Zechariah 2

Zechariah’s Third Vision

1 And I {looked up} and I saw, and look, a man, and in his hand [was] a measuring rope!

2 And I asked, "Where [are] you going?" And he answered me, "To measure Jerusalem to see what [is] its width and what [is] its length."

3 And look, the angel who was talking to me [was] coming forward, and another angel [was] coming forward to meet him.

4 And he said to him, "Run, say to that young man, 'Jerusalem shall be inhabited {like villages without walls} because of the multitude of people and animals in its midst.

5 And I will be for it a wall of fire all around,' {declares} Yahweh, 'and I will be [the] glory in its midst.'"

6 "Woe! Woe! Flee from [the] land of [the] north," {declares} Yahweh, "for I have scattered you like [the] four winds of the heavens," {declares} Yahweh.

7 "Woe, Zion! Escape, you inhabitants of [the] daughter of Babylon!"

8 For thus said Yahweh of hosts, after glory he sent me against the nations plundering you: Truly, the one touching you [is] touching the apple of his eye.

9 "Yes, look! I [am] going to wave my hand against them, and they will become plunder for their servants, and you will know that Yahweh of hosts has sent me.

10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for look, I [am] coming and I will dwell in your midst," {declares} Yahweh.

11 "Many nations will join themselves to Yahweh on that day, and they will be my people, and I will dwell in your midst. And you will know that Yahweh of hosts has sent me to you.

12 And Yahweh will inherit Judah [as] his portion {in the holy land}, and he will again choose Jerusalem.

13 Be silent, {all people}, before Yahweh, for he is roused from {his holy dwelling}."

Zechariah 2 Commentary

Chapter 2

The prosperity of Jerusalem. (1-5) The Jews called to return to their own land. (6-9) A promise of God's presence. (10-13)

Verses 1-5 The Son of David, even the Man Christ Jesus, whom the prophet sees with a measuring line in his hand, is the Master-Builder of his church. God notices the extent of his church, and will take care that whatever number of guests are brought to the wedding-supper, there shall be room. This vision means well to Jerusalem. The walls of a city, as they defend it, so they straiten its inhabitants; but Jerusalem shall be extended as freely as if it had no walls at all, yet shall be as safe as if it had the strongest walls. In the church of God there yet is room for other multitudes, more than man can number. None shall be refused who trust in Christ; and He never shuts out from heaven one true member of the church on earth. God will be a Wall of fire round them, which can neither be broken through nor undermined, nor can it be assailed without danger to those who attack. This vision was to have its full accomplishment in the gospel church, which is extended by admitting the Gentiles into it; and which has the Son of God for its Prince and Protector; especially in the glorious times yet to come.

Verses 6-9 If God will build Jerusalem for the people and their comfort, they must inhabit it for him and his glory. The promises and privileges with which God's people are blessed, should engage us to join them, whatever it costs us. When Zion is enlarged to make room for all God's Israel, it is the greatest madness for any of them to stay in Babylon. The captivity of a sinful state is by no means to be continued in, though a man may be easy in worldly matters. Escape for thy life, look not behind thee. Christ has proclaimed that deliverance to the captives, which he has himself wrought out, and it concerns every one to resolve that sin shall not have dominion over him. Those who would be found among God's children, must save themselves from this world, see ( Acts 2:40 ) . What Christ will do for his church, shall be an evident proof of God's care and affection. He that touches you, touches the apple of his eye. This is a strong expression of God's love to his church. He takes what is done against her as done against the tenderest part of the eye, to which the least touch is a great offence. Christ is sent to be the Protector of his church.

Verses 10-13 Here is a prediction of the coming of Christ in human nature. Many nations in that day would renounce idolatry, and God will own those for his people who join him with purpose of heart. Glorious times are foretold as a prophecy of our Lord's coming and kingdom. God is about to do something unexpected, and very surprising, and to plead his people's cause, which had long seemed neglected. Silently submit to his holy will, and patiently wait the event; assured that God will complete all his work. He will ere long come to judgment, to complete the salvation of his people, and to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their sins.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "lifted up my eyes"
• [b]. Literally "[like] open regions"
• [c]. Literally "a declaration of"
• [d]. Literally "a declaration of"
• [e]. Literally "a declaration of"
• [f]. The phrase "after glory" is difficult to interpret
• [g]. Hebrew "pupil," but the expression "apple of his eye" has become well-established in English
• [h]. Literally "a declaration of"
• [i]. Literally "upon [the] land of the holiness"
• [j]. Literally "all flesh"
• [k]. Literally "the dwelling place of his holiness"

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 2

This chapter contains a prophecy of the church under the Gospel dispensation; of the largeness and numbers of it; and of its protection and glory, through the presence of God in it. In this vision a man is seen with a measuring line in his hand, to measure Jerusalem with, Zec 2:1,2 upon which an angel bids the angel that talked with the prophet to declare to him the largeness, populousness, and safety of Jerusalem, Zec 2:3-5 then follows an exhortation to the people of God to come out of Babylon, Zec 2:6,7 and then a promise of the calling of the Gentiles, and of God's gracious inhabitation in his church, which would be matter of joy to Zion; and of his inheriting Judah, and choosing Jerusalem Zec 2:8-12 and the chapter is concluded with an address to all mankind, to be silent before the Lord, since he was raised up out of his habitation, Zec 2:13.