Zechariah 2:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

However, God indicated that following the refinement of those horns, symbolizing nations or kingdoms, and after they had engaged in conflict with one another, Israel would be restored. It would flourish in an expanded Jerusalem, protected by divine strength and enveloped in celestial favor, akin to an unassailable flame. Thus, the angel hurried to measure Jerusalem, to ascertain its dimensions. This bears historical significance within the prophetic message.

Moreover, this vision can aptly be associated with the Church of Christ: Satan exercised a harsh authority over all who dwell on the earth, and under his dominion, humanity became ensnared. Yet, the grace of the Savior has shattered his power and subdued his arrogance; in conquering the rulers and authorities that oppose us, He has liberated us from their bondage. He has established our Church as a truly holy and magnificent city, vast and expansive, which both we, the faithful, and those not yet fully conformed to the likeness of the Word, occupy with purpose and inspiration. They dwell within the city safeguarded by Christ Himself, who, having vanquished the foes with unimaginable power and filled it with His presence, stands among its people with the promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The holy Prophet Isaiah also foresaw this sacred city, proclaiming: “Thy eyes shall see, O Jerusalem, a rich city; the tabernacles shall not be shaken, the stakes of its temples shall not be moved forever, and its tabernacles shall not be destroyed” (Isaiah 33:20; Isaiah 54:2). Thus, the Church of Christ continues to grow and stretch into infinity, welcoming an immense multitude of worshipers.

The Jewish tradition interprets the angel who speaks to the prophet, sometimes identified as Michael, while the other angel is understood to be Gabriel, who conveys to Michael the vast abundance awaiting the city—now desolate—filled with men and livestock. This vision, when viewed spiritually, reflects the Church, which exists without walls or, as translated by the Seventy, will be abundant with every kind of fruit, hosting many people and livestock. The Lord will serve as a protective fire around it and will shine with glory in its midst.

This city is the one of which it is said, "Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God" (Psalms 86:3), and again, "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, on His holy hill" (Psalms 47:2). Those who reside in this city may declare, "I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God" (Psalm 51:10). The Lord governs me, providing all I need; He leads me to green pastures and restores my soul (Psalm 22:1-2). Jerusalem will be densely populated with both people and livestock, overflowing with the richness of its fruits.

Some interpret these "people and livestock" as representing two nations—Jews and Gentiles. Those who were under the Law and have now embraced faith in Christ are called people, whereas we, who have strayed due to idolatry, likened to livestock, learn primarily of His sufferings. Others view the term "people" as referring to wise individuals versed in scripture, while "livestock" symbolizes believers with childlike faith. In relation to these, the phrase, "Lord, You will save man and beast" (Psalm 35:7) is pertinent. These livestock, hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd, recognize and follow Him, for He is both the Shepherd and the Door, through which we enter the Church and approach the Father (John 10:3-11).

The protective fire around the city enables the believers to be warmed and ignited in spirit, having been released from their own coldness of heart. Wild beasts—symbolizing those who would harm the faithful, described as not being abandoned to “the beasts that trust in You” (Psalm 73:19)—will be consumed by His fire, which destroys the sin that produces only the worthless of hay, wood, and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12). While to His enemies, the Lord appears as a devouring fire, to the faithful, He embodies glory among them.

It is reiterated that the Lord is the protective wall of Jerusalem, as it states, "The mountains surround her, and the Lord surrounds His people" (Psalms 124:2). Some Jews believe that these promises will find literal fulfillment in the figure they refer to as the Anointed One—a hope they hold to in vain. They expect that under his reign, Jerusalem will thrive so abundantly that it will not require physical walls; God Himself will be its protection, and His presence will infuse the city with glory.

The Prophet witnessed all these revelations: the care of the guardian angel, the swift movements of the other angels, and the dimensions of the city, so that he might firmly embrace the promised blessings regarding Jerusalem. The people of God would be reassured not only by hearing the spoken words, but also by witnessing the embodiments of the events themselves. After revealing this to the prophet, the angel promptly instructs him to proclaim: