Zechariah 2

Zechariah 2:1

I Lift up mine eyes again] In a vision.

a man with a measuring-line] The Sonne of God in humane shape, as appeareth by vers. 9. 11. This vision setteth forth the great enlargement of the Church under the Messias. See Isaiah 54:2. 3. & 60. 4. 11.

Zechariah 2:3

the angel that talked with me] He that had the line in his hand.

another angel went out to meet him] Namely, a created Angel.

Zechariah 2:4

said unto him] He that was the Son of God, commanded the other, who was but a creature, to expound the vision of the line to the Prophet.

shall be inhabited] The number of those that shall come thither shall be so great, that it wil be impossible to encompasse the citie with walls large enough. Figurative termes, to signifie the infinite number of beleevers, which shall be called into the Church, by the preaching of the Gospel.

Zechariah 2:5

wall of fire round about] That is, an impregnable wall and defence, which none can passe through.

and will be] Isaiah 60:19.

the glory in the midst of her] My presence in spirit, grace, and power, shall make it glorious, as the residence of a King is glory to the royall citie: Or as formerly in the desert, the glory of God shewed it selfe in the signes of the pillar, and of the cloud.

Zechariah 2:6

Ho, ho,] He exhorteth all the Jews, whereof many for ease and carnall inticements stayed in Babylon, to return to Jerusalem: and by this figure, all the elect, to leave the world, and the corruptions thereof, to come into Christs Church.

and flee from the land] Isaiah 48:20. & Isaiah 52:11. Jeremiah 50:8. & Jeremiah 51:6. 45. Revel. 18. 4

for I have spread you] Babylon cannot be your countrey, nor a blessed and holy abode for you: seeing I sent you thither to exile, and punishment: wherefore, when I set you at libertie, make use of my benefit.

Zechariah 2:7

Deliver thy self] Come forth speedily, that thou maist not be infolded in her totall ruine. See Jeremiah 51:6. 45. Acts 2:40.

Zechariah 2:8

After the glory] A terme taken from that which was ordained in the desert, namely, that all the people should move and follow the cloudy pillar; in which God appeared in majestie, when it stirred, Exodus 40:36. Numbers 9:17. The meaning is, let all my faithfull ones follow through the deserts of this world the guidance of my word, and Spirit, residing and divinely shining in my Church, by which they may be conducted to the firme seat of glory, which is the heavenly Jerusalem.

hath he sent me unto the nations] Words of the Sonne of God, speaking of his Father.

toucheth you] Deuteronomy 32:10.

apple of his eye] Ye are so deare unto God, that he can no more suffer your enemies to hurt you, then a man can abide to have his eye-ball touched, Psalms 17:8.

Zechariah 2:9

mine hand upon them] Wherein there is a rod of iron, to rule and crush the heathen your enemies, Psal. 2.

they shall be a spoil] They shall be your servants, as you have been theirs. A figure of the Churches victory over the world, which before had oppressed her, and kept her in bondage.

hath sent me] To declare and performe these promises, as Mediatour, and protector of the Church.

Zechariah 2:10

Sing and rejoyce] Isaiah 12:6. & Isaiah 54:1.

I will dwell in the midst of thee] Leviticus 26:12. Ezekiel 37:27. 2 Corinthians 6:16.

Zechariah 2:11

in that day] Namely, in the Churches reestablishment by the Messias, figured by the deliverance out of Babylon.

my people] As well as the naturall Jew, according to the law, Exodus 12:49.

sent me unto thee] As before, vers. 9. and here repeated for their further assurance.

Zechariah 2:12

shall inherit Judah] He shall hold his elect, which are the true spirituall Judah, for his proper and peculiar people, and as such which he shall love, governe, and preserve. See Exodus 34:9.

in the holy land] That is, in the Church.

and shall choose Jerusalem] Isaiah 14:1. Zechariah 1:17.

Zechariah 2:13

Be silent] Hab. 2. 20. Zeph. 1. 7. Bragge not, threaten not, dispute not, doubt not, O weak men who may not compare their wisdome, or oppose their strength to Gods, who is able and well skilled to bring to passe all his promises.

raised up] Awaked, as a man out of sleep, Psalms 24:23.

his holy habitation] Heb. the habitation of his holinesse. That is, heaven, as it is interpreted, Deuteronomy 26:15. from whence God would now send help for his people: Or the Temple, which was likewise Gods habitation, 1 Samuel 2:29. and though now it were contemptible, not halfe built, yet was it holy: and thence as out of a strong fort, God would shew himselfe for the defence of his Church.