Definition: But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Zechariah 7:11. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people are deliberately trying to block someone – or something – from hearing. It’s about a stubborn refusal to listen, even when it’s clear that they should. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "They refused to hearken..." : “Hearken” means to pay attention, to listen carefully, to hear . This suggests a deliberate act of ignoring someone or something. "...and pulled away the shoulder..." : This is metaphorical. Imagine someone trying to push away a wall. They're trying to block off space, to create distance. It’s not a physical movement, but a symbolic action of obstruction. "...and stopped their ears..." : This means they actively blocked their ability to hear. They were consciously trying to prevent the message from coming through. "...that they should not hear." : This is the core of the verse. The purpose of this blockage was not to protect someone; it was to keep them from hearing something important – likely a warning, a prophecy, or a truth that could be beneficial. What’s the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of impending doom or a difficult situation. It suggests: A Threat: The people are resisting a significant challenge or threat. Misunderstanding: They’re deliberately avoiding understanding something crucial. Obstacles to Truth: There's something important being hidden, and this act of blocking is a result of that concealment. Context - Why is this verse important? Zechariah 7:11 appears in the Book of Zechariah, which was part of Old Testament prophecies about the future destruction of Israel. It’s often seen as a warning about the impending downfall of Judah and its leaders. It foreshadows a time when people will become so focused on their own desires that they'll lose sight of God’s message and the consequences of their actions. In short, this verse describes a moment of willful obstruction – a refusal to listen to a vital truth. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Zechariah 7:11? Discuss its significance in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?