Zechariah 2:1

1 I looked up and was surprised to see a man holding a tape measure in his hand.

Zechariah 2:1 Meaning and Commentary

Zechariah 2:1

I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked
And saw a third vision; which, as Kimchi owns, refers to the times of the Messiah; though it might be of use to the Jews then present, to encourage them to expect the rebuilding of Jerusalem, in a literal sense: and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand:
by whom is meant, not Nehemiah, nor Zerubbabel; see ( Zechariah 4:10 ) who were concerned in the building of Jerusalem; nor any mere man, nor even a created angel; for, though he may be the same with the other angel, that did not talk with the prophet, ( Zechariah 2:3 ) as Kimchi observes; seeing he seems to be superior to him that did; yet not a ministering spirit, but the Messiah, who in this book is often spoken of as a man; (See Gill on Zechariah 1:8) and by "the measuring line in his hand" may be meant eternal predestination, the Lamb's book of life, which is in his keeping; and is the measure and rule by which he proceeds in the calling, justification, and glorification of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven; or the Scriptures of truth, the measure and rule of doctrine, discipline, worship, and conversation; and according to which Christ forms, constitutes, and regulates Gospel churches; see ( Ezekiel 40:3 ) ( Revelation 11:1 ) .

Zechariah 2:1 In-Context

1 I looked up and was surprised to see a man holding a tape measure in his hand.

2 I said, "What are you up to?" "I'm on my way," he said, "to survey Jerusalem, to measure its width and length."

3 Just then the Messenger-Angel on his way out

4 and said, "Run! Tell the Surveyor, 'Jerusalem will burst its walls - bursting with people, bursting with animals.

5 And I'll be right there with her' - God's Decree - 'a wall of fire around unwalled Jerusalem and a radiant presence within.'"