Definition: Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 9:4. It's a pretty dramatic and intense verse, and it speaks about a woman facing a terrible fate. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a woman who is being punished severely – essentially, she’s going to be destroyed. The Lord is taking action against her, and he's using fire as the means of destruction. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Zechariah 9:4” : This refers to a prophecy (a word or statement about the future) given to Zechariah, a prophet in ancient Jewish history. It’s a specific prediction about a woman named “her.” “Behold, the Lord will cast her out…” : This is an invitation – a call to attention. The Lord is actively taking action against this woman. It's not just that he'll consider her; he’s going to remove her from her life. “…and he will smite her power in the sea…” : This means the Lord isn't just punishing her physically – he’s also taking away her ability, strength, and influence. He's disrupting her life and making it difficult for her to thrive. Think of it like a powerful storm that disrupts everything around it. “And she shall be devoured with fire.” : This is the most frightening part. “Devoured” implies being completely consumed or destroyed – like something being swallowed whole. "Fire" symbolizes intense punishment, destruction, and often, spiritual cleansing. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This verse paints a picture of a woman facing a very serious and complete loss of everything she has. It suggests a significant challenge to her life, possibly involving betrayal, heartbreak, or some kind of profound disruption. It’s a message of intense judgment and the potential for utter devastation. Important Note: The meaning of this verse is often debated among scholars. It’s generally understood as a prophecy about a woman who has been wronged or has caused harm to others. However, it's important to remember that prophecies are open to interpretation and can have varied meanings over time. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, we could: Discuss the context of Zechariah 9:4 in the Old Testament. Explore possible interpretations of what "her" might represent (without giving away spoilers). Talk about the symbolism of fire and destruction in different cultures?