Definition: Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Zechariah 7:4. It’s a really significant and somewhat mysterious beginning to a passage about a devastating future. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is like the opening line of a story where God is speaking directly to someone – in this case, the speaker (us!). The message God is delivering is about something really big and potentially scary happening in the future. Let's unpack it word by word: "Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me..." - This is a fancy way of saying “God spoke to me.” "Lord of Hosts" means God, but it’s also a bit elevated language that suggests something important and powerful. "...saying," – This simply means God was speaking. So, the whole verse translates roughly to: "Then God came to speak to me." What does this mean ? This is where it gets interesting! The exact meaning of what God is saying isn’t explicitly stated in this single sentence. It's a key part of a larger prophecy about the future. Here are some possible interpretations – and they aren’t necessarily the only ones: A Warning: It could be a warning to us, as listeners, about impending disaster. The "me" is likely referring to the speaker or audience. A Promise: It might also be a promise of God's protection and guidance. He’s offering something – perhaps hope – even before things get really bad. An Announcement: It could simply be that God has made an announcement about what is going to happen. Important Context (Because it’s a prophecy!) This verse appears in the Book of Zechariah, which was written during a time of great upheaval and uncertainty in ancient Judah. The Jewish people were facing exile from their homeland, and there was a lot of anxiety and fear about the future. So, this verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is preparing for something significant to happen – perhaps involving the return of the Jewish people or a period of great hardship. In short: This verse sets the stage for a story filled with potential conflict and divine intervention. It’s a moment of profound seriousness from God, hinting at a future event that will impact everything. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss a specific interpretation? Connect it to another Bible passage?