I lifted up my eyes again, and looked, and behold a {a} man with a measuring line in his hand.

(a) This is the angel who was Christ: for in respect of his office he is often called an angel, but in respect of his eternal essence, is God, and so called.

Wesley's Notes

2:1 With a line - Ready and prepared to lay out the platform of Jerusalem.

Scofield Reference Notes

[3] again

As in Zech 1:8-11, the "man" of Zech 2:1 1 is "the angel that talked with me" of Zech 1:3. The measuring-line (or reed) is used by Ezekiel Ezek 40:3,5 as a symbol of preparation for rebuilding the city and temple in the kingdom-age. Here also it has that meaning, as the context (Zech 2:4-13) shows. The subject of the vision is the restoration of nation and city. In no sense has this prophecy been fulfilled. The order is:

(1) The Lord in glory in Jerusalem, Zech 2:5 (cf. Mt 24:29,30)

(2) the restoration of Israel, Zech 2:6;

(3) the judgment of Jehovah upon the nations, Zech 2:8, "after the glory" Mt 25:31,32

(4) the full blessing of the earth in the kingdom, Zech 2:10-13, See "Kingdom (O.T.)" Gen 1:26. See Scofield Note: "Zech 12:8". "Israel," Gen 12:2 Rom 11:26.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 2

Zec 2:1-13. Third Vision. The man with the measuring-line.

The city shall be fully restored and enlarged (Zec 2:2-5). Recall of the exiles (Zec 2:6, 7). Jehovah will protect His people and make their foes a spoil unto them (Zec 2:8, 9). The nations shall be converted to Jehovah, as the result of His dwelling manifestly amidst His people (Zec 2:10-13).

1. man with a measuring-line-the same image to represent the same future fact as in Eze 40:3; 47:4. The "man" is Messiah (see on [1175]Zec 1:8), who, by measuring Jerusalem, is denoted as the Author of its coming restoration. Thus the Jews are encouraged in Zechariah's time to proceed with the building. Still more so shall they be hereby encouraged in the future restoration.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:1-5 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.