Zechariah 2:3

And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

And, behold, the angel {H4397} that talked {H1696} with me went forth {H3318}, and another {H312} angel {H4397} went out {H3318} to meet {H7125} him,

Here the angel who was speaking to me went forward, and another angel went out, met him

Then the angel who was speaking with me went out, and another angel came out to meet him

And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

Commentary

Zechariah 2:3 describes a pivotal moment in the prophet Zechariah’s series of night visions. Following the vision of the four horns and four smiths, this verse sets the stage for the next prophetic revelation concerning the future of Jerusalem.

Context of Zechariah 2:3

The prophet Zechariah ministered to the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon to Judah, approximately 520 BC. His primary mission, alongside Haggai, was to encourage the people in the vital task of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, which had lain in ruins since its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. Zechariah receives a series of eight night visions, each designed to offer comfort, hope, and instruction regarding God's plans for His people and the restoration of Jerusalem.

This particular verse, Zechariah 2:3, acts as a transition. The "angel that talked with me" is Zechariah's interpreting angel, who has been guiding him through the previous visions and explaining their meaning. The appearance of "another angel" signifies that a new divine instruction or revelation is about to be imparted, emphasizing the active and dynamic nature of God's communication with His prophet.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Communication and Revelation: The verse highlights God's active involvement in communicating His plans and purposes to humanity through His heavenly messengers. The movement and interaction of these angels underscore the unfolding of divine truth.
  • Angelic Activity: It illustrates the unseen, yet very real, activity of angels in the spiritual realm, working in concert to carry out God's will and mediate His messages. Angels are not static but are sent forth and interact with one another to fulfill their divine assignments.
  • Preparation for Further Insight: The going forth of the first angel and the coming of the second signals that a new phase of revelation is imminent. This prepares the prophet, and by extension, the reader, for the significant message that follows concerning the vast and secure future of Jerusalem, as seen in Zechariah 2:4-5.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "angel" is mal'akh (מַלְאָךְ), which literally means "messenger." While it can refer to human messengers, in this context, it clearly denotes a divine, heavenly being. The interaction of two distinct *mal'akhim* here underscores the orchestrated nature of God's prophetic communication. The fluidity of their movement—one going forth, another coming to meet—paints a picture of divine purpose and precise execution.

Practical Application

Zechariah 2:3 reminds us that God is actively involved in His creation and in the lives of His people. He orchestrates events, both seen and unseen, to accomplish His purposes. For the returned exiles, this vision would have reinforced the idea that God was still meticulously working on their behalf, preparing for the glorious restoration of Jerusalem despite their current struggles. For us today, it serves as a reminder that:

  • God uses various means and messengers to communicate His will and truth.
  • There is a spiritual realm with active, purposeful angelic beings operating under God's command.
  • We should be attentive and ready to receive further understanding of God's plans, knowing that He often prepares us for deeper insights.

The scene described in this verse is a moment of divine orchestration, setting the stage for one of Zechariah's most comforting prophecies about Jerusalem's future glory and safety.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zechariah 1:19

    And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What [be] these? And he answered me, These [are] the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

  • Zechariah 1:8

    I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that [were] in the bottom; and behind him [were there] red horses, speckled, and white.

  • Zechariah 1:11

    And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

  • Zechariah 4:5

    Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

  • Zechariah 1:13

    And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me [with] good words [and] comfortable words.

  • Zechariah 1:14

    So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

  • Zechariah 4:1

    ¶ And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,
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