Zechariah’s Second Vision

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective

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Zechariah 2 includes the prophet’s 3rd night vision. The man with a measuring line is seen being told to measure Jerusalem. When our Lord physically returns at some point in the future, it is interesting to note that Jerusalem itself will increase tremendously in size from what it is now and what it has been in the past.

This vision of Zechariah 2 speaks of the day when God in Christ will restore both – during the Millennial Kingdom. The nation of Israel, and Jerusalem itself. This vision speaks to fact that Jerusalem would have a large population, and…

• God Himself will physically protect Israel from all harm
• Two great affirmations in this third vision:
  • Our Lord’s return will be glorious (2:1-9)
  • Our Lord’s future blessings will be glorious (2:10-13)

Under the heading of Our Lord’s Return will be glorious (2:1-9), verse 5 is the main thought – “‘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.’”

The “I” is emphatic and contrary to normal Hebrew practice. The Lord’s glory will return to Jerusalem and protect that city and its inhabitants as the Lord did under Moses. Of course, God’s “glory” is His Presence.

It is possible the “man” with the measuring line is none other than Jesus Himself (cf Ezekiel 40:2-3) and due to huge increase in population, the New Jerusalem during the Millennium will be a city without walls (v 4).

Zechariah commands the audience and the Israelites: “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.”

“Ho, ho” means literally, “Hey there! Listen to me!” The prophet urges Jews to flee from Babylon! This is the same command Jeremiah gave in Jeremiah 51:6 and these commands point to a future time even from our day. Note Daniel did not leave Babylon though he knew of these prophecies (Daniel 2; Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10) because God had work for him to do there.

The final irrevocable judgment of God on Babylon is yet future (Revelation 18). Physical Babylon does not currently exist and some conservative scholars believe either it will be rebuilt or God is referring simply to the system that undergirded Babylon and all corrupt governments.

Zechariah says to FLEE the city/system – to come out from it; to not be part of it. Please note the use of the phrase “the apple of God’s eye” (v. 8; see also Deut 32:10; Ps 17:8, Prov 7:2) is Jerusalem/Israel. This is still true today.

Under the heading, Our Lord’s Future Blessings will be Glorious (2:10-13), God’s favor is clearly seen on Israel/Jerusalem. Not only will God enlarge Jerusalem’s borders but the people of the city are referred to as “daughter of Zion.” Because of this, the people are encouraged to sing and rejoice (v 10a).

Four beautiful promises are built on the vision of 2:1-6:

• First: “…for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.” (v 10b) – this is the believer’s blessed hope!
• Second: “And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people…” (v 11)
• Third: “And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.” (v 12)
• Fourth: “Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.”

The future holds tremendous hope for Israel, for the Church and for the Nations. The Lord will return and He will:

• Renew Israel/Jerusalem
• Reclaim His people of Israel
• Reveal Himself as God and Judge

God is absolutely in control of all things. Nothing can deter Him or set aside His will.

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective

Source: https://studygrowknowblog.com/2024/09/30/zechariahs-second-vision/