Zechariah 1:16

16 Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD 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 Then the angel who was speaking with me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,

15 but I am fiercely angry with the nations that are at ease. For I was a little angry, but they have added to the calamity. ’

16 Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’

17 Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”

18 Then I looked up and saw four horns.