The Book of Zechariah includes prophetic visions and direct exhortations to the people. In chapter 2, we find an example of both.
The vision is one of a man with a measuring line in his hand to measure Jerusalem's width and length. But a message comes from an angel that Jerusalem will be so inhabited with people and animals that it will be like a village without walls. In fact, the Lord Himself will be a wall of fire around it and the glory within it (vs. 5). The Lord has plans for Jerusalem that include growth and glory!
Zechariah then speaks a word directly to the people, specifically the exile community still living in Babylon. These are the Jews who have not yet returned to Jerusalem. The prophet's message is that it is time. "Up! Escape to Zion, you that live with daughter Babylon" (vs. 7). The warning is that the time for Babylon's judgment is drawing near, and that only Jerusalem (Zion) will be a safe place, a sanctuary for the Lord's people. "God's people" will now include many nations joining themselves to the cause of the Lord. God Himself promises to dwell within their midst in the city of Zion (vs. 10 and 11).
"The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem" (vs. 12). Good things are in store for the Holy City!
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