Definition: And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Zechariah 14:12. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about judgment coming on those who have fought against Jerusalem. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core of the Verse: This verse describes a devastating plague – a widespread illness or destruction – specifically targeting the people who have attacked Jerusalem. It’s essentially a divine punishment for war. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem…” - This sets the stage: God is about to unleash a terrible judgment upon those who have rebelled or attacked Jerusalem. It’s a direct consequence of their actions. “…Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet…” – This means the plague will attack people while they are standing upright . This suggests it's a focused attack, not just spreading randomly. "...and their eyes shall consume away in their holes…” - This is a gruesome image. It implies that the plague will target the eyes of those who have fought against Jerusalem. The "holes" could be interpreted as wounds or damage caused by the conflict. "...and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.” – This is perhaps the most shocking part. It suggests the plague will attack the people's tongues, causing them to lose their ability to speak or communicate. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of utter devastation and destruction. The plague isn’t just about physical illness; it’s a judgment delivered by God on those who have caused conflict and rebellion. It speaks to the idea that war will be punished, and the consequences of fighting will be severe. Important Context: It's crucial to remember this verse is found in a context of prophecy – a vision of future events. The Jewish people were facing a great threat from Babylon, and this verse was part of a larger plan to ensure their ultimate destruction. Disclaimer: This explanation is based on common interpretations of the text within biblical scholarship. It's important to approach these kinds of passages with sensitivity and understanding of the historical and religious context. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why is this verse considered so disturbing? What does it say about God's perspective on warfare? How does this relate to other biblical prophecies?