Tyndale Open Study NotesZechariah 2

These eight visions helped the Judeans overcome their fears and trust in God's promises. The visions happened two months after Haggai's last two messages (Haggai 2:10–19, 20–23). They suggest that Haggai's prophecies were coming true.

The visions move from a wide focus to a narrow one. They begin with the whole world (vision 1), then move to the nations (vision 2), and finally focus on the city of Jerusalem. The vision itself appears in 2:1–3, followed by an explanation of its meaning in 2:4–5.

determine its width and length: By taking this measurement, God showed he was planning for Jerusalem's future.

• The wall of fire symbolizes divine protection (compare 2 Kings 6:17).

• I will be: The strong form of the verb to be emphasizes God’s personal presence. It may point to God’s name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14–15).

• Fire and glory point back to the Exodus, when God showed his presence through fire and glory (see Exodus 13:22; 14:20; 40:34).

God called the exiles to return from Babylon, which predicted their return to Israel (Zechariah 2:6–9) and God's presence returning to Jerusalem (2:10–13).

• Get up!: This strong command promises that the Lord will lead his people out of exile and into a restored Jerusalem (compare Isaiah 55:1).

• the land of the north: Travelers had to go north to then move east, so people thought of Babylonia as being in the north.

• four winds: Hebrew exiles would return to Judah and Jerusalem from all directions (see Ezekiel 12:14; 37:9).

whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye: This could refer to Israel as God's chosen people. It might also mean that those who harmed Israel hurt themselves by bringing God's judgment upon them.

they will become plunder for their own servant: During the exodus, the Egyptians gave the Israelites valuables to encourage them to leave (see Exodus 11:2–3; 12:35–36).

• Israel is the Lord’s inheritance or special possession. The people of Israel belong to the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:9–10).

• The land is holy because of God’s glorious presence in the Jerusalem temple (see Psalms 11:4; 15:1).

Be silent: The force of the Hebrew word (has) is like the English word "hush" (see Habakkuk 2:20; Zephaniah 1:7). This command calls for quiet respect in God’s presence.