Zechariah 1:16

16 Therefore, thus says Yahweh: "I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My temple^[a] will be built in it," {declares}^[b] Yahweh of hosts, "and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem." '

Zechariah 1:16 Meaning and Commentary

Zechariah 1:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord, I am returned to Jerusalem
with mercies
Having returned the people of the Jews from their captivity to Jerusalem, in which he had shown abundant mercy to them: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts;
meaning the temple where he dwelt and was worshipped; the foundation of which had been laid two months before this prophecy was delivered, ( Haggai 2:18 ) and which should be raised up and finished, notwithstanding all the opposition of the enemy, and the discouragements of the people: and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem;
to measure with it, and build by it, the wall, streets, and houses of Jerusalem. The meaning is, that not only the temple should be built, but the city likewise, and that in great order, and with great exactness and symmetry; see ( Zechariah 2:1-4 ) . The Targum paraphrases it, "upon the building of the walls of Jerusalem".

Zechariah 1:16 In-Context

14 And the angel who was talking with me said to me, "Proclaim, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of hosts: "{I am very jealous} for Jerusalem and for Zion!

15 And {I am extremely angry} with the nations that are at ease, for [while] I was a little angry, they {furthered disaster}."

16 Therefore, thus says Yahweh: "I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My temple will be built in it," {declares} Yahweh of hosts, "and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem." '

17 Proclaim again, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of hosts: "My cities shall again overflow from prosperity, and Yahweh will comfort Zion again, and he will choose Jerusalem again." '"

18 And I {looked up} and I saw, and look, [there were] four horns!

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "house"
• [b]. Literally "a declaration of"