Book of Zechariah - Chapter 8 - Verse 18

When the verse 'And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,' appears in the text, it signifies the moment when the prophet received a direct message from God. In this context, the phrase "the word of the LORD of hosts" refers to the divine communication or revelation from God himself. The use of the term "hosts" emphasizes God's authority and power over all creation, including heavenly beings and earthly armies. Therefore, when this phrase is mentioned, it indicates that what follows is a message or command directly from the Almighty. Throughout the Bible, the phrase is often used to preface important prophecies, instructions, or warnings from God to His people. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of paying attention to His word. For those reading the biblical text verse by verse, this phrase serves as a cue to pause and contemplate the significance of the upcoming message as the divine revelation is about to be delivered.

The phrase "the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying," is a common formula found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books. In this verse, the phrase highlights the divine origin of the message that follows, indicating that the prophet is receiving a direct communication from God. The phrase "the LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all creation, signifying that the message being conveyed is not merely human in origin but is rooted in the authority of the Almighty. Through this phrase, the prophet is called to speak on behalf of God, delivering His message to the people. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of listening to and obeying the word of God, recognizing that it is a source of truth and guidance for His people.