Definition: The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 4:9. It's a really important verse in Jewish tradition, and it speaks about God’s plan for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that he (God) has already started building the Temple. He’s done the initial groundwork – laying the foundation – and he's going to continue working on it, finishing the job. He’s giving you a clear sign that he is actively involved in this project. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation…” : This refers to Zerubbabel, a Jewish leader who played a key role in leading the rebuilding effort after a long period of neglect. He was essentially bringing the community back together and starting the process. "Hands" here means action and work. “…his hands shall also finish it…” : This is the crucial part! God promises that he will continue to work on it, finishing the job he started. It’s not a one-time effort; it's an ongoing project. "...and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.” : This is a blessing, or a promise, from God. He’s saying: "You will understand that I (God) have chosen you to be a witness and to receive this gift." It's essentially a way of acknowledging your importance and giving you a special role in the rebuilding of the Temple. In short: This verse emphasizes God’s active involvement in the rebuilding of the Temple and his commitment to see it through to completion. It's a message of hope and reassurance that God is working powerfully in our lives, guiding us towards this important task. Why is this significant? Jewish Tradition: This passage was a central part of Jewish tradition for centuries, linking the rebuilding of the Temple to divine guidance and blessing. Biblical Significance: It’s an important moment in Jewish history where God initiated a major undertaking – building a place of worship dedicated to him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its historical context? Answer any specific questions you have about it?