Zechariah 2:1-13
Wednesday, 18 October 2023
“Then I, myself, will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD. And I will be the glory inside the city!” -Zechariah 2:5 [NLT]
Zechariah, the Prophet to Judah, encouraged God’s people to put away the sin in their lives and to continue rebuilding the Temple. His visions describe the judgment of their enemies, the blessings to Jerusalem which gives hope for the people. He emphasized that people remain pure, avoiding hypocrisy, superficial and sinful behavior. This is also a pointer- a careful instruction for children of God to keep themselves pure until Christ comes again.
The Jews in Jerusalem returned from their captivity in Babylon and their immediate goal was to rebuild the Temple, but the work was thwarted and stalled. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah confronted the people for their lack of motivation in their task and encouraged them to complete it. Chapter Two continues the vision started in chapter one where Jerusalem becomes the center focus of God’s promise. Zechariah clearly reveals the future glory of the city. The vision is about a man with a measuring line. It is interesting to know that the meaning of it was given by Zechariah in the last half of the chapter (Zech. 2:6-13). Jerusalem would one day be full of people that there will not be enough space for all. God would one day dwell in her midst and many nations would be joined to the Lord. Remember: Salvation through Christ is open for all who will acknowledge and receive Him.
As we read on, we see an urge to flee from Babylon, the city of their exile. As Zech. 2:7 says, “…come away, people of Zion, you who are exiled in Babylon!” Many of the Captive Israelites did not return to Jerusalem because they had been used to the security and wealth they enjoyed in Babylon. But Zechariah instructed them to leave Babylon quickly as it was going to be destroyed by the Lord. Yet a vast number of Israelites remained there in spite of the warnings.
The Lord reiterates His love and promises to His people. Zech.2: 8 says: “…for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” What a promise for His special people! The Lord’s protection and special care for His own. How precious are we—His children to Him!
Then the Lord says, “shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you.” (Zech. 2:10). One day, Jerusalem will no longer need walls, because the Lord’s presence will be in her midst with a great number of people living there. Zechariah paints a picture of the scene on the earth, after the 2nd Coming of Christ. In that day, the glory of the Messiah (Christ) will be in the midst of the city, and the Gentile nations will be joined to Israel that day (Zech. 2:11). This takes place in a period known as the Millennium when Jerusalem is the elevated capital, the city from which God rules the nations. Israel and Jerusalem will prosper, and the Gentile nations will join in their prosperity.
As the visions of Zechariah mostly point to the future age, we have a similar glorious picture reiterated through the vision of Apostle John in Revelation 21:3: ‘And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” What a scene to look forward to!
Prayer: Dear LORD thank You for the blessed hope we have that one day You will dwell in our midst in glory. Amen
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