Zechariah2

Zechariah sees a vision of a man measuring Jerusalem, but an angel reveals that the city will expand beyond walls due to its multitude. The LORD Himself promises to be a protective "wall of fire" and the glory within it. He calls His people to flee Babylon and assures them that those who harmed Zion will be punished, for He will return to dwell in Jerusalem, drawing many nations to Himself.

The Vision of the Measuring Line

1
I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. ​
2
I asked, "Where are you going?" He said to me, "To measure Yerushalayim, to determine its width and length." ​
3
Here the angel who was speaking to me went forward, and another angel went out, met him ​
4
and said to him, "Run and tell this young man, 'Yerushalayim will be inhabited without walls, because there will be so many people and animals; ​
5
"for," says ADONAI, "I will be for her a wall of fire surrounding her; and I will be the glory within her. ​

An Appeal to the Exiles to Flee Babylon

6
Up!" says ADONAI, "Move! Flee the land of the north! For I scattered you like the four winds of the sky," says ADONAI. ​
7
"Move, Tziyon! You who are living with the daughter of Bavel, escape!" ​
8
For ADONAI-Tzva'ot has sent me on a glorious mission to the nations that plundered you, and this is what he says: "Anyone who injures you injures the very pupil of my eye. ​
9
But I will shake my hand over them, and they will be plundered by those who were formerly their slaves." Then you will know that ADONAI-Tzva'ot sent me. ​

God Will Dwell in Jerusalem

10
"Sing, daughter of Tziyon, rejoice! For, here, I am coming; and I will live among you," says ADONAI. ​
11
When that time comes, many nations will join themselves to ADONAI. "They will be my people, and I will live among you." Then you will know that it was ADONAI-Tzva'ot who sent me to you. ​
12
ADONAI will take possession of Y'hudah as his portion in the holy land, and he will again make Yerushalayim his choice. ​
13
Be silent, all humanity, before ADONAI; for he has been roused from his holy dwelling.'" ​

Study Notes for Zechariah 2

Verse 1

This is the fourth of Zechariah's eight nocturnal visions. The measuring line usually indicates preparation for building or judging, but here it sets the boundaries for the restored city.

Verse 2

Measuring Jerusalem symbolized confirming its future size and boundaries, assuring the people that the city would indeed be rebuilt and populated far beyond its former capacity.

Verse 3

The angel that talked with me (the interpreting angel) mediates the communication between Zechariah and the other heavenly messengers, ensuring the prophet receives the full divine message.

Verse 4

Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls. This emphasizes the immense population growth and prosperity that will exceed the capacity of the old, confined city walls.

Verse 5

God promises to be a wall of fire, providing divine protection far superior to stone fortifications. He will also be the glory (Shekinah presence) within the city, fulfilling the highest hopes of restoration.

Verse 6

Ho, ho is an exclamation used for urgent summoning. The exiles are urged to return now that the time of restoration has begun, fleeing the judgment awaiting Babylon (the land of the north).

Verse 7

Deliver thyself, O Zion. This is a direct, urgent command for the remaining Jewish community in exile to separate themselves physically and spiritually from their pagan captors.

Verse 8

He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. This powerful anthropomorphism emphasizes God's intimate and sensitive care for His people, viewing any harm done to Israel as a direct attack on Himself.

Verse 9

I will shake mine hand upon them. A gesture signifying divine judgment and power. The nations that spoiled Israel will suffer a reversal of fortune, becoming spoil for their own servants.

Verse 10

This verse transitions to exuberant joy, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant promise—God dwelling permanently among His people (cf. Ex. 25:8; Rev. 21:3).

Verse 11

The scope of salvation is broadened dramatically. In the Messianic age, many nations (Gentiles) shall be joined to the LORD, becoming part of His covenant people alongside Israel.

Verse 12

The LORD shall inherit Judah his portion. This confirms that Judah remains God's chosen inheritance, and Jerusalem will be chosen again, reaffirmed as the center of God's presence and activity.

Verse 13

Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD. This solemn command demands reverent silence and awe (cf. Hab. 2:20) in anticipation of God’s dramatic intervention and return from his holy habitation to judge and restore.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options