Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Zechariah Ch.2 / 14 Ch.s
ZEC:2
* The prosperity of Jerusalem. (1-5) The Jews called to return
to their own land. (6-9) A promise of God's presence. (10-13)
#1-5 The Son of David, even the Man Christ Jesus, whom the
prophet sees with a measuring line in his hand, is the
Master-Builder of his church. God notices the extent of his
church, and will take care that whatever number of guests are
brought to the wedding-supper, there shall be room. This vision
means well to Jerusalem. The walls of a city, as they defend it,
so they straiten its inhabitants; but Jerusalem shall be
extended as freely as if it had no walls at all, yet shall be as
safe as if it had the strongest walls. In the church of God
there yet is room for other multitudes, more than man can
number. None shall be refused who trust in Christ; and He never
shuts out from heaven one true member of the church on earth.
God will be a Wall of fire round them, which can neither be
broken through nor undermined, nor can it be assailed without
danger to those who attack. This vision was to have its full
accomplishment in the gospel church, which is extended by
admitting the Gentiles into it; and which has the Son of God for
its Prince and Protector; especially in the glorious times yet
to come.
#6-9 If God will build Jerusalem for the people and their
comfort, they must inhabit it for him and his glory. The
promises and privileges with which God's people are blessed,
should engage us to join them, whatever it costs us. When Zion
is enlarged to make room for all God's Israel, it is the
greatest madness for any of them to stay in Babylon. The
captivity of a sinful state is by no means to be continued in,
though a man may be easy in worldly matters. Escape for thy
life, look not behind thee. Christ has proclaimed that
deliverance to the captives, which he has himself wrought out,
and it concerns every one to resolve that sin shall not have
dominion over him. Those who would be found among God's
children, must save themselves from this world, see #Ac 2:40|.
What Christ will do for his church, shall be an evident proof of
God's care and affection. He that touches you, touches the apple
of his eye. This is a strong expression of God's love to his
church. He takes what is done against her as done against the
tenderest part of the eye, to which the least touch is a great
offence. Christ is sent to be the Protector of his church.
#10-13 Here is a prediction of the coming of Christ in human
nature. Many nations in that day would renounce idolatry, and
God will own those for his people who join him with purpose of
heart. Glorious times are foretold as a prophecy of our Lord's
coming and kingdom. God is about to do something unexpected, and
very surprising, and to plead his people's cause, which had long
seemed neglected. Silently submit to his holy will, and
patiently wait the event; assured that God will complete all his
work. He will ere long come to judgment, to complete the
salvation of his people, and to punish the inhabitants of the
earth for their sins.