Zechariah 2:2
Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Pre-exilic Jerusalem covered approximately 125 acres within walls. After Babylon's destruction, much remained uninhabited rubble. Returned exiles numbered perhaps 50,000—far fewer than pre-exilic population. Would Jerusalem ever be rebuilt to former size and glory? The measuring man represents these practical concerns.
God's response (v. 4-5) promises Jerusalem inhabited as unwalled villages—so populous that walls cannot contain them, yet so protected that walls prove unnecessary because God Himself surrounds them. This prophecy had partial fulfillment in later Jewish population growth but points ultimately to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:16), which has walls (for glory) but needs no sun or temple because God's presence fills it completely.
Questions for Reflection
- When you assess spiritual progress or church health, do you focus on measurable metrics or on God's presence and glory?
- How does this vision challenge the tendency to evaluate God's work solely by visible, quantifiable results?
- What does the man's measuring activity teach about the legitimacy of planning and assessment while remaining open to God's exceeding purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. Zechariah's inquiry reveals the man's purpose: measuring Jerusalem's rochbah (רָחְבָּהּ, breadth/width) and orkhah (אָרְכָּהּ, length). This architectural assessment determines building parameters—how large will restored Jerusalem be? Can it accommodate returning exiles? Will it rival pre-exilic glory?
The measuring activity represents human planning and assessment. In ancient Near Eastern construction, careful measurement preceded building—architects calculated dimensions, materials needed, workforce required. The man's measuring suggests methodical, practical preparation for Jerusalem's restoration. Yet God's subsequent intervention (v. 4-5) reveals that human measurements cannot contain divine purposes.
The question "what is the breadth...and...length" reflects natural human concern for tangible, measurable restoration. The exiles wanted to know: how much progress? How large? When complete? But God redirects focus from physical dimensions to His supernatural presence and protection. True restoration isn't measured in cubits but in divine glory dwelling among His people.