Definition: And it shall come to pass, [that] as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, [but] let your hands be strong.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Zechariah 8:13. It’s a really powerful message about hope and protection. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “Even though you are facing a difficult situation or a challenge that hurts others, I will come to your rescue and help you.” It's a promise of salvation and protection. Let’s break it down word by word: “And it shall come to pass…” : This sets up a prophecy – something is going to happen. It’s not just happening right now, but will unfold in the future. “…as ye were a curse among the heathen…” : This refers to a time when people were causing harm or trouble to others – perhaps through war, conflict, or spreading negativity. “Heathen” means foreign peoples or outsiders. It’s about a period of disruption and wrongdoing. “O house of Judah, and house of Israel…” : This identifies two groups: the Israelites (from the Old Testament) and Judah (a specific Jewish group). It's recognizing that they were in trouble together. “…so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing:” This is the key part – I will rescue you! “Save you” means to protect you from harm or difficulty. "A blessing" means to bring good things into the world and offer something positive. “Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” : This is a direct command: Don't be afraid, but act with strength in the face of this challenge. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Zechariah 8:13 is about hope and reassurance. It’s saying that God sees you through difficult times and will intervene to protect you. It’s a message of comfort and encouragement – even when things seem hopeless, there's a promise of help from above. The verse urges believers to remain steadfast in faith and action, knowing that God is actively involved in their lives. In short, it’s a call to trust in God, be strong in the face of adversity, and know that He will protect you. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss its significance within the context of the Old Testament?