Zechariah 2:8 Commentary and Bible Study

Why has God now gone back to comforting Judah, when he was previously punishing them? Why has he reversed his treatment of them and decided, after all, to restore them and show mercy to them? Because their persecution and the hostility against them has touched the pupil of his eye, a most sensitive spot. Of course, that refers to Christ, not so much to them. They were going to be blessed and loved, but it was because they were the nation that will bring forth the incarnate Son of God. He is the apple of God's eye, and for his sake the nation will be preserved. God loves his son and for Christ’s sake he loves his elect people also.The Lord promises a great restoration of his people and a judging of their enemies, the nations which spoiled them, but the vision teaches that these things will not happen at the same time. First comes the glory – Calvary, many saved – and after that comes the judgment at the end of the age. The nations which seemed to dwarf Israel and reduced them to mere servants will find the tables turned. God will make those lowly servants to triumph over their masters and take possession of all their spoils. The meek shall inherit the earth. In the meantime, rebuild your temple; rebuild your city. In a matter of time, Christ will come and your temple which is a representation of him, and a depiction of him and his work, will see the fulfilment of its picture.