Zechariah 2:4-5

4, 5. And said unto him The interpreting angel is the speaker. The other angel becomes his servant, so that he himself may remain with the prophet, whose guide and interpreter he is to be throughout the entire series of visions.

Run, speak to this young man Not to the prophet, but to the man with the measuring line, who meanwhile had gone to his task. The messenger is exhorted to run, so that the man may be stopped quickly, for his efforts are wasted.

As towns without walls The new Jerusalem will not be like the capital of the pre-exilic kingdom; it cannot be measured, nor confined within walls; it will resemble rather a wide-open country, covered with towns and villages. This extension becomes necessary as a result of the wonderful increase in the number of inhabitants and their possessions (Isaiah 49:19-20; Ezekiel 38:11), all of which will be an evidence of the restored favor of Jehovah.

The absence of walls might be distressing to some, for it would seem to expose them to hostile attacks, but there need be no fear, for the protection granted to the new city will be superior to anything that could be offered even by the strongest wall; Jehovah himself will be round about her (compare Psalms 125:1-2).

A wall of fire A defense of fire that will consume everyone who dares to come near it (Isaiah 26:1; Isaiah 33:20).

The glory in the midst of her Jehovah will manifest himself in all his glory, so that the whole city will be filled with it.

The vision is followed by an exhortation addressed to the Jews who are still in exile, to prepare for a return, for Jehovah is about to manifest himself in mercy and power. Some consider the verses a part of the account of the vision. The interpreting angel is thought to have uttered the words in the hearing of the prophet, so that the latter might pass them on. It seems more natural, however, to suppose that the vision closes with Zechariah 2:5, and that Zechariah 2:6-13 are an expansion of the vision by the prophet (compare Amos 8:4 ff; Amos 9:2 ff.). He has seen the glories of the future; now he thinks of the exiles still far from home, and to them he addresses this message of hope; they too will share, and that speedily, in the promised glory.