Zechariah 1:16

Zec 1:16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Ver. 16. Therefore thus saith the Lord] Thus, one deep calleth another, Psa 42:7; the lower deep of our misery, the higher deep of God’s mercy. As Croesus’ dumb son burst out into, Kill not King Croesus; so, when enemies are ready to devour the Church, God’s bowels work; he can hold no longer, but cries, Save my child, handle the young man gently for my sake: see Jer 31:20 Isa 57:16 "I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit should fail before me," &c.; when the child swoons in the whipping God lets fall the rod, and falls a kissing it, to fetch life into it again. A physician, in some cases, purgeth his patient till nothing be left almost but skin and bone; or bloodeth him, ad deliquium animae, till he faint and sink, but yet his care is still to maintain nature; so this heavenly Father and Physician is careful to keep up the spirits of his suffering saints by comforts and cordials, as here:

I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies] Miserationibus visceralibus, with multitudes of tender mercies that flow from the inwards, from the bowels, from the bosom and bottom of the heart; and that of a parent, nay, of a mother toward her child in an extremity, as 1Ki 3:26. And here observe how fully and sweetly the angel’s prayer {Zec 1:12} is answered, even ad cardinem desiderii. God not only grants him according to his own heart, but fulfils all his counsel, as it is, Psa 20:4. Let it be to him even as he will, nay, gives him an enlarged answer, presseth upon him, as Naaman did upon Gehazi two talents when he desired but one. How long wilt thou not be merciful to Jerusalem? saith he.

Behold, I am returned to Jerusalem with many mercies, saith God] I went away and hid me from it in my anger, Hos 5:15, but am come again with many comforts to relieve it. As all light is from the sun, and all waters from the sea; so is all comfort from God. In thy light shall we see light; but "thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled," Psa 30:7 : as when the sun is eclipsed all creatures here flag and hang the head, there is a drooping in the whole frame of nature; and when the extracting force of the sun leaves the vapours that are drawn up, they fall down again to the earth; so fares it with the Church: if God withdraw she lies all amort, yea, she lieth open to all sorts of evils and enemies; for her shadow is departed from her. But he cannot be long absent, such is his love; he will repent for his people when he seeth their power is gone, Deu 32:36, when there is a dignus vindice nodus, an extremity fit for Divine power to interpose; when misery weighs down, and nothing but mercy turns the scale, then at furthest in the very turning and critical point. He will return to Jerusalem with mercies. He will return to her, not as the winter sun, that casts a goodly countenance when it shines, but gives little comfort and heat; but with a cornucopia of all manner of blessings will he come.

My house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem] That is, both Church and State shall flourish. God will both do good in his good pleasure unto Zion; he will also build the walls of Jerusalem, Psa 51:18; but mark that he saith in his good pleasure, as here in tender mercies; to teach us that all the good we enjoy is merely of mercy, it is all of free grace; for otherwise there should not be so much as any face of Church or commonwealth, as we see in the Jews at this day; a miserable dejected people, because Loruhamah, such as have not obtained mercy, Hos 1:8. Their ancestors acknowledged, with all thankfulness for so undeserved a favour, that except the Lord of hosts had left unto them a very small remnant, they should have been as Sodom, and like unto Gomorrah, Isa 1:9. Had not the angels laid hold upon Lot’s hand and the good Lord been merciful unto him, Gen 19:16, he also had perished among those sinners against their own souls. Joshua was "a brand plucked out of the fire," Zec 3:2. And when one said to Mr Bradford the martyr, God hath done much for you since I first knew you, and hath wrought wondrously in you to his glory; he thus answered, Truth it is, for he hath dealt favourably with me, in that he hath not punished me according to my sins, but hath suffered me to live that I might seek repentance (Acts and Mon. 1473). "Thou hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve," saith Ezra, Ezr 9:13. And "it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed," saith the Church, "because his compassions fail not," Lam 3:22.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Zec_1:16

I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies

Returning mercies

Jerusalem and Zion are laid waste, it is true, but not in anger, so much as in chastising love.

God still loves them, and is jealous of any estrangement of their affections from Him, and when estranged He chastises them to bring them back. This was His object in using the heathen as instruments of chastisement, but the spirit in which they executed this office provoked His wrath. He designed only to inflict a slight chastisement, but they rioted in the sufferings of His people with wanton cruelty. They mocked their sorrows and taunted them with their abandonment. Hence God will punish these heathen, and will bestow mercy on His people, cause the temple to be built, the city to be enlarged, and prosperity to return to the land. (T. V. Moore, D. D.)

The Divine absence and return

1. God seems to absent Himself sometimes from those for whom He hath great blessings in store. By absenting Himself is meant only the withdrawing His countenance, or sunshine of His favour, when the clouds of adversity or trouble, either spiritual or temporal, sit uneasy on His chosen servants. At such times He seems to hide His face from them. Afflictions in this life are like eclipses of celestial bodies, the noblest planet never suffers any, for when we say the sun is eclipsed, it is we are more properly so, we want his cheerful light and influences, whilst he himself is not diminished one ray. The moon is sometimes really eclipsed, and labours under the want of a borrowed light. Thus Divinest constitutions never suffer. The lunar populace are more really affected by that obscurity which can never hurt a being, placed so near Divinity. But if such an one hath been obscured, then this proposition must be granted, that God Almighty doth sometimes seem to absent Himself from those whom He best loves. Joseph, David, and even the Son of God Himself, had more than an ordinary share of this worlds frowns. The reason for such experiences may respect--

(1) God Himself. He may permit this for His own Divine sake, that He may be glorified by all that happens to the children of men; that the wise man may see that he hath no reason to glory in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his strength, but that all things by Gods providence come alike sometimes to all.

(2) In respect of those whom He loves, God may sometimes afflict them either by way of admonition or trial. God is that wise and tender physician who never administers any uneasy medicine but when He sees there is an occasion for it. All the dispensations of His providence are the results of Divine wisdom and unchangeable love; therefore they ought most to suspect themselves who have the least share of severe favours. God may design to make trial of the patience, virtue, faith, hope, or charity of any one of His servants.

(3) The like reason not only regards the sufferer, but all others who are witnesses and spectators of their sufferings. That they may see the advantages of religion above all other supports and consolations, how useful and effectual it is.

2. Such absenting of Himself is but for a while, as seems best to His goodness and wisdom I am returned denotes the speediness and certainty of Gods returning with mercies. The fountain of honour can never be impoverished or impaired by making the first overtures of tenderness and reconciliation. He is in great haste for an accommodation; He condescends much to our infirmities. It is His nature and property to have mercy and forgive.

3. When He doth return it is with all the tenders of love and compassion. Not with forgiveness only, or any one species, but with all the instances of mercy. Nor doth it at all interfere with His constancy and justice, because it always supposes conditions performed; at least in His foreknowledge, that His mercy will move us to repentance. Upon winch account His mercy is sometimes termed His justice. His mercy never obstructs His justice, but all His attributes are one simple essence, and proceed in an eternal and unchangeable method. Learn that if the mercies of God toward us are so great, we ought to be tender and compassionate one towards another. (Samuel Prat, D. D.)

The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

To measure out the buildings.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

I am returned--whereas in anger I had before withdrawn from her (Hos 5:15).

with mercies--not merely of one kind, nor once only, but repeated mercies.

my house shall be built--which at this time (the second year of Darius, Zac 1:1) had only its foundations laid (Hag 2:18). It was not completed till the sixth year of Darius (Ezr 6:15).

line-- (Job 38:5). The measuring-line for building, not hastily, but with measured regularity. Not only the temple, but Jerusalem also was to be rebuilt (Neh 2:3, &c.; compare Zac 2:1-2). Also, as to the future temple and city, Eze 41:3; Eze. 42:1-44:31; Eze 45:6.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 16. I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies] Before, he came to them in judgments; and the principal mercy is, the house of the Lord shall be rebuilt, and the ordinances of' the Lord re-established.

And a line shall be stretched forth] The circuit shall be determined, and the city built according to the line marked out.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

This is a confirmation of the last prophecy, — that God purposed to put an end to his chastisement, as it is said by Isaiah, “They have received at Jehovah’s hand double for all their sins.” For in these words God reminds us that he was satisfied with the punishment he had inflicted on his people, like a father, who thinks that he had been sufficiently severe and rigid in punishing his son. So now, Thus saith Jehovah, I have returned to Jerusalem in mercies: for it was necessary to give the people the hope of pardon and reconciliation, that they might look forward with confidence. Hypocrites very quickly raise up their crests as soon as a kind word is addressed to them; but the faithful, being conscious of what is wrong, and having their sins before their eyes, do not so easily take courage; nor can they do so, until they are convinced that their sins are buried, and that they themselves are freed from guilt. Hence the Prophet says, that God had turned to Jerusalem, that the Jews might know that the punishment with which God had visited them was to be only for a time.

But in the meantime he exhorts them to humility: for the people could not from this prophecy entertain any hope, except they duly considered that they had suffered justly, because they had provoked God’s wrath. Hence the Prophet reminds them that what they had hitherto endured was to be imputed to their sins; but that God yet intended to treat them in a paternal manner; for, as I have already stated, he had promised that his mercy towards his elect and faithful would be perpetual. Hence he says, that he had returned in mercies to Jerusalem

He then adds, My house shall be built in it; and over Jerusalem shall a line be stretched forth. Line, קוה, kue, is to be taken for a perpendicular line, as in Isaiah 28:17, and in other places. There is here an addition of ה, he, for as it has been elsewhere said, the language had become somewhat degenerated. The import of the whole is, that there was a hope of the temple and of the city being built, because God had returned into favor with the people. There are then two things to be noticed, — that God was now pacified towards Jerusalem, — and that the fruit of reconciliation would be the building of the temple, the establishment of divine worship and of the dignity of the kingdom. The Prophet teaches us at the same time, that the building of the temple was not to be expected but as an instance of God’s gratuitous favor, so that the Jews might know that every hope would have been cut off, had not God been pleased to abolish their guilt.

This doctrine ought also to be extended to the state of the Church at all times: for whence comes it that the Church remains safe in the world? Nay, how is it that it sometimes increases, except that God indulges us according to his infinite goodness? For we cease not daily to provoke him, and deserve to be wholly exterminated from the world. There would then be no Church, were not God to preserve it in a wonderful manner through his goodness and mercies, and also to restore it when it seems to have wholly fallen. He at length adds —

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

(16) A line.—To measure, and mark out its confines. (Comp. Zec_2:1-2.)

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

16. Therefore] because I am thus jealous for my people and angry with their enemies.

a line] i.e. a measuring line, to mark out the city with a view to its being rebuilt. Comp. Job_38:5. It had been measured before for destruction, 2Ki_21:13; Lam_2:8.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Therefore thus saith the Lord, I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies,.... Having returned the people of the Jews from their captivity to Jerusalem, in which he had shown abundant mercy to them:

my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts; meaning the temple where he dwelt and was worshipped; the foundation of which had been laid two months before this prophecy was delivered, Hag 2:18 and which should be raised up and finished, notwithstanding all the opposition of the enemy, and the discouragements of the people:

and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem; to measure with it, and build by it, the wall, streets, and houses of Jerusalem. The meaning is, that not only the temple should be built, but the city likewise, and that in great order, and with great exactness and symmetry; see Zac 2:1. The Targum paraphrases it, "upon the building of the walls of Jerusalem".

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Therefore - This being so, since God was so jealous for His people, so displeased with their persecutors, “thus saith the Lord,” Dionysius, “I who “in wrath remember mercy, am returned” Hab 3:2, not by change of place, who am uncircumscribed, not existing in place, to the people of Judah and Jerusalem in mercies, manifoldly benefiting them by various effects of My love.” The single benefits, the rebuilding of His House, and so the restoration of His public worship, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, are but instances of that all-containing mercy, His restored presence in tender mercies. “I am returned,” God says, although the effects of His return were yet to come.

A line shall be stretched forth over Jerusalem - Before, when it stood, this had been done to destroy 2Ki 21:13; Isa 34:11; now, when destroyed, to rebuild .

Osorius: “The temple was built then, when the foundations of the walls were not yet laid. In man’s sight it would have seemed more provident that the walls should be first builded, that then the temple might be builded more securely. To God, in whom alone is the most firm stay of our life and salvation, it seemed otherwise. For it cannot be that he, to whom nothing is dearer fhan zeal for the most holy religion, should be forsaken of His help.”

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Line. Soon after Nehemias came to rebuild the city. (Calmet)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

Therefore; because the enemy hath so barbarously and inhumanly added affliction to the afflicted, it is time to save and relieve.

I am returned: when I was departed, and had withdrawn my presence, thus cruelly were my people handled; but now I will return, I will be with them, my presence shall restrain the violent and protect the innocent.

With mercies; with tender, abundant, and promised mercies now they shall be comforted indeed.

My house; the temple of God, the excellency of Jacob.

Shall be built in it; shall be finished, the impediments shall be removed, what glory I have promised by Hag 2:9, I will put upon this house of mine in Jerusalem.

Saith the Lord of hosts: this confirms the promise, and establisheth our faith, if we know the import hereof.

A line, the builder’s measuring line, shall be stretched out, to mark out walls, gates, palaces, streets, and houses in Jerusalem, that they may be built again in beauty and strength, with skill and art; and shall be once more the glory of the earth, and joy of Israel.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

16. Therefore — Because Jehovah is jealous for Jerusalem and angry with the nations.

I am returned to Jerusalem — The tense is to be understood as a perfect of prophetic certainty. The return is not yet accomplished.

With mercies — Or, compassion. Not with judgments or wrath as in the past.

16b and 17 describe the consequences of the divine return.

My house shall be built — So long as the temple remains uncompleted Jehovah can have no permanent abiding place in the city. It was completed and dedicated in 516.

A line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem — Not only the temple but the city also will be rebuilt. The line is the measuring line which is used to mark off the space on which the city is to stand, and the plan according to which it is to be built (Zec_2:2; Jer_31:39). But the blessing will not stop with the rebuilding of the city; the whole land will feel the benefits of Jehovah’s return to Zion.

Cry yet — R.V. adds “again.” A new phase of the divine blessing is to be announced.

My cities — The cities scattered throughout the land of Jehovah, that is, through Judah.

Through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad — P.V., “shall yet overflow with prosperity.” The latter is to be preferred. The verb occurs with the same meaning in Pro_5:16 (not so in Zec_13:7). At present there is distress everywhere; but when Jehovah returns to his own all will be prosperity (Jer_33:12-13). 17b returns to Jerusalem; it will be the center of the divine government in the period of restoration. There is no ground for despair; Jehovah will yet comfort Zion (see on Zec_1:13); LXX. seems to have read a different verb, “will have mercy.”

Choose — As his royal residence (compare Zec_2:12; Zec_3:2).

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Therefore. Because God loved his people and was incensed with the heathen. I am returned; I return. According to the promise in ver. 3. (see note on Zec_8:3) A line shall be stretched forth. A measuring line shall now be used to mark out the city for rebuilding. (Job_38:5) The first proof of God"s renewed mercy would be seen in the restoration of the temple, the symbol of the theocracy, and in the revival of the city, the type of national life. The "line" had been used for purposes of destruction. (2Ki_21:13 Isa_34:11 Lam_2:8)

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

A line - The builder's measuring line shall be stretched out, to mark out the walls, gates, streets, and houses in Jerusalem.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

I have returned to Jerusalem with mercies

Possible meanings are 1) although Yahweh had left Jerusalem when the people had gone into exile, he will now return to Jerusalem when they have come back from exile or 2) Yahweh speaks of having a change of attitude towards the people of Jerusalem and again blessing them and helping them as if he were returning to the city. AT: "I will once again show mercy towards Jerusalem" (See: Metaphor)

My house will be built within her

The word "her" refers to Jerusalem, and the word "house" is a metonym for the temple. This can be stated in active form. AT: "The people will build my temple in Jerusalem" (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

this is the declaration of Yahweh of hosts

Yahweh speaks of himself by name to express the certainty of what he is declaring. See how you translated this in Zechariah 1:3. AT: "this is what Yahweh of hosts has declared" or "this is what I, Yahweh of hosts, have declared" (See: First, Second, or Third Person)

the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem

This refers to builders using their instruments to rebuild the city. This can be stated in active form. AT: "builders will stretch out their measuring lines over Jerusalem" or "the people will rebuild Jerusalem" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Again call out, saying

The angel who was speaking to Zechariah says these words.

My cities will once again overflow with goodness

The phrase "my cities" refers to the cities of Judah and represents the people who live in those cities. Yahweh speaks of the inhabitants of those cities again being prosperous as if goodness were a liquid that overflowed the cities, which are its containers. AT: "My cities will once again be prosperous" or "The people in the cities of Judah will once again be prosperous" (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Yahweh will again comfort Zion

Here the word "Zion" refers to the people who live in the city. AT: "Yahweh will again comfort the people in Zion" (See: Metonymy)

translationWords

Yahweh of hosts

Jerusalem

mercy

house

declare

Zion

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

and a plumb line shall be stretched out to measure its wall, its length and breadth.

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.