Zacharias 1:16

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord: I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; and my house shall be rebuilt in her, saith the Lord Almighty, and a measuring line shall yet be stretched out over Jerusalem.

Zacharias 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".

Zacharias 1:16 In-Context

14 And the angel that spoke with me said to me, Cry out and say, Thus saith the Lord Almighty; I have been jealous for Jerusalem and Sion with great jealousy.

15 And I am very angry with the heathen that combine to attack : forasmuch as I indeed was a little angry, but they combined to attack for evil.

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord: I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; and my house shall be rebuilt in her, saith the Lord Almighty, and a measuring line shall yet be stretched out over Jerusalem.

17 And the angel that spoke with me said to me, Cry yet, and say, Thus saith the Lord Almighty; Yet shall cities be spread abroad through prosperity; and the Lord shall yet have mercy upon Sion, and shall choose Jerusalem.

18 And I lifted up mine eyes and looked, and behold four horns.