Definition: Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 13:7. It's a really powerful and complex passage, but we can understand it at its core. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about protection and responsibility. It’s saying God is concerned with you – specifically with your well-being – and he wants to protect you from harm, especially from someone who isn't fulfilling his role as your shepherd. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Zechariah 13:7” : This refers to a specific prophecy given by Zechariah, a priest in the court of King Hezekiah in ancient Israel. “Awake, O sword…” : This is a metaphorical "call to action." The “sword” represents God’s power and judgment. It's saying, “You are ready to defend yourself.” “…against my shepherd…” : This is the core of the verse. Zechariah is saying, “Your shepherd – that’s God – needs someone to protect him.” The shepherd is a leader who guides and cares for his flock (people). "...and against the man [that is] my fellow…” : This continues to emphasize the focus on you . It's not just about protecting him ; it’s about protecting you from someone like him . “Man” in this context refers to anyone who isn't a trusted, loving leader. “Saith the LORD of hosts:” This is a formal way of saying "God speaks." This adds weight and authority to the statement. "...smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered:" : God is telling you to actively attack or punish this person who isn’t fulfilling his role. He wants to disrupt their leadership and cause chaos. The “sheep” represent people – your family, friends, community, etc., that are dependent on you. “And I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” : This is a very serious part of the verse. It’s saying that if you don’t act, God will use this person to harm or even kill innocent people – particularly those who are vulnerable (like children). It's a threat of violence and retribution against anyone who causes harm. What it means on a deeper level: This verse speaks to the importance of accountability. It warns us that we must be vigilant, protect ourselves, and don’t become complacent while someone isn’t fulfilling their responsibilities. It's about recognizing that everyone has a role to play in society and that those who fail to fulfill their duties are potentially dangerous. In short: God is calling you to stand up for yourself and protect your well-being from someone who isn't trustworthy or responsible, even if it means taking action against them – potentially with consequences for others. --- Resources for Further Exploration: [Wikipedia - Zechariah 13:7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_13%227#:~:text=The%20verse%20is%20a%20prophecy,regarding%20the%20coming%20of%20judgment.) [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read?search=Zechariah+13:7) (Allows you to read the verse in multiple translations) Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Talk about its historical context? Discuss how this verse relates to other Bible stories or teachings?