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.
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.
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.
The second chapter of Zechariah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible contains a prophetic vision of restoration and expansion for Jerusalem. It is a chapter of hope, providing assurance of God's divine protection and blessings for His chosen people, the Israelites. The central theme revolves around the promise of God's presence among His people and the future prosperity of Jerusalem.
The chapter begins with Zechariah encountering a man with a measuring line in his hand. This man, presumably an angel, is going out to measure Jerusalem. In a symbolic act, the man's intention to measure Jerusalem signifies that the city will be rebuilt and its boundaries will be expanded. This is a clear indication of the divine promise of restoration and growth for Jerusalem following the period of exile.
Another angel then tells the man with the measuring line that Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. This imagery of a city without walls is significant. Walls were generally built for protection against enemies. However, the prophecy assures that God Himself will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, protecting it from any harm. This signifies God's divine protection and His promise to safeguard His people.
The chapter further reveals God's plan to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, thereby making it a holy city. This divine presence of God is a major theme in this chapter. God's promise to dwell among His people not only signifies His intimate relationship with them but also the spiritual renewal of the city and its inhabitants.
In this chapter, God also calls for His scattered people to return from the land of the north. This is a call for the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem. This prophetic call demonstrates God's love for His people and His earnest desire to reunite with them. It is a call of deliverance from exile and a promise of restoration.
Zechariah chapter 2 also speaks of divine judgment upon the nations that have plundered and oppressed Israel. The oppressors are warned of God's wrath and the impending doom that awaits them. This theme of divine retribution is a common motif in prophetic literature, reminding the oppressors of the divine justice that God will execute. It is also a reassurance to the oppressed Israelites that God sees their struggles and will bring justice on their behalf.
Interestingly, Zechariah chapter 2 extends beyond the Israelites and includes a universal appeal. It invites nations to join in the worship of God and to become part of His people. This inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation is a significant aspect of this chapter. It shows the universality of God's love and His desire for all nations to know Him and worship Him.
The latter part of Zechariah chapter 2 speaks of the promised prosperity for Jerusalem. The city is described as a place of joy, filled with people, where God Himself will dwell. This promise of prosperity and joy is a powerful expression of God's love for His people and His plan for their future. It provides hope and encouragement to the exiles, assuring them of their future restoration and prosperity.
In conclusion, Zechariah chapter 2 is a chapter of hope, restoration, and divine protection. It assures the Israelites of God's presence among them, His divine protection, and the future prosperity of Jerusalem. It is a call to return from exile, a warning of divine retribution to oppressors, and an invitation to all nations to become part of God's people. The prophecies in this chapter provide comfort and encouragement to the exiles, giving them hope for a brighter future and assurance of God's unfailing love and faithfulness.
The meaning of Zechariah chapter 2, therefore, is not only about divine promises but also about divine presence. It is a message of God's intimate relationship with His people and His desire to dwell among them. It is a message of God's love, faithfulness, justice, and salvation. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's unfailing love for His people, His power to restore and protect, and His desire for all nations to know Him and experience His salvation.
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