Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a
Chapter 2
5
Third: The Measuring Line
Raising my eyes again, I saw a man holding a measuring line. I asked: “Where are you going?”6
He answered: “I’m going to measure Jerusalem, to determine its width and length.”
7
As the angel who was speaking to me moved forward, another angel met him
8
and said: “Run and tell this to that young man: ‘Jerusalem will remain unwalled because of its many people and livestock.’
9
For this is the Lord’s word: I, myself, will be around her like a wall of fire, and within her, in glory.”
14
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I am about to come; I will dwell among you,” says the Lord.
15
“On that day, many nations will join the Lord and become my people, but my dwelling will be among you.”
Commentaries
Eight Visions.
The eight visions in this section are organized in a concentric or chiastic structure. The preceding verses (1:1-6) serve as an introduction, confirming the covenant (1:1-6), and conclude with a reference to the covenant established through the priest Joshua (6:12-15). In these visions, the Lord is presented as a warrior fighting against the kingdoms of the earth.
Third: The Measuring Line.
This is an instrument used to prepare for the reconstruction of the city walls (1-2). The angel says that such a line is not necessary because the new Jerusalem will be an open city (3-4), protected by the glory of the Lord (9). The Lord will dwell in a Jerusalem open to “many peoples” who will also belong to him (15).