Zechariah 12:6
In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:6 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Zechariah, the prophet describes a future time when the governors of Judah will be like a hearth of fire among the wood and a torch of fire in a sheaf. This imagery suggests that the leaders of Judah will be powerful and all-consuming, able to conquer and overpower those around them. The language of fire symbolizes strength, purification, and destruction, indicating that the governors will be unstoppable in their mission. They are described as devouring all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left, further emphasizing their dominance and authority. The verse also speaks of Jerusalem being inhabited again in her own place, suggesting a return to glory and stability for the city. Overall, this verse conveys a message of strength, protection, and restoration for the people of Judah and the city of Jerusalem.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse can be understood in the context of divine judgment and restoration. The image of the governors of Judah being likened to a hearth of fire and a torch of fire conveys the idea of divine power and judgment consuming all who oppose God's will. The language of devouring all the people round about signifies the complete destruction of the enemies of Jerusalem, indicating that God's sovereign rule will prevail in the face of opposition. The mention of Jerusalem being inhabited again in her own place reinforces the theme of restoration and divine protection. This verse can be seen as a promise of God's faithfulness to His people, ultimately bringing about the restoration of Jerusalem and the establishment of His kingdom in the midst of adversity. Through this imagery, we are reminded of God's power to conquer all obstacles and bring about His purposes in the world.
Zechariah 12:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
In that day will I make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour all the peoples round about, on the right hand and on the left; and [they of] Jerusalem shall yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.
World English Bible
In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.
Douay-Rheims
In that day I will make the governors of Juda like a furnace of fire amongst wood, and as a firebrand amongst hay: and they shall devour all the people round about, to the right hand, and to the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place in Jerusalem.
Geneva Bible (1599)
In that day will I make the princes of Iudah like coles of fire among the wood, and like a fire brand in the sheafe, and they shall deuoure all the people round about on the right hand, and on the left: and Ierusalem shall be inhabited againe in her owne place, euen in Ierusalem.