Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Våkn opp, sverd, du som slår mot Min Hyrde, mot Mannen, Min Nærmeste, sier Hærskarenes Herre. Slå Hyrden, og sauene skal bli spredt. Men Jeg skal la Min hånd redde de små. Det skal skje i hele landet, sier Herren, at to tredjedeler skal utryddes og forgå, men en tredjedel skal overleve. Den tredjedelen skal prøves. De må gå gjennom flammene for å se hva som skal brenne bort og hva som er ekte. Det er slik man prøver om gullet er ekte. De skal rope på Mitt navn, og Jeg skal svare dem. Jeg skal si: «Dette er Mitt folk.» Hver av dem skal si: «Herren er min Gud.»
What Does This Mean?
In Zechariah 13:7, God (the LORD of hosts) is speaking and says that he will allow his shepherd to be attacked. This means the sheep under his care will scatter. The little ones are those who will receive special attention afterward.
Explained for Children
Imagine a farmer saying, 'Let my sheepdog get hurt so all the sheep run away.' It sounds sad but sometimes things need to change before they can get better. God promises he’ll take extra good care of the young sheep later on.
Historical Background
Zechariah wrote this prophecy around 520-518 BCE, likely during the rebuilding of Jerusalem after exile. The audience was Israelites returning from Babylonian captivity, and it reflects their hope for restoration and a future messiah.
Living It Out Today
Consider a modern scenario where a school principal must leave suddenly due to unforeseen circumstances. This causes confusion among students and staff but also opens up new opportunities for growth and change within the community.