Introduction: In chapter one, God has given to Israel a brief overview into what is called the "Times of the Gentiles." This particular period of time finds its consummation during the Great Tribulation through the anti-Semitic reign of the Antichrist. God comforts Israel with the good news of His eventual deliverance of the nation. In chapter two the Lord gives us a look beyond those cataclysmic events into the rest and glory of the millennium.

I. THE VISION PRESENTED (2:1-5):

A. The Surveyor (vs. 1.2) -

Even as Zechariah saw a man going forth to measure Jerusalem, Ezekiel also witnessed a man going forth to measure a millennial temple (Ezekiel 40). They are undoubtedly one in the same. Ezekiel gives us many more details of his appearance, which enables us to identify him as the Angel of the Lord. (See: Ezekiel 40:3; Daniel 10: 6; Revelation 1:15; 2:18). There is no doubt that the Lord is often referred to as a man (Zechariah 6:12; Exodus 15:3; Genes is 18:1 2) .

B. The Identity of The Other Personalities (Vs. 3- 5 ) -

Zechariah, himself, appears as the interrogator of the man with the measuring line in his hand.

The angel that appeared in the conversation of chapter one with Zechariah is met by another angel. The second angel is evidently commissioned to bring forth further information. The young man of verse four must be Zechariah. We find a similar attitude displayed towards David in (I Samuel 17:33), when Saul questions the fighting abilities of David. "..."Thou art not able ... for thou art but a youth..."

 

II. PROMISES PROCEEDING FROM THE VISION (2:4-13):

A. Jerusalem will enjoy prosperous expansion (vs 4) -

High walls, gates, bars, etc., are all necessary fortifications for the purpose of a relatively secure defense. God comforts Israel with the fact that the day will come when Jerusalem will be as the unwalled suburbs and villages (Esther 9: 19). The phenomenal growth of the major metropolitan areas in the 20th century is a picture of what will happen when Jerusalem becomes the religious, political, and social capital of the world (Isaiah 49:19,20).

B. Jerusalem will experience special divine protection and glory (vs 5) -

Jerusalem will prosper and overflow its present boundaries. It will be expanded into the rural areas that surround it without need of walls, fortifications and other defenses. The Lord, himself, shall be a "protective wall of fire" round about her. Not only that, He will also be the glory in the midst of Jerusalem for His people. This fact is expanded upon in (Ezekiel 43:1-7). Then "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together..." (Isaiah 40:5). At that time, the Angel of the Lord, with whom the cloud of glory was associated in the Old Testament (Exodus 13:21, 22; 14:19,20), will be made manifest visibly and personally in Jesus Christ as He sits upon the "throne of David,"and rules with the rod of iron. (See Isaiah chapter four).

C. Israel will be restored and repatriated (vs 6,7) -

The warnings to flee and escape from Babylon, found fulfillment but two short years after the giving of this prophecy. Like so many of the prophecies found in the Old Testament, they can be seen in the light of dual applications, one fulfilled, one yet future. Zechariah two also brings into vision the future escape from and deliverance of prophetic Babylon in Revelation 17 and 18. John makes a similar plea in (Revelation 18:1-4), "...come out of her my people..." The words have echoed down through biblical history (Isaiah 48: 20; 52:11; Jeremiah 51:6, 45). God even uses the heathen King Cyrus to execute deliverance from Babylon (II Chronicles 36:14- 23). This call was headed on a v small scale when we compare it to its future fulfillment (Isaiah 11:10-16).

D. The nations that have spoiled Israel will be judged and punished (vs 8,9) -

The "glory" of (verse 8), is a reference to the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. (See Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 17:1-9). There have been and always will be (until the Lord straightens this all out) those who would dare touch the "apple of God's eye" (Deut. 32:10; Psalms 17:8). God's glory cannot be fully manifested until the enemies of Israel have been dealt with. The Lord will yet restore Israel. He will vindicate himself in truthfulness and faithfulness. His glory is inseparably linked with promises and blessings of Israel. He cannot be glorified as long as His people live in disgrace and persecution.

When God shakes his hand things happen! (Isaiah 11:15; 19:16). God's judgment on these spoiling nations will be to place them in a position of servitude (Isaiah 49:22,23).

E. The earth will be prepared for full millennial blessing (vs 10-13) -

[1]. By Messiah in the midst of Jerusalem (vs 10). The reason for the command to "sing and rejoice", is "for, lo, I come." This is not a reference to the First Coming of Christ, but the Second Coming. "And I will dwell", is a promise of which Israel is well familiar (Exodus 25:8; Numbers 5:3).
[2]. By the proclamation of the message of salvation to the nations (vs 11). Isaiah foretells of "strangers" joined to Israel (Isaiah 14:1). In doing so, these "strangers" will,in all actuality, be joined to the Lord. Israel will draw converts to her Lord (Isaiah 2:1 4; 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23). Many nations will become, as the Lord declares, "my people" (Isaiah 56:3-6; Psalms 102:14-23) .
[3]. By specially encouraging promises to Palestine and Jerusalem (vs 12). Even though the salvation of the Gentiles is of utmost importance to God, He has some special blessings for His people, Israel (Isaiah 19:24,25; 62:12).
[4]. By the personal and visible coming of Messiah (vs 13). "But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep him silence before." (Habbakkuk 2:20)