Zechariah 2:1

A Vision of a Man Holding a Measuring Line

1 Then I looked up and saw a man. He was holding a measuring line.

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 Then I looked up and saw a man. He was holding a measuring line.

2 "Where are you going?" I asked. "To measure Jerusalem," he answered. "I want to find out how wide and how long it is."

3 Then the angel who was talking with me left. Another angel came over to him.

4 He said to him, "Run! Tell that young man Zechariah, 'Jerusalem will be like a city that does not have any walls around it. It will have huge numbers of people and animals in it.

5 And I myself will be like a wall of fire around it,' announces the Lord. 'I will be the city's glory.' "