GOD’s Protective Presence

Zechariah 2:1-13 

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

‘And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.’– Zechariah 2:5

The prophecies in Zechariah, Haggai and Ezra though had partial fulfilment in their day, relate much to the future millennial rule of the Messiah. Jerusalem and its walls had been left in ruins by enemy nations and many of its inhabitants taken into captivity. But at a later period, the returnees were encouraged to rebuild both the Temple and the walls of the city. In the vision given to Zechariah in today’s text, the emphasis is on the presence and protection of the Lord Almighty over His people. 

The mention of the wall of fire helps us remember the pillar of fire and pillar of cloud that God sent as protection and guidance over the Israelites on their journey through the desert to the Promised Land (Exodus 13:21-22)—a sign of God’s presence and protection for His people. As seen in the vision of Zechariah, though measurements were taken to restore the walls of Jerusalem, it wasn’t the walls that would be their real protection but His presence as a wall of fire! 

We are at a juncture in history where we feel so defenseless with all that is happening in the world. It is quite normal to feel worried and vulnerable when one sees destruction all around. But for the one who has made the LORD his refuge and dwelling place (Psalm 91:9), he can rest under the shadow of the Almighty! As Psalm 91 describes the various elements of danger that one is exposed to- the arrows that fly, the pestilences, plagues, destruction—are to be seen in every age since the Fall. But as the Psalmist says, it’s the Lord’s protection that prevails over all of life’s perils!

To those who feel anxious during such times of danger or onslaught of various sorts by the enemy, can take heart from the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6. As the army of the enemy king surrounded the city Elisha stayed in order to capture him, Elisha’s servant became frightened; by see Elisha’s reply “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16). And the Lord opened his eyes to see the horses and chariots of fire around Elisha!! What a picture of God’s protective presence!

There is another encouraging note in our text that the Lord gives to His people: ‘For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—…" (V.8). It is our experience that the apple of the eye is what protects the eye and if anyone tries to touch it, there is an involuntary reaction to close the eyelids for protection. So we can very well understand God’s level of protection for His dear ones, from that verse. 

From Verses 10 on, God promises to dwell among His people- not just Israel but those joined with the Lord- this is a pointer to the millennial rule of the Messiah where His presence is tangible amongst His people! What a future hope for all who trust in the Lord!

To those who are far away from God and His ways, it’s a call to turn to Him and become His own by making Christ your Saviour and Lord. Romans 10: 9 says: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Then you can say He is your dwelling place and refuge. He will be a constant wall of fire around you until you see Him face to face on His return! 

Ponder:   The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10