Definition: And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 3:2. It's a really significant and somewhat dramatic passage in the Bible, and it speaks to a conflict between God and Satan. Here’s a simplified explanation: What’s Happening? Zechariah is speaking to Satan: The prophet Zechariah is addressing the powerful adversary of God, Satan. God is directly confronting Satan: It's not just a general warning; God is saying specifically that Satan has been chosen and is being punished. “The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan…” – This means God is clearly declaring that Satan is in trouble, and he’s being singled out for punishment. “…even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” – This is the crucial part. “The Lord” refers to God himself. The phrase “that hath chosen Jerusalem” means God has specifically chosen Jerusalem as his focus for punishment, and it’s now being targeted by God. What Does It Mean? This verse speaks to a period of intense conflict between God and Satan in the Old Testament. Here's what it suggests: Satan is causing trouble: The verse implies that Satan is actively working against God and disrupting His plans. He’s not just being a rebellious force; he’s actively trying to cause chaos and opposition. God is intensely focused on him: The fact that God is directly addressing him with punishment highlights the seriousness of the situation. It's not just a casual conversation; it’s a deliberate, forceful condemnation. It's a harsh judgment: The phrase “brand plucked out of the fire” suggests a very severe and painful punishment for Satan. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; this is a significant act of divine wrath. In Essence: This verse paints a picture of a battle between God and evil, where God is taking a firm and uncompromising stance against Satan's opposition. It’s a moment of intense judgment and a clear indication that Satan is being held accountable for his actions. Important Note: The context of this verse is within the larger narrative of the fall of humanity and the struggle between good and evil in the story of Genesis. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain a particular symbol or imagery associated with the verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to other Bible stories about conflict between God and evil?