Definition: The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify [themselves] against Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 12:7. It’s a really important passage about protecting God’s people and maintaining peace. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “The LORD will protect the tents (or settlements/areas) of Judah first, so that the glory – meaning importance, beauty, or standing out – of the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem don’t become a problem or cause conflict.” Let's unpack that a little further: Tents of Judah: This refers to the people of Judah, which is a specific group within Israel. Think of it as their community or homeland. The Glory of the House of David & the Glory of Jerusalem: This speaks about the importance and prestige of both King David’s legacy and the city of Jerusalem – where he ruled and was revered. It suggests these places are important to God's plan for his people. Magnify [themselves] against Judah: This is the key part. “Magnify” means to become bigger, more noticeable, or to gain importance. It’s saying that if the glory of David and Jerusalem becomes too prominent, it could cause problems or conflict with Judah. What's happening? Zechariah is essentially warning about a potential situation where pride, ambition, or perhaps even something negative within Judah might threaten the peace and prosperity of the region. The Lord wants to protect these places so that they don’t become a source of trouble. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of a time when there will be conflict between different groups in Israel, and God wants to ensure that those groups stay peaceful and aligned with his will. It's about maintaining stability and avoiding disaster. In short, it’s a plea for peace and protection – God wants to safeguard the areas where his people live and thrive. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to other parts of the Bible?