Zechariah 2:5
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I - will be unto her a wall of fire - Her safety shall consist in my defense. I shall be as fire round about her. No adversary shall be permitted to touch her. Much of this must refer to the New Jerusalem.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I . . . wall of fire round--Compare Zac 2:4. Yet as a city needs some wall, I JEHOVAH will act as one of fire which none durst approach (Zac 9:8; Isa 26:1). glory in the midst--not only a defense from foes outside, but a glory within (Isa 60:19; Rev 21:23). The same combination of "glory and defense" is found in Isa 4:5, alluding to the pillar of cloud and fire which defended and enlightened Israel in the desert. Compare Elisha in Dothan (Kg2 6:17). As God is to be her "glory," so she shall be His "glory" (Isa 62:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about,..... So that she needs no other wall to secure her, the power of God encompassing her about as the mountains did Jerusalem, Psa 125:2 and he being as a wall of fire to terrify and destroy her enemies; for our God is a consuming fire, Heb 12:29. Drusius thinks it is a metaphor taken from travellers in some countries, who kindle fires about their tents, to keep off lions, and other beasts of prey; and observes of lions particularly, that they are exceedingly terrified by fire; for which he refers to John Leo in his description of Africa; and Pliny makes (e) mention of several things that are terrifying to them, but especially fires, he says; and so Dr. Shaw (f), of late, speaking of the lions in Barbary, remarks, fire is what they are the most afraid of; yet, notwithstanding all the precautions of the Arabs in this respect, with others he takes notice of, it frequently happens that these ravenous beasts, outbraving all those terrors, will leap into the midst of an enclosure or fold, and drag from thence a sheep, or a goat; and Tavernier (g) tells a story, by which he thinks it appears to be a vulgar error that lions will not come near the fire; though the relation itself shows it to be not only a received opinion, but a common custom to light fires in the night, to preserve from lions: his story is, "a party of Dutch soldiers, under the command of a serjeant, far advanced in the country (about the Cape of Good Hope), and night coming on, they made a great fire, as well to keep themselves from the lions, as to warm themselves, and so lay down to sleep round about it; being asleep, a lion seized one of the soldier's arms, which with difficulty was got out, after the lion was shot;'' but this seems to be the case, when these creatures are dreadfully hunger bitten; however, be it as it will, God is the sure and safe protection of his people; who went before the people of Israel in a pillar of a cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night, when they passed through a terrible wilderness, in which were beasts of prey; and surrounded Elisha with horses and chariots of fire, when the king of Syria sent a large host to take him; so that he could say, to encourage his servant, "they that be for us are more than they that be with them", Kg2 6:15 who seem to be angels; and the Jews (h) here interpret it of the family of God, his angels, made a wall to Jerusalem to preserve it; the cherubim and a flaming sword, set to keep the garden of Eden, were, according to Lactantius (i), a wall of fire about it; for (he says), when God cast man out of paradise, he walled it about with fire: but that was that man might not enter in; but here he himself is a wall of fire, that his people may be safe; hence they have no reason to fear the wrath of their enemies, the most fierce and furious, savage and cruel, comparable to lions, bears, &c.; for, if God is for them, on their side, and on all sides of them, who can be against them to any purpose? The Targum paraphrases it, "my Word shall be unto her, saith the Lord, as a wall of fire encompassing her round about:'' and will be the glory in the midst of her: appear glorious in her, be glorified in her, and by her, and be her glory, and make her glorious; as the Lord does by granting his gracious presence with his church and people, in his word and ordinances; see Isa 4:1 Isa 60:13. (e) Nat. Hist. l. 8. c. 16. (f) Travels, tom. 1. par. 3. c. 2. p. 172. (g) Travels through India, in Harris's Voyages and Travels, vol. 1. p. 848. (h) Pesikta Rabbati apud Yalkut in loc. (i) Institut. Divin. l. 2. c. 13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:5 The wall of fire represents divine protection (cp. 2 Kgs 6:17). • I, myself, will be: The emphatic construction of the verb “to be” might be a direct reference to God’s name (Exod 3:14-15). • Fire and glory allude to the Exodus (see Exod 13:22; 14:20; 40:34).
Zechariah 2:5
The Vision of the Measuring Line
4and said to him, “Run and tell that young man: ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of men and livestock within it.5For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
New Years' Address, January 1853
By J.C. Philpot0NUM 20:11ISA 50:10ISA 66:5JER 5:31EZK 13:10EZK 34:4JOL 1:10ZEP 2:3ZEC 2:52CO 2:4J.C. Philpot delivers a powerful sermon reflecting on the state of the church amidst worldly progress and material prosperity, questioning the lack of vital godliness and grace despite advancements in society. He highlights the need for true conversions, love, and unity within churches, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and genuine faith over external success. Philpot draws parallels between the current state of the church and the decline of the Jewish Church before the Babylonish captivity, urging for repentance, confession of sin, and a return to seeking the Lord's face. He calls for pastors and churches to imitate the prophets in their faithful denunciations of ungodliness while showing compassion and encouragement to the suffering remnant.
At Peace in the Storm
By David Wilkerson0God's ProtectionIntimacy With GodISA 4:6HOS 12:10AMO 3:7ZEC 2:5LUK 21:26ACT 2:25David Wilkerson emphasizes the promises of God to protect His people during the impending storms of judgment, referencing Zechariah and Isaiah to illustrate God's commitment to be a refuge. He warns that the coming storm will be severe, causing fear among many, but reassures that God reveals His plans to His prophets to call His people back to Him. Wilkerson highlights the importance of remaining in God's presence, as Jesus did, to maintain peace in our spirits amidst turmoil. He calls for believers to seek intimacy with God through prayer and reflection to prepare for the challenges ahead. Ultimately, the sermon encourages a return to God as a source of strength and protection.
(Secrets of Victory) 7. You Cannot Be Tested Beyond Your Ability
By Zac Poonen0HumilityTrials and Temptations2KI 6:15JOB 1:10ZEC 2:51CO 10:13PHP 2:8HEB 4:15HEB 5:7Zac Poonen emphasizes the assurance found in 1 Corinthians 10:13, which states that God will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability. He explains that while trials may seem unbearable, they are carefully controlled by God, who provides a way of escape through humility and obedience, as exemplified by Jesus. Poonen illustrates this with the story of Job, highlighting that God’s hedge of protection is always present, and our spiritual maturity determines the extent of our trials. He encourages believers to recognize that pride often exacerbates our struggles, and true victory comes from humbling ourselves before God. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a deeper understanding of our circumstances and the importance of relying on God's strength to endure and overcome.
(Power From on High) 2. the Baptism With the Holy Ghost
By A.B. Simpson0Empowerment for ServiceBaptism Of The Holy SpiritZEC 2:5MAT 3:11JHN 20:22ACT 1:8ROM 8:91CO 12:13GAL 5:22EPH 4:302TI 1:7HEB 12:29A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the baptism with the Holy Ghost, explaining that it is Christ who baptizes us with the Spirit, enabling us to live a life reflective of His. He draws parallels between the Old and New Testament promises, highlighting that receiving the Holy Spirit follows receiving Christ as our Savior. Simpson elaborates on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, likening it to fire that purifies, refines, and energizes believers, making them effective in their spiritual lives. He encourages believers to fully surrender to Christ to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, which empowers them to live out their faith with zeal and purpose. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep desire for the Holy Spirit's presence, which protects and energizes the believer's life.
The Lord, a Wall of Fire
By Octavius Winslow0Assurance in ChristDivine ProtectionPSA 34:7PSA 91:1ISA 43:2ZEC 2:5JHN 10:28ROM 8:31COL 3:32TH 1:7HEB 12:291JN 4:4Octavius Winslow emphasizes the comforting truth that God is a protective wall of fire around His people, safeguarding them from spiritual dangers and enemies. He draws parallels to biblical instances where God provided divine protection, assuring believers that they are secure in Christ, who is their ultimate defense. Winslow encourages the faithful to remain vigilant and prayerful, recognizing that while God protects, they must also actively engage in their spiritual walk. He warns the unconverted that without Christ, they face the consuming fire of God's judgment. Ultimately, the sermon reassures believers of their safety in God's presence and the necessity of remaining close to Him.
Comfort for the Church
By Thomas Watson0EXO 20:24DEU 23:14PSA 46:5PSA 139:7PRO 25:11ISA 52:1JER 14:9HOS 14:4ZEC 2:5LUK 18:27Thomas Watson preaches about the comforting presence of God in the midst of His church, emphasizing that despite external and internal enemies, God's refuge and strength are always available. The sermon highlights the privilege and safety of having God in the midst of the church, explaining the two-fold presence of God and the reasons why He defends and blesses His people. Watson encourages the church to trust in God's compassion, love, and protection, reminding them that God's presence brings beauty, strength, and hope to His people.
A Prophecy - Wall of Fire
By David Wilkerson0Holiness and SeparationDivine ProtectionISA 14:31JER 1:14JER 4:6EZK 9:4ZEP 2:13ZEC 2:5ZEC 3:7ROM 5:202TI 3:131PE 5:8David Wilkerson shares a prophetic vision of a 'Wall of Fire' that God will create to protect His people amidst the moral decay and increasing evil in society. He reflects on the disturbing images from a television program that prompted deep concern for future generations, leading him to seek God's assurance. The prophecy reveals that as sin abounds, God's grace will abound even more, raising up a dedicated generation shielded by this divine barrier. Wilkerson emphasizes the need for believers to separate from worldly influences and to seek holiness, assuring that those who do will be safeguarded by God's glory. He encourages the faithful to pray for their children and trust in God's promise of protection.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I - will be unto her a wall of fire - Her safety shall consist in my defense. I shall be as fire round about her. No adversary shall be permitted to touch her. Much of this must refer to the New Jerusalem.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I . . . wall of fire round--Compare Zac 2:4. Yet as a city needs some wall, I JEHOVAH will act as one of fire which none durst approach (Zac 9:8; Isa 26:1). glory in the midst--not only a defense from foes outside, but a glory within (Isa 60:19; Rev 21:23). The same combination of "glory and defense" is found in Isa 4:5, alluding to the pillar of cloud and fire which defended and enlightened Israel in the desert. Compare Elisha in Dothan (Kg2 6:17). As God is to be her "glory," so she shall be His "glory" (Isa 62:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about,..... So that she needs no other wall to secure her, the power of God encompassing her about as the mountains did Jerusalem, Psa 125:2 and he being as a wall of fire to terrify and destroy her enemies; for our God is a consuming fire, Heb 12:29. Drusius thinks it is a metaphor taken from travellers in some countries, who kindle fires about their tents, to keep off lions, and other beasts of prey; and observes of lions particularly, that they are exceedingly terrified by fire; for which he refers to John Leo in his description of Africa; and Pliny makes (e) mention of several things that are terrifying to them, but especially fires, he says; and so Dr. Shaw (f), of late, speaking of the lions in Barbary, remarks, fire is what they are the most afraid of; yet, notwithstanding all the precautions of the Arabs in this respect, with others he takes notice of, it frequently happens that these ravenous beasts, outbraving all those terrors, will leap into the midst of an enclosure or fold, and drag from thence a sheep, or a goat; and Tavernier (g) tells a story, by which he thinks it appears to be a vulgar error that lions will not come near the fire; though the relation itself shows it to be not only a received opinion, but a common custom to light fires in the night, to preserve from lions: his story is, "a party of Dutch soldiers, under the command of a serjeant, far advanced in the country (about the Cape of Good Hope), and night coming on, they made a great fire, as well to keep themselves from the lions, as to warm themselves, and so lay down to sleep round about it; being asleep, a lion seized one of the soldier's arms, which with difficulty was got out, after the lion was shot;'' but this seems to be the case, when these creatures are dreadfully hunger bitten; however, be it as it will, God is the sure and safe protection of his people; who went before the people of Israel in a pillar of a cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night, when they passed through a terrible wilderness, in which were beasts of prey; and surrounded Elisha with horses and chariots of fire, when the king of Syria sent a large host to take him; so that he could say, to encourage his servant, "they that be for us are more than they that be with them", Kg2 6:15 who seem to be angels; and the Jews (h) here interpret it of the family of God, his angels, made a wall to Jerusalem to preserve it; the cherubim and a flaming sword, set to keep the garden of Eden, were, according to Lactantius (i), a wall of fire about it; for (he says), when God cast man out of paradise, he walled it about with fire: but that was that man might not enter in; but here he himself is a wall of fire, that his people may be safe; hence they have no reason to fear the wrath of their enemies, the most fierce and furious, savage and cruel, comparable to lions, bears, &c.; for, if God is for them, on their side, and on all sides of them, who can be against them to any purpose? The Targum paraphrases it, "my Word shall be unto her, saith the Lord, as a wall of fire encompassing her round about:'' and will be the glory in the midst of her: appear glorious in her, be glorified in her, and by her, and be her glory, and make her glorious; as the Lord does by granting his gracious presence with his church and people, in his word and ordinances; see Isa 4:1 Isa 60:13. (e) Nat. Hist. l. 8. c. 16. (f) Travels, tom. 1. par. 3. c. 2. p. 172. (g) Travels through India, in Harris's Voyages and Travels, vol. 1. p. 848. (h) Pesikta Rabbati apud Yalkut in loc. (i) Institut. Divin. l. 2. c. 13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:5 The wall of fire represents divine protection (cp. 2 Kgs 6:17). • I, myself, will be: The emphatic construction of the verb “to be” might be a direct reference to God’s name (Exod 3:14-15). • Fire and glory allude to the Exodus (see Exod 13:22; 14:20; 40:34).