Definition: For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 2:8. It's a pretty serious and somewhat dramatic verse from the Old Testament. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning about a serious threat to God’s people – specifically, to humanity. It says that God has sent someone to punish those who have wronged or damaged His people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For thus saith the LORD of hosts…” : This immediately sets the tone – it's a powerful and authoritative statement from God. “…After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you…” : This is the core of the message. "The glory" refers to God’s power and favor. He sent someone, meaning he chose to intervene. “Spoiled you” means that those who have been hurting or damaging people (and perhaps the world) are now in trouble. “For he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” : This is a very strong metaphor. "The apple of his eye" is an idiom meaning something incredibly precious and valuable to someone – like a child’s eye. So, this verse means God is protecting His own most sacred and valuable thing – His people. If anyone touches that thing, they are harming it! What does it mean in a nutshell? It's telling us that those who have been causing harm and destruction to others will face severe consequences. It’s a judgment from God, and he is actively intervening to protect His followers. Important Context (Briefly): This verse appears in the Book of Zechariah, which was part of a larger prophecy about the end times. It's often interpreted as a sign that the time for humanity to repent and turn back to God is coming. In short, it’s a warning about the consequences of wrongdoing and a reminder of God's protection over His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this passage (like its symbolism)? Answer any further questions you have about it?