Zechariah 2:5 For I, said the LORD, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the middle of her. In this chapter is a vision of a man with a measuring line in his hand, to show that the Lord was now in readiness to build and restore the city and temple. Two great discouragements the people met with — danger and scorn. The Lord here, by a gracious promise, fortifieth them against the fear of both. Against the fear of danger, by promising to be their protection; and against the fear of scorn, by promising to be their glory. The Lord is to His people whatever good they want. "I will be a wall." 1. A wall of partition, to separate the Church from the world. 2. A wall of conjunction, uniting the parts together in one common interest. 3. A wall of protection and defence. The Lord doth as a wall protect His Church — (1) In a way of promise. (2) In a way of power. (3) In a way of providence. (4) In a way of grace.His protection is like that of a wall. It is near, adequate, and impregnable. Consider the city walled, the subject of His defence. The Church is His property, His rest, His peculiar treasure. The Lord is the glory in the midst of His people — 1. By His spiritual residence and gracious presence with them. 2. By His holy ordinances. 3. In glorious privileges and immunities belonging to every citizen of the New Jerusalem.What folly, then, and what wickedness, to oppose the Church of God, briars to contend with flames! We need not make use of carnal wisdom and sinful means for protection. Envy not the glory of the world. Above all, hold fast God and His presence. God will be with you while you are with Him. If God be thus your glory, let your glorying be in Him alone. (T. Hannam.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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