The vision continues.
From Chapter 1 we saw Zechariah's vision where the Lord promised to stretch a measuring line over Jerusalem to mark the rebuilding. He promised to send four craftsmen to terrify and throw down the who have come against Judah.
The opening of Chapter 2 has Zechariah lifting his eyes and finding a man with the actual measuring line, mentioned in Chapter 1. Zechariah asks the man what's he doing and the man explains that he's going to see how long and wide Jerusalem is.
The angel that had been speaking to Zechariah was leaving and was met by another angel. The new angel tells the original angel to run to Zechariah with important news, ‘Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls because of the multitude of men and cattle within it.
For I,’ declares the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’” Zechariah 2:5
I have a story about this verse. It was sent to me by a friend at the exact right moment when I could fully hear from God that He is my protection and I can trust in Him because it's for His glory. He is glorified when we use our gifts and talents unto the Lord for His name's sake.
Aside from the personal story, this verse packs a powerful punch. He is fire around her and Glory in her midst. What a promise. Makes me wonder about the inspiration for the iron dome around modern day Israel. There is such massive evidence of a living God and Israel is still His chosen people. His bride. While we're Christ's bride. Amazing!
If I understand correctly, in verses 8–10, the angel calls out a warning to the people of Israel who were taken captive to the north and to Babylon. God is warning that he's going to plunder and destroy these enemy lands and He wants His people to flee hom where He will protect and provide for them. Biy we see that at the end of WWII in a near fulfillment withe end time fulfillment being comprehensive.
Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” declares the Lord. Zechariah 2:10
God's promises are yes and amen. We know this is coming. Jesus' first incarnation on the near fulfillment and Jesus' second coming for the final fulfillment! People be ready!
Many nations will join themselves to the Lord in that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. Zechariah 2:11
That's us, folks! Hallelujah and Amen! We are also His people and the sheep of His pasture. His fire is around us! Amazing Grace!
The Lord will possess Judah as His portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem. Zechariah 2:12
Thank God that His promises are yes and amen. We can trust Him to protect Jerusalem. The whole country is turning antisemitic again; but I can trust in their God, our God, to protect and sustain them. Jerusalem belongs to Him.
Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord; for He is aroused from His holy habitation.” Zechariah 2:13
To be honest, I don't have a guess what this means. But it made me think of Silent Night and I wondered if this is the inspiration for the song. The Lord arrives and all flesh is silent. If so, that was the near fulfillment. We still have the exciting conclusion ahead of us.
Hallelujah!