Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 8:23. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage in the Bible, and it speaks about a significant shift in the future. Here's what it means, explained in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is actively and decisively choosing to gather a group of people – specifically Jewish people – to join him. It’s not just a casual gathering; it’s a deliberate and purposeful act. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is a very formal way of saying “God speaks.” It emphasizes that this is a serious message from God. “…In those days [it shall come to pass]…” : This sets a time frame – it’s talking about future events . It's not something that's happening right now; it’s going to happen later. “Ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him who is a Jew…” : This is the core of the message. “Ten men” refers to a specific group of people – likely a small band of leaders and influential figures. They are actively trying to reach out to Jewish people. The phrase "take hold of the skirt of him who is a Jew" is metaphorical, suggesting they’re reaching out to those who are listening or open to hearing God's word. “saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.” : This is the crucial part. They aren't just observing people; they’re actively seeking to join them and to be associated with God. They are proclaiming that God is present with them, offering support and companionship. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of impending great change – perhaps a time when God is actively working to bring about a restoration or a new era. It’s about God choosing to be involved with his people and establishing a connection with them again. It speaks of a turning point where God will move forward in a powerful way. Important Note: The exact details of what this "ten men" are and why they're taking action are not fully clear in the original text. It's a prophetic message, meaning it’s meant to be understood within a specific context and to inspire hope for the future. In short, Verse 8:23 is a powerful declaration that God is actively working to bring about a significant shift in history – a gathering of people who will join him and experience his presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to specific events or biblical stories? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse?