Definition: Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Zechariah 1:3. It’s a really important message about God’s relationship with us. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it’s a call to repentance and a promise of change. Here's a breakdown: "Therefore say unto them..." : This is God speaking directly to a group of people – likely leaders or those he chooses to guide. "...Thus saith the LORD of hosts..." : This means God is speaking with authority and seriousness. “Lord of Hosts” is a way of saying, "God is the one who holds all power." "...and I will turn unto you..." : This is the core of the message. God wants to revert or change his relationship with those people. He's offering a new path and a new direction. " saith the LORD of hosts" : This is a formal way of saying "God speaks." It emphasizes that this is a significant declaration from God. So, what does it really mean? It’s telling people to: 1. Listen to Him: God is calling out to them. 2. Change Their Ways: He wants them to turn away from something (likely wrong behavior or a negative path) and look to him instead. 3. Trust in Him: He promises to change himself – to be good and kind, and to work for their benefit. In short, it’s a powerful message of God's love and the opportunity for redemption. It’s about turning from something wrong and moving towards goodness and a relationship with God. Does that make sense? Would you like me to explain any part of this in more detail, or perhaps discuss its significance within the larger context of the Bible?