Definition: When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zechariah 9:13. It's a really complex and poetic passage, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s what it means, broken down piece by piece: The Overall Context: This verse comes from a vision Zechariah saw about 70 years before the time of Jesus. He was receiving a prophecy that described a future conflict between Israel and its neighbors (Ephraim, Greece, and ultimately, Rome). It’s a significant part of the Old Testament and speaks about a period of great turmoil and potential destruction. Let's unpack each phrase: “When I have bent Judah for me…” – This refers to the Jewish people, specifically their rebellion or division. "Judah" is a specific place in the Hebrew Bible, representing the tribe of Benjamin. The word “bent” means to bend or to be weakened. It suggests a turning away from God and towards something less righteous. “…filled the bow with Ephraim…” – “Bow” here refers to a large, fortified city, likely Jerusalem. "Ephraim" was a significant city in ancient times that was later conquered and occupied by Romans. So, this part emphasizes a period of conflict and oppression within Israel. “and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece…” – This is the most complex part. “Zion” is a symbolic name for Jerusalem, the city of God. “Thy sons” refers to the descendants of Abraham and Isaac, who were promised land in Canaan (the Promised Land). “O Zion” means "Jerusalem." The verse says that these sons are being called upon to fight against their own children – Ephraim and Greece. This is a powerful metaphor for a war between people and their own communities. “…and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.” – This is the most striking part. It's comparing Israel to a powerful weapon, like a sword. The word “made” means "created." This suggests that these sons are being called upon to fight against their own people and their own traditions in a way that’s incredibly forceful and destructive. It implies a war of conquest and domination. Overall Interpretation – A Warning & a Call to Action The verse as a whole is a warning about the potential for conflict and destruction within Israel. It's saying that God is calling out to the people to rise up against their own divisions, their own weaknesses, and ultimately, their own enemies. It’s urging them to be strong and unified – to fight against those who are trying to undermine them. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of a devastating war that will eventually lead to the destruction of Israel and the rise of Rome. However, it's also important to remember that this was written in a time of great uncertainty and anxiety, and its meaning has been debated throughout history. --- To help me explain this verse further or address your specific questions, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand better about the verse? (e.g., the historical context, the symbolism, its meaning?) Are there any particular aspects of the verse that you're curious about?