Zechariah 2

Zechariah 2 describes a prophetic vision in which Zechariah sees a man measuring Jerusalem. The chapter emphasizes God's protection and restoration of Jerusalem and His promise to dwell among His people. This vision reassures the returning exiles that Jerusalem will not only be rebuilt but also filled with God's glory and surrounded by His protection. Zechariah speaks of a future where Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls due to the abundance of people, and God Himself will be a protective "wall of fire" around it.

Zechariah 2:1 (NKJV)
1 "Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand."

Zechariah sees a man holding a measuring line, a symbol of assessing or preparing for construction. This vision indicates God’s intent to restore and rebuild Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The act of measuring shows that Jerusalem will be established with precise boundaries, yet, as the vision unfolds, it reveals that the city will expand beyond human limitations because of divine blessing and protection.

Zechariah 2:2 (NKJV)
2 "So I said, 'Where are you going?' And he said to me, 'To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.'"

The man explains that he is measuring the width and length of Jerusalem. This signifies a physical and spiritual renewal, with God meticulously preparing the city for its future growth. Jerusalem’s expansion foreshadows a time when God’s presence will allow it to flourish beyond ordinary limitations, and this preparation underscores God’s intentionality in restoring His people.

Zechariah 2:3-5 (NKJV)
3 "And there was the angel who talked with me, going out; and another angel was coming out to meet him,
4 who said to him, 'Run, speak to this young man, saying: "Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it.
5 For I," says the Lord, "will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst."'"

God sends a message through the angels that Jerusalem will grow so large that it will not need physical walls. Instead, God Himself will be a "wall of fire" for protection. This promise of divine security emphasizes that God's presence is more secure than any human-made barrier. The glory within Jerusalem points to a future where God’s presence is actively dwelling among His people, providing safety and blessing.

Zechariah 2:6-7 (NKJV)
6 "Up, up! Flee from the land of the north," says the Lord; "for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven," says the Lord.
7 "Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon."

The Lord calls His people to leave Babylon and return to Zion. This urgent call encourages the exiles to return to Jerusalem, symbolizing a movement away from oppression and towards spiritual freedom. God’s command to escape highlights both His readiness to deliver His people and the importance of returning to the place of His presence and promises.

Zechariah 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 "For thus says the Lord of hosts: 'He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.
9 For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me.'"

God declares that Israel is precious to Him, referring to them as the “apple of His eye.” He promises to act against those who have harmed His people, showing His deep care and protective love. This assurance of divine retribution against Israel's oppressors reminds them that God is not only their defender but will also establish justice, vindicating them in the eyes of the world.

Zechariah 2:10-11 (NKJV)
10 "'Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,' says the Lord.
11 Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you."

God calls Zion to rejoice because He promises to dwell among His people. This prophecy looks forward to a time when not only Israel but also other nations will come to know the Lord. The vision of nations joining Israel emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s kingdom and the spread of His glory beyond Israel, reflecting a future where God’s presence is universally recognized.

Zechariah 2:12 (NKJV)
12 "And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem."

God reaffirms His choice of Jerusalem and Judah as His inheritance. This selection highlights the sacredness of the land and Jerusalem’s special role in God’s plan. By claiming Judah as His own, God reestablishes His commitment to His people and ensures that His divine presence will remain among them, reinforcing Jerusalem’s central place in His kingdom.

Zechariah 2:13 (NKJV)
13 "Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!"

The chapter closes with a call for reverence as God is ready to act on behalf of His people. This call for silence emphasizes the awe and respect due to God, who is about to intervene in a powerful way. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the need for all humanity to recognize His authority as He moves to fulfill His promises to Israel.