Zecharyah 1:16

16 Therefore thus saith Hashem: I am returning to Yerushalayim with rachamim; My Beis [Hamikdash] shall be rebuilt in her [Yerushalayim], saith Hashem Tzva’os; and a measuring line shall be stretched forth upon Yerushalayim.

Zecharyah 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".

Zecharyah 1:16 In-Context

14 So the malach that communed with me said unto me, Preach, saying, Thus saith Hashem Tzva’os; I have been jealous for Yerushalayim and for Tziyon with a kina gedolah (great jealousy).

15 And I am very angry with the Goyim that are [self] secure; for I was but a little angry, and they added to the ra’ah.

16 Therefore thus saith Hashem: I am returning to Yerushalayim with rachamim; My Beis [Hamikdash] shall be rebuilt in her [Yerushalayim], saith Hashem Tzva’os; and a measuring line shall be stretched forth upon Yerushalayim.

17 Preach also, saying, Thus saith Hashem Tzva’os; My towns will overflow with tov; and Hashem shall yet comfort Tziyon, and shall yet choose Yerushalayim.