Definition: And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Verse 8 from Zechariah 7:8. It’s a really important and often-quoted passage that speaks about God’s message to someone named Zechariah. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is communicating with Zechariah, and He's telling him something significant – a message of warning and hope. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah…” This means God was speaking to Zechariah, and sending a message through Him. "Word of the Lord" is just a general way of saying God's communication. “…saying” – This simply indicates that God was speaking. So, what’s the message? The core of this verse is about warning and hope . It’s telling Zechariah that God has a serious concern for him. Here's a simplified interpretation: Warning: God is alerting Zechariah to something potentially bad or dangerous. He’s letting him know there’s a threat looming, perhaps related to his position or responsibilities. Hope: Despite the warning, God also offers hope. It’s saying that even though there's a problem, God is still in control and has a plan for things to work out. In essence, it’s a message of caution with an underlying promise of deliverance. It suggests that God is watching over Zechariah and will ultimately protect him. Context is Key (Important Note): This verse appears in the Book of Zechariah, which is part of the Old Testament. It's often used to illustrate a sense of divine judgment or impending disaster. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., what kind of “threat” might be implied?) Give you some examples of how this verse is used in the Bible? Discuss the historical and cultural context surrounding this passage?