Zechariah 2:12

“And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.”

Context is important in understanding any biblical verse, so let’s start by exploring the background of Zechariah and the surrounding verses.

The book of Zechariah is one of the prophetic books in the Old Testament. It was written by the prophet Zechariah, who prophesied during the time when the Jewish exiles were returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. The primary focus of Zechariah’s prophecies was to encourage the people to rebuild the temple and renew their commitment to God.

Now let’s examine Zechariah 2:12 specifically. This verse speaks of the future restoration and blessing of Judah and Jerusalem. Let’s break it down further:

“And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion”:Here, “the LORD” refers to God Himself. The term “inherit” implies that God will reclaim, possess, and govern the land of Judah, which was the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah among the twelve tribes of Israel. It emphasizes God’s ownership and sovereignty over this portion of land.

“in the holy land”:The phrase “the holy land” signifies the special status and significance of the land of Judah. Throughout the Bible, the land of Israel is often referred to as “holy” because it was set apart by God for His purposes and chosen as the dwelling place for His people.

“and shall choose Jerusalem again”:Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, holds a central place in the history and theology of Israel. Despite the destruction and desolation of Jerusalem, this verse declares that God will once again choose Jerusalem. This implies that God will restore Jerusalem to its former glory and favor, both physically and spiritually.

Zechariah 2:12 reflects the promise of God’s faithfulness, restoration, and divine intervention on behalf of His people. It foretells a time when God will once again establish His presence in Jerusalem and demonstrate His reign over the land of Judah.

For Christians, this verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration and redemption fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The New Testament further emphasizes the spiritual significance of Jerusalem as the city where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.

Overall, Zechariah 2:12 conveys the hope and assurance that God’s plans for His people and the holy land will ultimately come to fruition. It speaks of a future restoration and a renewed relationship between God and His chosen people, bringing comfort and encouragement to those who seek His promises.