(Hebrews 2:5.) I lifted up mine eyes again (comp. Zechariah 5:1; Zechariah 6:1; Daniel 8:3). This third vision makes a further revelation of God's mercy to Israel. Consequent on the destruction of enemies shall be the growth and development of the chosen people till the time of their final glory (comp.
Zechariah 1:16). There is some difficulty in arranging the details of this vision, depending in great measure on the decision we arrive at with regard to the identification of the "young man" of Zechariah 2:4.
Those who, as Theodoret, Hitzig, Schegg, Trcehon, Wright, Perowne, etc; consider him to be the man with the measuring line of Zechariah 2:1, do not explain why the message should be given to him instead of to the prophet who had asked for information.
Nor is it at all certain that the measurer is meant to be regarded as having made a mistake in attempting to define the limits of what was practically unlimited—viz. the restored Jerusalem—and was stopped accordingly in his proceedings.
It seems preferable, with Jerome, Cornelius a Lapide, Pusey, Keil, Knabenbauer, etc; to regard the "young man" as Zechariah himself. Then the vision is thus presented: The prophet sees a man with a measuring line; he asks whither he is going, and is answered that he was going forth to measure Jerusalem.
Upon this the interpreting angel leaves the prophet's side to receive the explanation of the man's proceedings, and is met by a superior angel, who bids him hasten to tell the prophet the meaning of the vision.
A man. Probably an angel in human form, as Zechariah 1:8. A measuring line. This is not the same word as that in Zechariah 1:16; but the idea there proposed is taken up here, and its fulfilment is set forth (comp.