16 ‘Therefore thus says the Lord: “I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; My house shall be built in it,” says the Lord of hosts, “And a surveyor’s line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.” ’ 17 “Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; The Lord will again comfort Zion, And will again choose Jerusalem.” ’ ”
Verses 16-17 show God’s four blessings for Israel in the future.
-The LORD will return to Jerusalem, showing compassion by building the Temple.
-The LORD will succeed in building His Temple in Jerusalem.
-The LORD will measure Jerusalem to rebuild it entirely.
-The LORD will prosper the cities of the land.
1:16
‘Therefore [on that account] thus says the Lord:
Because the Gentile nations were at peace and not judged, God would act in the future. The report to the red-horse rider about the peace of the Gentiles caused God to give a concluding promise.
“I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; My house shall be built in it,” says the Lord of hosts,
“I am returning” is a prophetic perfect indicating the certainty of the Second Coming. These words were of comfort to the people of Zechariah’s day, but they should give assurance to the people of our day.
When the Lord comes again, He will come with “mercy” by setting up His Kingdom. His Kingdom will manifest the Shekinah glory of the Messiah (Mt 23:38,39) by the building of the Temple (Ezek 40-42; Isa 2:2-3).
“And a surveyor’s line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.” ’
Jerusalem will enjoy great expansion during the Millennium. A surveyor’s measure will verify this. A surveyor is necessary for the reconstruction of Jerusalem. The city will be prosperous on that day.
1:17
“Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; The Lord will again comfort Zion,
God assured Israel that Jerusalem will be restored to Millennial glory.
And will again choose Jerusalem.” ’ ”
God will reaffirm Israel as His chosen people and Jerusalem as the headquarters.
PRINCIPLE:
Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.
APPLICATION:
God will be merciful to Israel, as He promised in this vision. He will return to Jerusalem with mercy, rebuild His Temple, and restore Jerusalem to prosperity. As well, God identifies with our suffering and hopelessness. He is sovereign over all events that may come our way. He has a bright future for the believer.
