Zechariah 2

Zechariah 2:1-13 . THIRD VISION. The man with the measuring-line.

The city shall be fully restored and enlarged ( Zechariah 2:2-5 ). Recall of the exiles ( Zechariah 2:6 Zechariah 2:7 ). Jehovah will protect His people and make their foes a spoil unto them ( Zechariah 2:8 Zechariah 2:9 ). The nations shall be converted to Jehovah, as the result of His dwelling manifestly amidst His people ( Zechariah 2:10-13 ).

1. man with a measuring-line--the same image to represent the same future fact as in Ezekiel 40:3 Ezekiel 40:41 Ezekiel 40:42 . The "man" is Messiah the Author of its coming restoration. Thus the Jews are encouraged in Zechariah's time to proceed with the building. Still more so shall they be hereby encouraged in the future restoration.

2. To measure Jerusalem--(Compare Revelation 11:1 , Revelation 21:15 Revelation 21:16 ).
to see what is the breadth . . . what is the length--rather, "what is to be the due breadth and length."

3. angel that talked with me . . . another angel--The interpreting angel is met by another angel sent by the measuring Divine Angel to "run" to Zechariah ( Zechariah 2:4 ). Those who perform God's will must not merely creep, nor walk, but run with alacrity.
went forth--namely, from me (Zechariah).
went out--from the measuring angel.

4. this young man--So Zechariah is called as being still a youth when prophetically inspired [GROTIUS]. Or, he is so called in respect to his ministry or service (compare Numbers 11:27 , Joshua 1:1 ) [VATABLUS]. Naturally the "angel that talked with" Zechariah is desired to "speak to" him the further communications to be made from the Divine Being.
towns without walls for the multitude . . . Cattle--So many shall be its inhabitants that all could not be contained within the walls, but shall spread out in the open country around ( Esther 9:19 ); and so secure shall they be as not to need to shelter themselves and their cattle behind walls. So hereafter Judea is to be "the land of unwalled villages" ( Ezekiel 38:11 ). Spiritually, now the Church has extended herself beyond the walls ( Ephesians 2:14 Ephesians 2:15 ) of Mosaic ordinances and has spread from cities to country villages, whose inhabitants gave their Latin name (pagani) to pagans, as being the last in parting with heathenism.

5. I . . . wall of fire round--Compare Zechariah 2:4 . Yet as a city needs some wall, I JEHOVAH will act as one of fire which none durst approach ( Zechariah 9:8 , Isaiah 26:1 ).
glory in the midst--not only a defense from foes outside, but a glory within ( Isaiah 60:19 , Revelation 21:23 ). The same combination of "glory and defense" is found in Isaiah 4:5 , alluding to the pillar of cloud and fire which defended and enlightened Israel in the desert. Compare Elisha in Dothan ( 2 Kings 6:17 ). As God is to be her "glory," so she shall be His "glory" ( Isaiah 62:3 ).