Zechariah2
New International Version
1Then I looked up, and there before me was a man with a measuring line in his hand.
2I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is.”
3While the angel who was speaking to me was leaving, another angel came to meet him
4and said to him: “Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it.
5And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.’
6“Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the Lord, “for I have scattered you to the four winds of heaven,” declares the Lord.
7“Come, Zion! Escape, you who live in Daughter Babylon!”
8For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—
9I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me.
10“Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord.
11“Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.
12The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem.
13Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Zechariah 2.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The prosperity of Jerusalem. (1–5). The Jews called to return to their own land. (6–9). A promise of God's presence. (10–13).
vv1-5
The Son of David, even the Man Christ Jesus, whom the prophet sees with a measuring line in his hand, is the Master-Builder of his church. God notices the extent of his church, and will take care that whatever number of guests are brought to the wedding-supper, there shall be room. This vision means well to Jerusalem. The walls of a city, as they defend it, so they straiten its inhabitants; but Jerusalem shall be extended as freely as if it had no walls at all, yet shall be as safe as if it had the strongest walls. In the church of God there yet is room for other multitudes, more than man can number. None shall be refused who trust in Christ; and He never shuts out from heaven one true member of the church on earth. God will be a Wall of fire round them, which can neither be broken through nor undermined, nor can it be assailed without danger to those who attack. This vision was to have its full accomplishment in the gospel church, which is extended by admitting the Gentiles into it; and which has the Son of God for its Prince and Protector; especially in the glorious times yet to come.
vv6-9
If God will build Jerusalem for the people and their comfort, they must inhabit it for him and his glory. The promises and privileges with which God's people are blessed, should engage us to join them, whatever it costs us. When Zion is enlarged to make room for all God's Israel, it is the greatest madness for any of them to stay in Babylon. The captivity of a sinful state is by no means to be continued in, though a man may be easy in worldly matters. Escape for thy life, look not behind thee. Christ has proclaimed that deliverance to the captives, which he has himself wrought out, and it concerns every one to resolve that sin shall not have dominion over him. Those who would be found among God's children, must save themselves from this world, see Ac 2:40. What Christ will do for his church, shall be an evident proof of God's care and affection. He that touches you, touches the apple of his eye. This is a strong expression of God's love to his church. He takes what is done against her as done against the tenderest part of the eye, to which the least touch is a great offence. Christ is sent to be the Protector of his church.
vv10-13
Here is a prediction of the coming of Christ in human nature. Many nations in that day would renounce idolatry, and God will own those for his people who join him with purpose of heart. Glorious times are foretold as a prophecy of our Lord's coming and kingdom. God is about to do something unexpected, and very surprising, and to plead his people's cause, which had long seemed neglected. Silently submit to his holy will, and patiently wait the event; assured that God will complete all his work. He will ere long come to judgment, to complete the salvation of his people, and to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their sins.
Key Words
נָשָׂא: to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
עַיִן: an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
רָאָה: to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הִנֵּה: lo!
אִישׁ: a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִדָּה: properly, extension, i.e. height or breadth; also a measure (including its standard); hence a portion (as measured) or a vestment; specifically, tribute (as measured)
חֶבֶל: a rope (as twisted), especially a measuring line; by implication, a district or inheritance (as measured); or a noose (as of cords); figuratively, a company (as if tied together); also a throe (especially of parturition); also ruin
יָד: a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
אָמַר: to say (used with great latitude)
אָן: where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
Cross References
Zechariah 2The measuring rod used by the angel to measure Jerusalem mirrors the measuring line in Zechariah.
Supported by JFB
Ezekiel's vision of a man with a measuring line laying out the restored temple and city.
Supported by JFB
The classic, vivid scriptural description of God protecting His chosen people as the apple of His eye.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
A prayer utilizing the exact idiom of being kept as 'the apple of the eye' under wings.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Prophetic description of a future restored Israel dwelling safely in unwalled villages.
Supported by JFB
God promising His divine glory as a defense and presence in the midst of Zion.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The urgent command to flee out of the midst of Babylon to escape her coming judgment.
Supported by JFB
The New Testament call to 'come out of her' echoes Zechariah's command to escape Babylon.
Supported by JFB
The Lord Himself becomes the everlasting light and glory in the midst of His city.
Supported by JFB
The mountain full of horses and chariots of fire illustrates God's protective wall of fire.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
An earlier prophetic call to move out of the midst of Babylon.
Supported by JFB
The call for all the earth to keep silence before the Lord in His holy temple.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Commanding silence in the presence of the Lord God as He prepares His sacrifice.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The joyful command to go forth from Babylon and flee from the Chaldeans.
Supported by JFB
Peter's exhortation to save oneself from an untoward generation parallels fleeing from Babylon.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Lord's portion is His people, and Jacob is the lot of His inheritance.
Supported by Matthew Poole