Definition: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 3:7. It's a pretty powerful statement about responsibility and God’s plan for us. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “If you want to be truly blessed and live a good life, you need to follow God’s rules and principles, and you also have the right to judge and oversee things within your community.” Let's unpack it word-by-word a bit: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts”: This is just a way of saying “God speaks” or “the Lord says.” “If thou wilt walk in my ways”: This means you need to live according to God’s teachings and values. It's about aligning your actions with what He wants for you. “and if thou wilt keep my charge”: This is the core of the verse – it means you need to obey God’s commands and rules. It’s about being faithful and following His will. “then thou shalt also judge my house”: This suggests that God expects us to be responsible for our actions and to maintain order within our community (whether it's a family, a church, or society). It implies accountability. “and shalt also keep my courts”: This refers to the laws of righteousness and justice – making sure things are fair and correct. “I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by”: This is the most important part! God is offering you a purpose – a role to play within His community, where you’re expected to be involved and responsible for ensuring things are right. He's giving you opportunities to fulfill your role as a steward of His kingdom. In short, it’s about being a good, responsible person who is accountable to God and his plan. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about actively living those rules and being trusted to maintain order. What does this mean for us today? This verse reminds us that we are called to be more than just followers; we're called to be active participants in God's plan, striving to live a life that reflects His character and purpose. It encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and to work towards a righteous community. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some examples of how to follow God’s ways in your own life?