Definition: And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 14:5 together. It's a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible that speaks about impending doom. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is telling us about a massive future disaster – a catastrophic event that will destroy the entire nation of Israel. Let’s unpack the parts: “And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains…” This isn't just about running away from something; it means fleeing to a safe, secluded place – a mountainous area. The word “valley” is a symbolic representation of safety and refuge. “…for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal:” This is where it gets really intense. "Azal" is a place that’s described as being very far away, almost beyond sight. It's a remote, desolate area. So, the valley is so large and isolated that it will stretch all the way to this distant location. “Yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah:” This is the key part connecting it to a specific event in history. The verse says that before this disaster, there was a huge earthquake in Judah (a region of Israel). Uzziah was a king who had recently destroyed several enemy kings – and this earthquake was a significant event that was happening around the time of this verse. The phrase “like as ye fled…” emphasizes that the fleeing is exactly like the action they took before the earthquake. It’s a parallel between the immediate danger and the future devastation. “and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.” This is the most important part – it promises a divine intervention. The Lord (God) is coming to rescue us. And all of the believers (everyone who follows God) will be with Him. This suggests that God is actively protecting his people and offering them a future of safety and deliverance. In a nutshell, this verse speaks about a terrible judgment coming on Israel, but it’s also a promise of divine protection and salvation. Important Context: The book of Zechariah is filled with prophecies about the end times. This verse is often interpreted as a prediction of God's ultimate victory over evil and destruction. Does this mean we know exactly what will happen? Not necessarily. It’s more of a warning and an assurance that God is in control and will ultimately prevail. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be understood as one perspective. If you need deeper understanding, consulting with a religious leader or scholar would be beneficial. Would you like me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind the valley of the mountains?