For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.'" For I will be a wall of fire around itThis phrase is rich with imagery and promise. The Hebrew word for "wall" (חוֹמָה, chomah) signifies protection and separation. In ancient times, city walls were crucial for defense against enemies. The "wall of fire" suggests not just a physical barrier but a divine, supernatural protection. Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's presence and purity ( Exodus 3:2, Deuteronomy 4:24). Here, it indicates that God Himself will be the protector of Jerusalem, a promise of safety and divine intervention. Historically, Jerusalem was a city often under threat, and this assurance would have been profoundly comforting to the Israelites returning from exile. declares the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the authority and certainty of the promise. The Hebrew term for "declares" (נְאֻם, ne'um) is often used in prophetic literature to assert that the message is directly from God. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, reminding the Israelites of His eternal faithfulness and unchanging nature. This declaration is not just a hopeful wish but a guaranteed promise from the sovereign Creator. and I will be the glory within it
The word "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) in Hebrew conveys a sense of weightiness, honor, and splendor. In the context of the temple and Jerusalem, it refers to God's manifest presence. Historically, the glory of God filled the tabernacle and Solomon's temple (Exodus 40:34, 1 Kings 8:11). This promise assures that God's presence will dwell within Jerusalem, making it not just a city but a holy place where His divine presence is evident. This is a forward-looking promise, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, where God's glory will be fully realized among His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet in the post-exilic period who received visions from God to encourage the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile. 2. JerusalemThe city central to Jewish identity and worship, which was in the process of being rebuilt during Zechariah's time. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who promises protection and presence for His people. 4. The Wall of FireA metaphorical representation of God's divine protection surrounding Jerusalem. 5. The Glory in Her MidstRefers to God's presence dwelling among His people, signifying His favor and blessing. Teaching Points God's ProtectionJust as God promised to be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, He offers His protection to believers today. We can trust in His safeguarding presence in our lives. Divine PresenceThe promise of God being the glory in the midst of Jerusalem is a reminder of His desire to dwell among His people. As Christians, we experience this through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual SecurityPhysical walls can be breached, but God's protection is impenetrable. Our ultimate security is found in Him, not in earthly defenses. Community of BelieversJust as God promised to be in the midst of Jerusalem, He is present in the community of believers. We are called to live in unity, reflecting His glory to the world. Hope for RestorationZechariah's message was one of hope for a restored Jerusalem. Similarly, we have hope in Christ for restoration and renewal in our lives and communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of a "wall of fire" enhance your understanding of God's protection in your life? 2. In what ways can you experience and recognize God's presence as "the glory in your midst" in your daily walk? 3. How does the promise of God's protection in Zechariah 2:5 encourage you in times of fear or uncertainty? 4. What are some practical ways you can contribute to the unity and spiritual health of your local church community, reflecting God's presence among His people? 5. How can the hope of restoration seen in Zechariah's prophecy inspire you to seek God's renewal in areas of your life that feel broken or desolate? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 46This Psalm speaks of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, which parallels the protective imagery of God as a wall of fire. Isaiah 4:5Describes God's protective presence over Zion, similar to the promise in Zechariah 2:5. Revelation 21:23The New Jerusalem is described as having the glory of God as its light, connecting to the idea of God being the glory in the midst of His people. Exodus 13:21-22The pillar of fire that led the Israelites in the wilderness, symbolizing God's guidance and protection, akin to the wall of fire in Zechariah. Ezekiel 48:35The name of the city is "The LORD is there," emphasizing God's presence among His people, as in Zechariah 2:5. People ZechariahPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Affirmation, Declares, Fire, Glory, Honour, Inside, Midst, Round, Says, Wall, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 2:5 5527 shield
5604 walls Zechariah 2:3-5 1680 types Zechariah 2:4-5 1193 glory, revelation of 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 2:5 NIVZechariah 2:5 NLTZechariah 2:5 ESVZechariah 2:5 NASBZechariah 2:5 KJV
Zechariah 2:5 Commentaries
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