With the destruction of the world empires (four horns) described in the second vision, the stage is set for a marvelously resurgent Jerusalem. Both visions together expand on the words of the Lord in 1:14–16. God’s zeal on behalf of Jerusalem is manifested first of all in his judging the nations that have oppressed Jerusalem (vision 2). The present vision enlarges on the statement of 1:16 with regard to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

The man with the measuring line (2:1) answers to the statement in 1:16 that God will stretch out a measuring line over Jerusalem. A greatly enlarged city is in view here, grand in scope and glory since God himself is the architect and since it will be a place fit for the presence of his glory. There will be a great influx of people, necessitating a greatly enl…