Zechariah 2
Zechariah's vision of a man who wants to measure Jerusalem
1 Then I looked up and I saw a young man in front of me. He had a string in his hand that he could use to measure things. 2 I asked the man, ‘Where are you going?’
He replied, ‘I am going to measure Jerusalem. I want to see how wide it is and how long it is.’
3 The angel who had been speaking with me now went away from me. Another angel came to meet him. 4 The second angel said to the first angel, ‘Run to that young man. Tell him, “Jerusalem will no longer be a city that has walls around it. This is because there will be many people and many animals that live in it. 5 The Lord himself promises that he will protect Jerusalem. He will be like a wall of fire around the city. His own glory will shine inside the city.” ’
A message to tell God's people to return
6 This is the Lord's message: ‘Run away! Escape from the country in the north where you have been prisoners. I sent you away in every direction, north, south, east and west. 7 Now escape, you people of Zion! Return home from Babylon where you have been living.’
8 Return home, because the Lord Almighty has sent me, Zechariah, with a message. He has sent me to warn the nations who have robbed you. He will use me to bring glory to himself. You are his special people. If anyone hurts you, it is the same as if they hurt God's own eye. 9 The Lord says, ‘I will use my power to punish your enemies. Even their own slaves will rob them.’ When that happens, you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.
10 The Lord says, ‘Sing and be happy, you people of Zion. Yes, I am coming to you! I will live among you. 11 At that time, people will come from many nations to worship me, the Lord. They will become my people too. And I will make my home among you all.’ When that happens, you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.
12 Judah will again belong to the Lord as his special place in his own land. He will choose Jerusalem as his own city. 13 So be quiet now, people everywhere, as you stand in front of the Lord. He is ready to move from his holy home in heaven to do great things.
