Sept. 25, 2005

 

Ch.2:1-13- The third vision of Zechariah involves the restoration, rebuilding

and expansion of the city of Jerusalem.  It serves to positively focus on the fulfillment of God’s program for His covenant people,the Jews.

  Merrill Unger says “Particularly emphasized is the great increase in size, population, wealth, spirituality and security of the city.”

“I raised my eyes….behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand.”

The man’s identity is revealed thru the surveyor’s instrument in his possession.

In 6:12 we are introduced to “the Man whose name is the Branch” and in vs.13

He “shall build the temple of the LORD”—this is a Messianic passage and refers to the Lord Jesus.  See also Ezk.40:23- concerning the building of the Millennial Temple.  As there was an assisting angel in 1:9 so we again see angels in vs.3

that aid in the vision.

  “Run, speak to this young man..” this young man is likely Zechariah, himself a young man.  The command indicates the urgency and importance of the information.  We will now look at each remark in this 3^rd vision:

1) “Jerusalem…inhabited…without walls…”-  this phrase indicates the position of safety and expansion of Jerusalem.  Walls speak of a need of protection; their absence the protective Hand of God.

2) “For I….will be a wall of fire all around her..and I will be the glory in her midst”—This would be parallel to the “good and comfortable words” of 1:13.  This anticipates the future importance of Jerusalem in the time of the rule of Christ on the earth (millennium).  Those who reject dispensational pre-millenialism with the literal rule of Christ on earth fail to see that this portion of Zechariah’s vision awaits fulfillment, having not  been fulfilled at Christ’ 1^st coming.

3) “Up, up! Flee from the land of the north….I have spread you abroad like the 4 winds osf heaven….Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon”-  here, “north” and “Babylon” are synonymous as a

place of evil that Israel must get out of [see Rev.18:4-8]—note Rev. 17-18 for religious and commercial Babylon as objects of God’s wrath.  Babylon appears to be a metaphor in the Bible for anti-God and materialistic selfishness.

(4) “For thus says the LORD of hosts: He sent me after glory…” this is a difficult structure with “after glory” being emphasized as goal or direction.

Further, it is a Trinitarian passage where we note the LORD speaking, yet the use of “me” in vs.8 and 11 as One sent by the LORD.  Some would apply it to Zechariah, but it is likely applied to God, the Son, just as the Servant of the LORD in Isaiah.  He [the Father] sent me [the Son]—see John 1:14, 17:1, 4, 5.

It particularly focuses on the Son’s vindication of the Father at the 2^nd Advent with glory- II Thess. 1:7-9 and Isaiah 4:1-5.

   “unto the nations which spoiled you” – language here gives the idea of

those who continually spoil or plunder Israel—Unger says “His glory is inseparably

linked to the fortunes of His people. He cannot be glorified as long as His people are

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disgraced and persecuted by their enemies who, in a vital sense, are His enemies.”

“For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye”- this endearing expressive shows how tender is God’s love and attention on His covenant people.

(5) “For surely I will shake my hand against them…become spoil..”

From His tenderness for Israel arises His defense of them.  “Then you will know that the LORD…has sent me”- this phrase is repeated at the end of

Vs.11.  It reveals how Israel will come to a circumstance of recognition and

response to Jesus as the Christ—Rev.1:7 and Zech.13:6.  This will be the spiritual conversion of the people of Israel- Isaiah 66:8-9.

(6) “Sing…I am coming and will dwell in your midst…..many nations

shall be joined to the LORD in that day…I will dwell in your midst..”

This portion of the vision calls for Israel to express her joy and delight as

The LORD, who had left the Temple when it fell under judgment, dwells with

Israel again.  As  a result, Gentiles are converted due to Israel’s promotion, rather than Israel’s fall as in Rom.11.

(7) “The LORD will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem.”- whereas, under the discipline of the Exile, Israel was rejected- Hosea 1:4-9—here, the vision of

Zechariah shows Jerusalem again a possession of the LORD. Note use of

“holy land” –only occurance in scripture and is in a context of national conversion and restoration of Israel, not as an object of seizure by European nations!

  In conclusion, all humanity is told to be silent in view of God’s majestic work of

prospering, expanding and blessing Jerusalem.  It is a silence of awe as one

considers the sweeping nature of the first 3 visions.