Zechariah 2

King James Version

Full text for Zechariah Chapter 2

1¶ I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

2Then 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.

3And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

4And 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:

5For 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.

7Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest [with] the daughter of Babylon.

8For 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.

9For, 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.

11And 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.

12And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

13Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Zechariah sees a vision of a man measuring Jerusalem, but an angel reveals that the city will expand beyond walls due to its multitude. The LORD Himself promises to be a protective "wall of fire" and the glory within it. He calls His people to flee Babylon and assures them that those who harmed Zion will be punished, for He will return to dwell in Jerusalem, drawing many nations to Himself.

Medium Summary

The prophet Zechariah beholds a vision of a man with a measuring line intending to survey Jerusalem. However, an angelic messenger intercepts, declaring that Jerusalem's future population will be so vast that it will be inhabited "as towns without walls." The LORD Himself promises to be the city's ultimate defense, a "wall of fire round about," and the source of its glory within. A divine call is issued for the people to flee from the land of the north, specifically Babylon, and to deliver themselves. The LORD of hosts emphatically states that those who harmed His people touched "the apple of his eye" and will face divine retribution, becoming a spoil to their servants. Finally, Zion is exhorted to rejoice, for the LORD will come to dwell in her midst, and many nations will join Him, acknowledging His presence and power.

Long Summary

In a prophetic vision, Zechariah observes a man with a measuring line, whose stated purpose is to ascertain the breadth and length of Jerusalem. Immediately, an angel who had been conversing with Zechariah is met by another angel, who instructs him to convey a profound message to the young prophet. This message declares that Jerusalem will not be confined by traditional walls but will expand to accommodate a vast multitude of people and cattle, resembling towns without fixed boundaries. The LORD Himself pledges to be the city's ultimate protector, serving as "a wall of fire round about," and the source of its intrinsic glory. A divine summons is then issued, urging the exiles to "flee from the land of the north," specifically identifying Babylon, and to secure their deliverance, O Zion. The LORD of hosts proclaims His righteous indignation against the nations that plundered His people, asserting that to touch Zion is to touch "the apple of his eye." He promises to intervene powerfully, shaking His hand upon these nations, causing them to become a spoil to their own servants, thereby demonstrating that He indeed sent His messenger. The chapter culminates in an exhortation for the "daughter of Zion" to sing and rejoice, for the LORD declares His imminent return to dwell in her midst. This divine indwelling will lead to many nations joining the LORD "in that day," becoming His people. The LORD will then inherit Judah as His chosen portion in the holy land and reaffirm His selection of Jerusalem. The chapter concludes with a solemn command for all creation to be silent before the LORD, for He has arisen from His holy habitation.

Core Concepts

  • Unwalled JerusalemThe vision reveals that Jerusalem will be so populous that it will expand beyond the need for physical walls, symbolizing its future growth and divine protection.
  • Divine Protection and GloryThe LORD promises to be a "wall of fire" around Jerusalem, offering ultimate security, and to be "the glory in the midst of her," signifying His presence and honor.
  • Call to Flee BabylonA direct command is given to the exiles in the "land of the north" (Babylon) to escape, emphasizing deliverance from captivity and return to Zion.
  • God's Jealousy for His PeopleThe LORD declares that those who harmed Zion touched "the apple of his eye," illustrating His deep affection and protective nature towards His chosen people.
  • Retribution for OppressorsThe nations that spoiled Judah will face divine judgment, becoming a spoil to their own servants, demonstrating God's justice and vindication of His people.
  • God's Dwelling in ZionA central promise is made that the LORD will return to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, bringing joy and signifying a renewed covenant relationship.
  • Ingathering of NationsIn the future, many nations will join the LORD and become His people, indicating a universal scope to God's redemptive plan centered on Jerusalem.