The Man Who is Measuring Jerusalem
November 21, 2019
Commentary
The third vision of the surveyor (the man with the measuring tape) is divided as follows:
The details of the vision (vv.1-4).The explanation of the vision (v. 5).The prophetic exhortation of the vision (vv.6-12).The proper response of the vision (v.13).The man with the measuring line symbolizes the hope of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a restored people. He was about to measure Jerusalem in preparation for her reconstruction. The day would come when the population of Jerusalem would be so great that it would overflow her boundaries (vv.3,4). However, the city will need no fortification or protection because of God’s presence (v.4b). The Lord will protect Jerusalem’s with a wall of fire (v. 5).
Beginning with verse 6 and continuing through the chapter the prophet sounds four warnings:
All exiles in Babylon need to hasten to return to Jerusalem (vv.6,7).God will judge the nations that have scattered Israel (vv.8,9). God will bless many nations through Israel (vv. 10-12).All mankind should be in silent obedience to the Lord (v.13).How do we measure up? Are we measuring up according to God’s standards or are we relying upon the changing standards of man? Use the Word of God as your measurement. Use Jesus as your standard. That’s the only way that you will really measure up to what God wants you to be.
Application
I need to be careful how I treat or measure Christians because that is the way I am treating God.
Zechariah 2:1– 13 (NET)
1 (2:5) I looked again, and there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2 I asked, “Where are you going?” He replied, “To measure Jerusalem in order to determine its width and its length.” 3 At this point the angelic messenger who spoke to me went out, and another messenger came to meet him 4 and said to him, “Hurry, speak to this young man as follows: ‘Jerusalem will no longer be enclosed by walls because of the multitude of people and animals there. 5 But I,’ the Lord says, ‘will be a wall of fire surrounding Jerusalem and the source of glory in her midst.’”
6 “You there! Flee from the northland!” says the Lord, “for like the four winds of heaven I have scattered you,” says the Lord. 7 “Escape, Zion, you who live among the Babylonians!” 8 For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “For his own glory he has sent me to the nations that plundered you—for anyone who touches you touches the pupil of his eye. 9 Yes, look here, I am about to punish them so that they will be looted by their own slaves.” Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me.
10 “Sing out and be happy, Zion my daughter! For look, I have come; I will settle in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on the day of salvation, and they will also be my people. Indeed, I will settle in the midst of you all. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me to you. 12 The Lord will take possession of Judah as his portion in the holy land and he will choose Jerusalem once again. 13 Be silent in the Lord’s presence, all people everywhere, for he is being moved to action in his holy dwelling place.”
Illustration: God’s Measuring Stick
When Tom Haggai went off to college, his dad said to him: “Remember, son, God is more interested in you than anything you’ll do, but whatever you do, do it well, for you never know when God is standing in the shadows measuring you for a bigger opportunity.” (Source Unknown).