Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which [were] in the day [that] the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 8:9. It's a really important and symbolic passage about God’s plan for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God is preparing for something HUGE – the construction of His temple. Think of it like this: “Thus saith the LORD…” : This is a powerful declaration from God, like a king speaking to his people. “…Let your hands be strong…” : God wants you to be ready and prepared. It’s urging you to be vigilant and to act wisely. “…these words by the mouth of the prophets…” : The prophets were messengers sent by God to tell people about His plans and to warn them. They were like a voice from heaven, delivering important messages. “…which [were] in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid…” : This is the key part. "The foundation of the house of the Lord of Hosts" refers to the very first place where God built His temple – a special, significant location. It’s like laying the groundwork for something truly important. What does it mean in a broader sense? God's Plan: This verse emphasizes that God has a long-term plan and is working towards a specific goal. Preparation: It’s not just about building a physical temple; it’s about preparing for a future time of great importance – a time of blessing, prosperity, and divine presence for His people. Faith & Obedience: The verse encourages us to be faithful and obedient to God's commands, as though we are participating in this grand plan. In short, it’s telling us that God is establishing something incredibly significant – a temple – and that we should be ready to participate in its creation. Think of it like this analogy: Imagine you're building a really important house. You wouldn't just start laying bricks without thinking about the foundation first, right? This verse suggests that God’s plan for His people is equally crucial; it’s the foundation upon which everything else will be built. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (like its symbolism)? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories? Give you a different interpretation of the verse?