Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 8:19. It's a really important message about how we should live our lives. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to prioritize joy and happiness – especially when it comes to things related to the Jewish community of Judah (which includes parts of modern-day Israel and Palestine). It's urging them to focus on these fasts as a time for celebration and togetherness. Let’s break it down word by word: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts” : This is a way of saying “The Lord speaks.” It emphasizes that this is a serious message from God. “The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth…” : This refers to seven specific periods of fasting – essentially, seven days of abstinence from food and drink. These are marked in Hebrew as the Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, and Tenth Fasts. “shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts” : This is the core of the message. It means that during these fasts, people should feel happy and excited . "House of Judah" refers specifically to a group of Jewish people in ancient Jerusalem. The idea is that these fasts will be times for celebrating, sharing good news, and enjoying life together. “Therefore love the truth and peace” : This is the final instruction. The verse encourages us to value truth (understanding things correctly) and peace (harmony and tranquility). Putting it all together: The verse is saying that God wants his people to engage in seven fasts – these are not punishments, but opportunities for a joyful and peaceful time with each other. It’s encouraging us to embrace these periods of fasting, focusing on happiness, togetherness, and truthfulness. Why is this important? This passage reflects a historical context where the Jewish people faced challenges and hardship. It's a reminder that even in difficult times, it’s possible to find joy and peace through community and spiritual reflection. It also speaks to the importance of maintaining faith and hope amidst adversity. In short: This verse is urging the people of Judah to embrace these fasts as a time for celebration, unity, and a focus on truth and peace – which ultimately leads to a happier life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Compare it to other biblical teachings about fasting or repentance?