Zechariah's Vision of the Measuring Line
The Prophet Measures Jerusalem
The message of the measuring line is that Jerusalem shall be restored and enlarged. In Jeremiah Chapter 31, Yahweh proclaims that He will make a "New covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah." (v31) and “The surveyor’s line shall again extend straight forward over the hill Gareb; then it shall turn toward Goath." (v39)
Jerusalem Measured
The man with the measuring line goes to Jerusalem to establish its width and its length. In Rev 11:1 John describes a similar scene affirming its future context where he "was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the Angel stood saying, Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar and those who worship there."
Jerusalem will be protected as well as restored. "For I says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst." (Zech 2:15)
Return to Me
Following their dispersal the Jewish people are encouraged “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts:’’ (Zech 1:4) The blessing of the restoration of the temple and Jerusalem plus protection and prosperity is granted to them. Disobedience resulted in captivity in Babylon. Unconditional covenants were made between Yahweh and their fathers but the blessings were dependent on obedience listed in Deuteronomy Chapter 28.
Yahweh’s Jealousy
Yahweh’s zealousness for His people is captured in Zechariah 2:8. “He has sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.”
The Messianic Kingdom
The following prophecy eagerly anticipates the Messianic Kingdom. “Sing and Rejoice, O daughter of Zion. For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your Midst,” says the Lord. “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people.” (Zech 2:9-10a)
Isaiah also spoke of the future House of Yahweh in Isaiah 2:1-4 where people from all nations would go up to Jerusalem. Jesus the Messiah would be the ruling judge. Conflict would cease between nations in the ‘city of peace.’ "Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills: And all nations shall flow to it." (Isaiah 2:2)
This vision continually reaffirms and assures Israel of promises made centuries before. "And the lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem." (Zech 2:12) Moses joyful song bore the testimony "for the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance." (Deut 32:9) The consoling truth is evident. The Lord will again choose Jerusalem.
Measuring Jerusalem
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