Zechariah 2:12

KJV

And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} shall inherit {H5157} Judah {H3063} his portion {H2506} in the holy {H6944} land {H127}, and shall choose {H977} Jerusalem {H3389} again.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will take possession of Y'hudah as his portion in the holy land, and he will again make Yerushalayim his choice.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD will take possession of Judah as His portion in the Holy Land, and He will once again choose Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah shall inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 2:12 is a profound prophetic declaration affirming Yahweh's enduring covenantal commitment to His people, Judah, and His chosen city, Jerusalem, following their return from Babylonian exile. It powerfully articulates God's re-establishment of His proprietary claim over Judah as His special inheritance within the consecrated land, and His renewed, sovereign election of Jerusalem as the focal point of His divine presence and future glory. This verse serves as a cornerstone of hope and assurance for the post-exilic community, promising restoration and unparalleled divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of eight night visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, designed to encourage the disheartened post-exilic community in Jerusalem. Chapter 2 specifically focuses on the future glory and expansion of Jerusalem. The preceding verses depict a young man measuring Jerusalem, only for an angel to declare that Jerusalem will be so populous that it will burst its walls and be protected by God Himself as a "wall of fire" and the "glory in her midst" ([Zechariah 2:4-5](/zechariah/2-4-5 "Zechariah 2:4-5 - Jerusalem's Future Glory")). This sets the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortunes, moving from desolation to unparalleled prosperity and divine indwelling. Verse 12 serves as the theological bedrock for this vision, explaining *why* Jerusalem will experience such favor: because God Himself will reclaim and re-elect His people and city. The subsequent verses then call for the exiles to return and witness God's judgment on the nations who plundered Judah, further emphasizing God's vindication of His chosen ones ([Zechariah 2:6-9](/zechariah/2-6-9 "Zechariah 2:6-9 - Call to Return and Divine Judgment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied around 520-518 BC, a period roughly 16-18 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel and Joshua. The community faced immense challenges: a ruined Temple, hostile neighbors, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy. The grand promises of earlier prophets seemed distant, and the people struggled with doubt and discouragement. In this context, the concept of "inheritance" was deeply significant; land was tied to identity, covenant, and divine blessing. For God to "inherit" Judah and the "holy land" was a powerful affirmation of His continued ownership and commitment, despite their recent dispossession. The "holy land" (or "ground," `H127`) was not merely a geographical location but a sacred space consecrated by God for His covenant people, embodying the promise given to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abraham")). The re-choosing of Jerusalem, a city that had been utterly destroyed, was a profound statement of divine faithfulness and a reversal of the judgment that had led to the exile.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 2:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Election and Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast to His covenant promises, reaffirming His choice of Judah as His special possession, echoing earlier declarations in Deuteronomy ([Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Chosen People")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Restoration of Zion and God's Dwelling Presence**. The re-choosing of Jerusalem is central to the eschatological hope of Israel, signifying the city's future prominence as the place where God's glory will reside and from which His reign will extend ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the LORD's House")). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Sanctity of the Land**, emphasizing that the physical territory of Israel is consecrated by God for His redemptive purposes, distinct from other nations. This concept of a "holy land" is foundational to understanding God's specific relationship with Israel and His ultimate plan for the earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **inherit (Hebrew, _nâchal'_):** From H5157, this primitive root means to take possession, receive as a heritage, or hold by lot. When applied to God, as here, it signifies His sovereign and deliberate claim over Judah as His own special possession. It is a powerful declaration of proprietary right, indicating that God views Judah not merely as a people He governs, but as an intimate, cherished inheritance, much like a family heirloom. This word underscores God's deep, personal investment in His covenant people.
* **portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** From H2506, this word literally means "smoothness" (of the tongue, implying flattery) but also refers to an "allotment" or "inheritance." In this context, it emphasizes Judah's status as God's designated share or allotted possession. It reinforces the idea of a divine distribution where Judah is uniquely set apart as God's own, distinct from other nations. This term highlights the exclusivity and preciousness of Judah's relationship with Yahweh.
* **choose (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** From H977, this primitive root means "to try" and, by implication, "to select." It is consistently used in Scripture to describe God's sovereign selection based on His divine will, not on human merit or performance. The phrase "choose Jerusalem again" signifies a profound act of renewed divine favor and recommitment. Despite Jerusalem's past unfaithfulness and subsequent destruction, God's choice is reaffirmed, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His ultimate plan for the city as His dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion":** This clause declares God's active reclamation and possession of Judah. The word "inherit" (nâchal) signifies God's proprietary right and deep personal investment in Judah, viewing them as His special possession, His allotted share among the nations. It speaks to a profound covenantal relationship where God takes Judah as His own, much like one receives an inheritance. This is not merely a passive reception but an active, sovereign act of re-possession after a period of judgment and exile.
* **"in the holy land":** This phrase specifies the sacred geographical context of God's inheritance. The land is designated as "holy" (qôdesh), meaning set apart and consecrated for God's divine purposes. It is the divinely promised land, the stage for the outworking of His redemptive plan, and the place where His covenant people are meant to dwell in fellowship with Him. The inclusion of "holy land" underscores the sanctity of the physical space in God's redemptive economy.
* **"and shall choose Jerusalem again":** This final clause emphasizes God's renewed and sovereign election of Jerusalem. The word "again" is crucial, indicating a re-affirmation of choice after a period of apparent abandonment or judgment. Despite the city's destruction and the exile, God's divine favor returns to Jerusalem. This signifies a profound reversal of fortunes, promising future glory, prominence, and the re-establishment of Jerusalem as the focal point of God's presence and activity on earth. It is an act of grace, reaffirming God's faithfulness to His eternal purposes for the city.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 2:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine restoration. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of God as one who "inherits" and "chooses," attributing human-like actions and emotions (possessiveness, selection) to the divine. This makes God's commitment relatable and emphasizes His active involvement in human history. **Symbolism** is also at play, with "Judah" representing the entire covenant community of Israel and "Jerusalem" symbolizing the spiritual and political center of God's people, the place of His dwelling. The "holy land" itself is symbolic of God's consecrated space for His people. Furthermore, the phrase "choose Jerusalem **again**" utilizes **Repetition of Themes**, specifically the theme of divine election, but with an added nuance of renewed favor. This emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness despite past judgments, assuring the exiles that His original choice remains firm and will be re-established.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 2:12 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign prerogative in election. It underscores the biblical truth that God's covenant promises are immutable, even when His people fail. The concept of God "inheriting Judah His portion" speaks to a deep, proprietary love and commitment, echoing the Old Testament theme of Israel as God's "peculiar treasure" ([Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Special Possession")). The re-choosing of Jerusalem signifies not just a physical rebuilding but a spiritual restoration, a promise that God's presence will return to His chosen city in even greater glory. This divine re-election assures the post-exilic community that their future is secure in God's hands, and that His ultimate plan for Jerusalem as a center of worship and peace will be fulfilled.

* [Deuteronomy 32:9](/deuteronomy/32-9 "Deuteronomy 32:9 - The LORD's Portion")
* [Isaiah 62:1-7](/isaiah/62-1-7 "Isaiah 62:1-7 - Zion's Vindication and New Name")
* [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 2:12 offers profound encouragement and a steadfast anchor of hope for believers navigating challenging times. It reminds us that even when circumstances appear bleak, when our lives or communities seem broken and desolate, God's ultimate plans for restoration and blessing remain firm. His faithfulness is not contingent upon our perfection but upon His own unchanging character and sovereign will. This verse calls us to trust in God's enduring promises, knowing that He is actively involved in history, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purposes. It assures us that God's love for His chosen people and His commitment to His dwelling place—whether the literal Jerusalem or the spiritual body of Christ—is unwavering. We are invited to find our security not in our own efforts or achievements, but in God's gracious and sovereign election, which promises a future of glory and intimate fellowship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "inheriting" His people challenge or deepen your understanding of your relationship with Him?**
* **In what areas of your life or community do you need to trust in God's promise to "choose again," believing in His power to restore and re-establish?**
* **How does the promise of God's dwelling presence in a "holy land" and "chosen Jerusalem" inspire hope for the ultimate future of God's people?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for the LORD to "inherit Judah his portion"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies God's deep, proprietary claim over Judah. In ancient Near Eastern culture, an inheritance was a cherished possession passed down within a family or tribe. When the LORD is said to "inherit Judah," it means He views Judah as His special, chosen possession, His unique allotment among all the nations of the earth. It underscores the intimate, covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where God has personally and sovereignly set them apart for Himself. This concept is foundational to understanding God's election of Israel, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People"). It's a declaration of divine ownership and a profound statement of His enduring love and commitment to His people, even after periods of judgment like the Babylonian exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 2:12, with its declaration of God inheriting Judah and re-choosing Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the prophecy initially speaks to the physical restoration of Israel and Jerusalem, its spiritual trajectory points to the new covenant established through Christ. Jesus, as the true Israel and the ultimate King, is the one through whom God truly "inherits" His people—not just ethnic Judah, but all who are called by His name, both Jew and Gentile, forming the spiritual Israel of God ([Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")). He is the one who gathers His "portion," His inheritance, from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by the Lamb")). Furthermore, the "holy land" and the "chosen Jerusalem" foreshadow the new creation and the New Jerusalem, which descends from heaven as the dwelling place of God with humanity, a city whose foundation is Christ Himself ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). In Christ, God's presence is not confined to a physical city but dwells within His people, the church, who are the spiritual temple ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, Zechariah's vision of a restored and re-chosen Jerusalem culminates in Christ, who makes all things new and establishes an eternal kingdom where God's people dwell with Him forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 1:17

Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 32:9

For the LORD'S portion [is] his people; Jacob [is] the lot of his inheritance.

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Psalms 33:12

¶ Blessed [is] the nation whose God [is] the LORD; [and] the people [whom] he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Psalms 135:4

For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, [and] Israel for his peculiar treasure.

Isaiah 41:9

[Thou] whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou [art] my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

Jeremiah 51:19

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them; for he [is] the former of all things: and [Israel is] the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts [is] his name.