bible that speaks about a future vision and a call to action. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is part of a dream or vision that Zechariah, a prophet, had. He saw a young man (likely a leader or someone important) in a city called Jerusalem. The verse basically says, “Zechariah, you need to tell this young man to go and speak to him – specifically, to tell him that the city of Jerusalem will be built and filled with people and animals.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And said unto him…” : This is Zechariah speaking directly to the person he's addressing. It's a formal command or instruction. “…Run, speak to this young man…” : Zechariah isn’t just telling him; he’s urging him to take action – to go and talk to this young man. “…saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein.” : This is the really important part. "Inhabited as towns without walls" means the city will become a huge , thriving center with plenty of people and animals. “For the multitude of men and cattle therein” signifies a massive population and abundance of livestock – it’s a picture of a prosperous, bustling place. What's the bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is working towards a future where Israel (the Jewish people) will be restored to its former glory and become a powerful nation again. It speaks about: Restoration: The city of Jerusalem being rebuilt and filled with life. Expansion: A growing population and abundance of resources. Divine Providence: God is actively working to bring this future into reality. In short, it's a message of hope and a call to action – God wants to build a prosperous and significant city for his people. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Zechariah? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what this verse might symbolize in a broader theological sense?