2:1 | I looked up and was surprised to see a man holding a tape measure in his hand. |
2:2 | I said, "What are you up to?" "I'm on my way," he said, "to survey Jerusalem, to measure its width and length." |
2:3 | Just then the Messenger-Angel on his way out met another angel coming in |
2:4 | and said, "Run! Tell the Surveyor, 'Jerusalem will burst its walls--bursting with people, bursting with animals. |
2:5 | And I'll be right there with her'--GOD's Decree--'a wall of fire around unwalled Jerusalem and a radiant presence within.'" |
2:6 | "Up on your feet! Get out of there--and now!" GOD says so. "Return from your far exile. I scattered you to the four winds." GOD's Decree. |
2:7 | "Escape from Babylon, Zion, and come home--now!" |
2:8 | GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, the One of Glory who sent me on my mission, commenting on the godless nations who stripped you and left you homeless, said, "Anyone who hits you, hits me--bloodies my nose, blackens my eye. |
2:9 | Yes, and at the right time I'll give the signal and they'll be stripped and thrown out by their own servants." Then you'll know for sure that GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me on this mission. |
2:10 | "Shout and celebrate, Daughter of Zion! I'm on my way. I'm moving into your neighborhood!" GOD's Decree. |
2:11 | Many godless nations will be linked up with GOD at that time. ("They will become my family! I'll live in their homes!") And then you'll know for sure that GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me on this mission. |
2:12 | GOD will reclaim his Judah inheritance in the Holy Land. He'll again make clear that Jerusalem is his choice. |
2:13 | Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before GOD. Something's afoot in his holy house. He's on the move! |