Chapter 2 records the third of eight visions given to Zechariah on the same night: “the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month” (2:1; 1:7). After he saw the vision of the horns and craftsmen (1:18-21), Zechariah lifts his eyes to see a man carrying a measuring line (2:1). He asks the man, “Where are you going?” (2:2). The man reports he is headed to measure the width and length of the city of Jerusalem (2:2). Suddenly (“behold”—2:3), the angel who had spoken to him in the first vision (1:9) steps forward and is met by a second angel (2:3). The second angel tells the first: “Run, say to that young man, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it” (2:4). But though the city seems defenseless (“without walls”), there is no need to fear. The Lord promises, “I will be to her a wall of fire all around” (2:5). What’s more, the Lord will be “the glory in her midst” (2:5).
This glorious vision of Jerusalem’s future, given when the Temple was still under construction and the surrounding nations were still menacing, is followed by a strong call and command from the Lord: “Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north” (2:6). While the Lord had scattered His disobedient people to “the four winds of heaven”, He now calls them to leave Babylon and “Escape to Zion” (2:6-7). The Lord will bring judgment on the nations that “plundered” His people and touched “the apple of his eye” (2:8). These oppressive nations will become “plunder for those who served them” (2:9). When all this happens, Zechariah says the Jews will know the Lord had indeed sent him with the Lord’s message (2:9).
Verses 10-12 continue the uplifting message from the Lord regarding the future of Judah and Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem (“daughter of Zion”—2:10) are called to “Sing and rejoice” because the Lord promises to “come” and “dwell in your midst” (2:11). When this day comes (“in that day”—2:11), “many nations shall join themselves to the Lord” (2:11). They will be linked to the Jews to such an extent that the Lord can call them “my people” (2:11). Best of all, the Lord promises to dwell in their midst and make them His own: “And the Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem” (2:12). When all this happens, Zechariah affirms once again that the Jews will “know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you” (2:11). Reality will vindicate his prophecy.
Zechariah’s third vision concludes with a sober summons to all people in light of God’s promise to shake the nations and dwell in the midst of His people in Jerusalem: “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord; for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling” (2:13).
Knowing God: Understanding His Person and Ways
The Lord has a bright future for Jerusalem. When Zechariah delivers this prophetic promise, Jerusalem lies in disrepair. The walls are broken down. The Temple lies in ruins, with only a new foundation laid. The surrounding nations threaten the rebuilding project and the Persian empire rules over the Jewish remnant. Zechariah announces a “day” to come when all this will change (2:11). The Lord will shake up the nations, turning the plunderers into the plundered (2:8-9). Gentiles from “many nations” will stream to Jerusalem in order to become part of His people (2:11). Best of all, the Lord promises (three times) He will “dwell in your midst” (2:5,10, 11). Jerusalem and its multi-national inhabitants will have ample reason to “sing and rejoice” (2:10). Some of Zechariah’s message seems to have been fulfilled in the near future with the fall of the Babylonian and Persian empires. Some of Zechariah’s words await a final fulfillment in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21-22). As is often the case, Old Testament prophets merge near and far events into one message of hope for God’s people.
The Lord includes Gentiles who come to Him as part of His own people. While the Lord pledges to disrupt and dethrone the Gentile nations that plundered His people, He also offers hope for those from “many nations” who turn and link their lives to Him (2:11). Here is an outworking of the promise given to Abraham that through his descendants all nations of the earth will be blessed (Gen 12:1-3). God’s redemptive plan is global is scope since His heart is global in size.
Joining God: Moving with God on Mission
All who belong to the Lord as His people are the “apple of his eye”. Even when disobedient and under His severe discipline (2:8), the Jews remain “the apple of God’s eye” (2:8). The pupil is one of the most tender, vulnerable, and valuable parts of the human body. This phrase shows how valued and precious God’s people are to him, even when they disobey and experience His discipline due to sin. Since the Lord promises that those from “many nations” will join themselves to Him and become “my people” (2:11), Gentile believers can also be called “the apple of God’s eye.” .
Our response to God’s power and plan should be joyful singing and reverent silence. What is the appropriate response to the Lord of host’s promise to shake the nations and dwell in the midst of His people? Joyful singing (“Sing and rejoice”—2:10) and reverent silence (“Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord”—2:13). This two-fold response mirrors what kings and nations are called to do in Psalm 2:11: “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” In the presence of a sovereign, gracious God who rules the nations and restores His people, we sing for joy and go silent with awe.
Rick and Linda Reed 