Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryZechariah 2

The Vision of the Measuring Line. This vision was given to Zechariah to encourage the people of Jerusalem. Earlier, God promised that a measuring line would be stretched out over Jerusalem (Zechariah 1:16 ). Now, through this vision, God makes it clear that He will rebuild and bless Jerusalem. The vision shows God’s careful planning and His promise that there will be enough room and safety for all His people. God is the master builder, making sure that His church will have enough space and protection for everyone who comes.v. 1-2: Zechariah saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. He asked the man where he was going, and the man replied that he was going to measure Jerusalem, to see how wide and long it was. This showed that God was planning for the city’s future growth. It was a sign that there would be many people coming to Jerusalem, and God was preparing a place for them (Isaiah 54:2 ). Just as in the parable Jesus told, there is always room for more guests in God’s house (Luke 14:22 ).

v. 3-4: As Zechariah watched, another angel came and told the first angel to give a message to the young prophet. The angel explained that Jerusalem would have so many people and animals that it would be like a city without walls. The city would grow far beyond its old borders. This would be a sign of God’s blessing, as a large population was seen as a sign of God’s favor (Psalm 107:38 ). Even without walls, Jerusalem would be safe and filled with life.

v. 5: God promised that He Himself would be a wall of fire around Jerusalem and the glory inside it. This means God would protect the city better than any physical wall could. No enemy could break through God’s defense. At the same time, God’s presence in the city would be its greatest glory. To have God living among them was the highest honor for the people. This promise points forward to the church, where God’s presence is with His people, making them safe and glorious (Isaiah 4:5 ).

Zion Invited to Liberty. After the king of Persia, Cyrus, allowed the Jews to return to their homeland, not everyone chose to go. Many Jews stayed behind because they had become comfortable in their new land, had jobs, property, and even families there. Some did not trust God's promises or thought it was too hard to start over. But God wanted all His people to come back to Jerusalem, to be part of the rebuilding and to enjoy His blessings. Staying behind was a sign of weak faith and held back the work of God’s people.v. 6: God calls out strongly: “Ho! Ho! Come forth, and flee from the land of the north, says the Lord

v. 7: God urges Zion to deliver herself from Babylon: “Deliver yourself, O Zion, who dwell with the daughter of Babylon” . Even though many of God's people were still in Babylon, God called them to come out and be free. They should not be comfortable living in a sinful place or with people who do not follow God. Just as the Bible later says, “Come out of her, my people” (Revelation 18:4 ). God’s people must not stay in places or situations that keep them away from Him.

v. 8: God says He is jealous for Zion and will protect her. He will judge the nations that harmed His people, because “he who touches you touches the apple of His eye” . God’s people are precious to Him, like the most sensitive part of the eye. Hurting them is like hurting God Himself. This shows how deeply God cares for His people and how closely He watches over them (Psalm 17:8 ).

v. 9: God promises to punish the nations that had taken advantage of Israel. He will turn the tables so that those who were once slaves will rule over their former oppressors. When this happens, everyone will know that the Lord

Zion's Prosperity Predicted. This section is a message of joy and hope for the people of Zion. Though they had returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem, they faced many troubles. Their neighbors were hostile, and many fellow Jews who remained in Babylon were not supportive. Yet, God called them to sing and rejoice, even in their difficulties. Those who had regained their spiritual freedom and faith had every reason to celebrate, even if their outward circumstances were challenging.v. 10-11: God told Zion to rejoice because He was coming to dwell among them: "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I come and will dwell in your midst" (Zechariah 2:10 ). God promised that many nations would join themselves to Him and become His people. This was partially fulfilled when non-Jews (proselytes) joined the Jewish nation after the exile, but it pointed forward to the time when Gentiles would be welcomed into the church through Jesus Christ. This promise was a reason for great joy. God’s presence would make His people secure, and the inclusion of many nations showed the greatness of His plan (Philippians 3:5 ).

v. 12: God promised to restore the blessings of the land of Judah and Jerusalem. He said He would once again choose Jerusalem as His special place: "The Lord

v. 13: All the earth was commanded to be silent before the Lord