Zechariah 2

The man with the measuring line (vs. 1-5)—In his next vision, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line (v. 1). “Where are you going?” “"To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length" (v. 2). The walls of Jerusalem had yet to be rebuilt; what will be the dimensions of the city of God where His people will dwell? Revelation 11 has a similar event, with not exactly the same meaning, but close. In this vision in Zechariah, however, there will be no need to rebuild the walls, for “'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it” (v. 4). Why? “For I,' says the LORD, 'will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst'" (v. 5). Jehovah will protect His people; they won’t need artificial means—if they would be faithful to Him. They weren’t much more spiritual after the exile than before, so the walls will indeed be rebuilt under Nehemiah. But the promise is there for them if they would believe and accept it.

Flee from Babylon (vs. 6-9)—There was no longer any reason for any Jew to remain in Babylon. Some of them did, after the captivity, because that was where their homes were. Remember, the Israelites spent 70 years in captivity in Babylon, so there were many people born in that land and who had never been to Israel. Babylon was their home, so the Lord has to encourage them to return to their true home, Israel. It would be a good idea to get out of any foreign territory, because “surely I will shake My hand against them" (“the nations which plunder you,” v 8), "and they shall become spoil for their servants” (v. 9). No one should want to be caught in a location where Jehovah will render vengeance. “He who touches you touches the apple of His eye” (v. 8).

“I will dwell in your midst” (vs. 10-13)—This passage almost surely refers to the church age; this is evident because of the statement in verse 11, “many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day.” That certainly could not be said of any period of the Jewish dispensation, and indeed, was contrary to what the Lord intended for that age. Indeed, the coming of the Messiah is a reason to “sing and rejoice” (v. 10). We will belong to Him, and He “will again choose Jerusalem,” the church, the holy city of God (v. 12). Revere God, “for He is waked up out of His holy habitation” (ASV, v. 13). He is ready to act in behalf of His people