and said to him, "Run and tell that young man: 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of men and livestock within it. and said to himThis phrase indicates a divine message being delivered, emphasizing the role of angels as messengers of God. In the Hebrew context, the word for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just speaking but a declaration of divine will. This highlights the authority and importance of the message being delivered. Run
The urgency in the command to "run" underscores the importance and immediacy of the message. In the ancient Near Eastern context, running was often associated with delivering news of great significance, akin to a royal decree. This urgency reflects the divine priority placed on the restoration and future glory of Jerusalem. tell that young man
The "young man" refers to Zechariah himself, symbolizing youth and the potential for growth and renewal. In Hebrew, the term for "young man" (נַעַר, na'ar) can also imply a servant or someone in training, suggesting that Zechariah is being prepared for a significant role in God's plan. Jerusalem will be a city without walls
This phrase is prophetic, envisioning a future where Jerusalem's security and prosperity are not dependent on physical barriers. Historically, city walls were crucial for protection, but this prophecy indicates divine protection and blessing. The absence of walls symbolizes openness, growth, and the breaking of limitations, reflecting God's abundant provision and care. because of the multitude of men and livestock within it
The "multitude of men and livestock" signifies prosperity and divine blessing. In ancient times, a large population and abundant livestock were signs of wealth and God's favor. This imagery conveys a future where Jerusalem thrives under God's provision, overflowing with life and abundance, fulfilling the promises of restoration and blessing found throughout the prophetic literature. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who received visions from God, encouraging the Israelites during the post-exilic period. 2. The Young ManLikely Zechariah himself or another figure in the vision, representing the people of Israel. 3. JerusalemThe city central to Jewish identity and worship, symbolizing God's presence and the future hope of restoration. 4. The AngelA messenger from God, delivering divine instructions and revelations to Zechariah. 5. The VisionA prophetic revelation concerning the future expansion and divine protection of Jerusalem. Teaching Points Divine Protection Over Human SecurityThe vision of Jerusalem without walls emphasizes reliance on God's protection rather than human-made defenses. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in their lives. God's Abundant BlessingThe multitude of men and livestock signifies prosperity and growth. This reflects God's desire to bless His people abundantly, encouraging believers to expect and embrace God's blessings. The Inclusivity of God's KingdomThe expansion of Jerusalem symbolizes the inclusivity of God's kingdom, welcoming all who come to Him. Christians are called to be open and inviting, sharing the gospel with others. Hope in God's PromisesThe prophetic vision offers hope for the future, reminding believers of God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises. This encourages perseverance and faith in God's ultimate plan. Spiritual Growth and ExpansionJust as Jerusalem is to expand, believers are encouraged to grow spiritually, expanding their faith and influence in the world around them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the vision of Jerusalem without walls challenge our understanding of security and protection in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's abundant blessings in our lives today, similar to the multitude of men and livestock in Jerusalem? 3. How can we, as believers, reflect the inclusivity of God's kingdom in our communities and relationships? 4. What are some promises of God that you hold onto for hope and encouragement in your spiritual journey? 5. How can we actively pursue spiritual growth and expansion in our personal faith and within our church communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 54:2-3This passage speaks of the expansion and growth of God's people, similar to the vision of Jerusalem's future without walls. Revelation 21:10-27Describes the New Jerusalem, a city of divine presence and glory, echoing the themes of protection and abundance. Psalm 46:4-5Highlights God's presence within His city, ensuring its security and prosperity, resonating with the promise of Jerusalem's future. Ezekiel 38:11Discusses a city without walls, emphasizing trust in God's protection rather than physical barriers. Hebrews 11:10Refers to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. People ZechariahPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Abundance, Beast, Cattle, Inhabit, Inhabited, Jerusalem, Livestock, Midst, Multitude, Quickly, Reason, Run, Saying, Speak, Therein, Town, Towns, Unwalled, Villages, Walls, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 2:3-5 1680 types Zechariah 2:4-5 1193 glory, revelation of
5292 defence, divine 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 2:4 NIVZechariah 2:4 NLTZechariah 2:4 ESVZechariah 2:4 NASBZechariah 2:4 KJV
Zechariah 2:4 Commentaries
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