"Where are you going?" I asked. "To measure Jerusalem," he replied, "and to determine its width and length." Where are you going?This phrase reflects a moment of inquiry and curiosity. In the Hebrew context, the act of asking questions is a common method of engaging with divine visions or messages. The question signifies a desire for understanding and clarity. It is reminiscent of other biblical instances where prophets or individuals seek to comprehend God's plans, such as when Moses asked God about His intentions for Israel. This inquiry sets the stage for a revelation of divine purpose and action. I asked
The act of asking here is significant. It shows the prophet Zechariah's active engagement with the vision. In the Hebrew tradition, prophets often played an interactive role in their visions, not merely passive recipients but active participants. This engagement underscores the relational aspect of God's communication with His people, where dialogue and understanding are encouraged. To measure Jerusalem
The act of measuring in biblical terms often symbolizes preparation and restoration. In the Hebrew, the word for measure, "madad," implies a careful and deliberate action. Measuring Jerusalem signifies God's intention to restore and protect the city. Historically, Jerusalem had been devastated, and this vision offers hope of its future glory and divine favor. It echoes the promises found in other prophetic books, such as Ezekiel, where measurements are part of the vision for a restored temple and city. he replied
This response indicates a clear and purposeful communication from the angelic figure. In biblical narratives, replies from divine or angelic beings often carry authority and assurance. The reply here is not just informative but also reassuring, indicating that there is a divine plan in motion. It reflects the certainty and intentionality of God's plans for His people. and to determine its width and length
The specific mention of width and length emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of God's plan for Jerusalem. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities were often measured to establish boundaries and ensure security. This phrase suggests a comprehensive restoration and protection of Jerusalem. It aligns with the biblical theme of God as a meticulous planner who cares for every detail of His creation. The measurement signifies not only physical dimensions but also the spiritual and communal restoration of God's people. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who received visions from God, encouraging the Israelites during the post-exilic period. 2. The Man with the Measuring LineA symbolic figure representing God's intention to restore and protect Jerusalem. 3. JerusalemThe city central to Jewish identity and worship, symbolizing God's presence and future glory. 4. The VisionA prophetic revelation given to Zechariah, illustrating God's plans for Jerusalem's restoration. 5. The ExilesThe Jewish people returning from Babylonian captivity, seeking hope and reassurance of God's promises. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PlansThe act of measuring signifies God's control and detailed plans for His people. Just as He had a plan for Jerusalem, He has a plan for our lives. Restoration and HopeThe vision of measuring Jerusalem is a message of hope and restoration. In times of despair, we can trust in God's promise to restore and renew. Divine ProtectionThe measuring line indicates God's protection over Jerusalem. Similarly, believers are assured of God's protection and care in their spiritual journey. Faith in God's PromisesThe vision encourages faith in God's promises. Despite current circumstances, God's word assures us of a future filled with His presence and glory. Spiritual Growth and ExpansionJust as Jerusalem was to expand, believers are called to grow spiritually, expanding their influence and witness for God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the act of measuring Jerusalem symbolize in the context of God's promises to His people? 2. How can the imagery of measuring a city in Zechariah 2:2 encourage us in our personal walk with God? 3. In what ways does the vision of Jerusalem's restoration relate to the hope of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21? 4. How can we apply the message of divine protection found in Zechariah 2:2 to our current life situations? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's restoration in your life. How does this passage reinforce your faith in His ongoing work? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 40Similar imagery of measuring a city, symbolizing God's precise plans and the restoration of His people. Revelation 21The New Jerusalem is measured, representing God's ultimate fulfillment of His promises and the eternal dwelling place of His people. Isaiah 54Speaks of the expansion and restoration of Jerusalem, promising future glory and divine protection. People ZechariahPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Breadth, Goest, Jerusalem, Length, Measure, Thereof, Whither, WideDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 2:2 4803 breadth Zechariah 2:1-2 7254 plumb-line Library The City Without Walls
'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls.... 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.'--ZECHARIAH ii. 4, 5. Zechariah was the Prophet of the returning exiles, and his great work was to hearten them for their difficult task, with their small resources and their many foes, and to insist that the prime condition to success, on the part of that portion of the nation that had returned, was holiness. So his visions, of which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePrayer for the Lord's Promised Presence. Zech 2:10
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John Newton—Olney Hymns The Lord Reigneth
Hallelujah; for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! T he book of the Revelation, being chiefly prophetical, will not, perhaps, be fully understood, till the final accomplishment of the events shall draw near, and throw a stronger light upon the whole series. But while the learned commentators have been, hitherto, divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians. Particularly, those passages …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer Some persons, when they hear of the prayer of silence, falsely imagine, that the soul remains stupid, dead, and inactive. But, unquestionably, it acteth therein, more nobly and more extensively than it had ever done before; for God Himself is the mover, and the soul now acteth by the agency of His Spirit. When S. Paul speaks of our being led by the Spirit of God, it is not meant that we should cease from action; but that we should act through the internal …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Gifts Received for the Rebellious
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. W hen Joseph exchanged a prison for the chief honour and government of Egypt, the advantage of his exaltation was felt by those who little deserved it (Genesis 45:4, 5) . His brethren hated him, and had conspired to kill him. And though he was preserved from death, they were permitted to sell him for a bond-servant. He owed his servitude, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action, Wrought by the Spirit of God, and in Dependence Upon Him --The Communication Of
Some people, hearing of the prayer of silence, have wrongly imagined that the soul remains inactive, lifeless, and without movement. But the truth is, that its action is more noble and more extensive than it ever was before it entered this degree, since it is moved by God Himself, and acted upon by His Spirit. St Paul desires that we should be led by the Spirit of God (Rom. viii. 14). I do not say that there must be no action, but that we must act in dependence upon the divine movement. This …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Zechariah 2:2 NIVZechariah 2:2 NLTZechariah 2:2 ESVZechariah 2:2 NASBZechariah 2:2 KJV
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