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.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

The Vision of the Measuring Line

1
I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand. ​
2
Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. ​
3
And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, ​
4
And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: ​
5
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. ​

An Appeal to the Exiles to Flee Babylon

6
Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD. ​
7
Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. ​
8
For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. ​
9
For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. ​

God Will Dwell in Jerusalem

10
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. ​
11
And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. ​
12
And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. ​
13
Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation. ​

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