Zechariah 2:12
And the LORD will take possession of Judah as His portion in the Holy Land, and He will once again choose Jerusalem.
And the LORD
The term "LORD" in this context is derived from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This name is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His sovereign authority over all creation. In the context of Zechariah, it underscores the divine initiative and power behind the prophetic promises being made.

will take possession
The phrase "will take possession" suggests a deliberate and authoritative action by God. The Hebrew root "nachal" implies an inheritance or a rightful claim. This indicates that God's relationship with Judah is not arbitrary but is based on a covenantal promise. It reflects the idea of God reclaiming what is rightfully His, emphasizing His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises.

of Judah
Judah, representing the southern kingdom of Israel, holds significant historical and theological importance. It is the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The mention of Judah here highlights God's ongoing commitment to His chosen people and the messianic lineage that would bring salvation to the world.

as His portion
The word "portion" in Hebrew is "cheleq," which can mean a share or inheritance. This term conveys the idea of a special, set-apart relationship. It signifies that Judah is not just any land or people but is uniquely chosen and cherished by God. This reflects the intimate and personal nature of God's covenant with His people.

in the Holy Land
The phrase "Holy Land" refers to the land of Israel, which is considered sacred due to God's promises and His presence among His people. The term "holy" denotes something set apart for divine purposes. This land is not just geographically significant but is central to God's redemptive plan throughout history.

and He will once again choose
The phrase "once again choose" indicates a reaffirmation of God's election. The Hebrew root "bachar" means to select or choose, often implying a choice based on love and purpose. This suggests a renewal of God's commitment to Jerusalem, despite past judgments, highlighting His grace and mercy.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem is more than just a city; it is the spiritual and political heart of Israel. It is the site of the Temple, the center of worship, and the symbol of God's presence among His people. The choice of Jerusalem signifies God's intention to restore and dwell with His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is actively involved in the restoration and future of His people.

2. Judah
A significant tribe of Israel, representing the southern kingdom, which holds a special place in God's redemptive plan.

3. The Holy Land
Refers to the land of Israel, which is set apart by God for His purposes and His people.

4. Jerusalem
The city chosen by God as the center of worship and the future site of His divine presence.

5. Zechariah
The prophet through whom God delivers this message of hope and restoration to the people of Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God remains faithful to His covenant with Israel, demonstrating His unchanging nature and commitment to His people.

The Significance of Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds a central place in God's redemptive plan, symbolizing His presence and future hope for all believers.

The Holy Land as a Symbol of God's Kingdom
The land of Israel serves as a tangible reminder of God's kingdom purposes and His desire to dwell among His people.

Restoration and Hope for the Future
God's promise to choose Jerusalem again offers hope for restoration, not only for Israel but for all who trust in Him.

Our Role in God's Redemptive Plan
As believers, we are called to participate in God's ongoing work of restoration and to live as witnesses of His faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of God taking possession of Judah as His portion encourage you in your personal faith journey?

2. In what ways does the significance of Jerusalem in biblical history impact your understanding of God's plan for the future?

3. How can the concept of the Holy Land as a symbol of God's kingdom influence your perspective on current events in the Middle East?

4. What practical steps can you take to align your life with God's redemptive purposes, as seen in His promise to restore Jerusalem?

5. How do the connections between Zechariah 2:12 and other scriptures deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His people?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 32:9
This verse speaks of the LORD's portion being His people, Israel, highlighting the special relationship between God and Judah.

Psalm 132:13-14
These verses affirm God's choice of Zion (Jerusalem) as His dwelling place, reinforcing the theme of divine selection and presence.

Isaiah 14:1
This passage speaks of the LORD having compassion on Jacob and choosing Israel again, echoing the promise of restoration found in Zechariah.

Romans 11:1-2
Paul discusses God's continued faithfulness to Israel, affirming that God has not rejected His people, which aligns with the promise of choosing Jerusalem again.

Revelation 21:2-3
The vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven as God's dwelling place with humanity connects to the ultimate fulfillment of God's choice of Jerusalem.
Those Holy FieldsCharles Leech, D. D.Zechariah 2:12
The Joy of the Divine PresenceGeorge Hutcheson.Zechariah 2:10-13
The Joy of the Millennial ChurchHomilistZechariah 2:10-13
The Joy of the Millennial ChurchD. Thomas Zechariah 2:10-13
The Joys of the Church in Her Great HeadW. Forsyth Zechariah 2:10-13
The Restorer of Israel and JudahT. Bowdler, A. M.Zechariah 2:10-13
People
Zechariah
Places
Babylon, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Choose, Fixed, Ground, Heritage, Holy, Inherit, Inherited, Jerusalem, Judah, Lord's, Portion, Possess, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 2:12

     5701   heir
     5704   inheritance, material
     8270   holiness, set apart
     8272   holiness, growth in

Zechariah 2:10-12

     7259   promised land, later history
     8271   holiness, purpose
     9220   day of the LORD

Zechariah 2:10-13

     5006   human race, destiny
     7922   fellowship, with God

Library
The City Without Walls
'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls.... For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.'--ZECHARIAH ii. 4, 5. Zechariah was the Prophet of the returning exiles, and his great work was to hearten them for their difficult task, with their small resources and their many foes, and to insist that the prime condition to success, on the part of that portion of the nation that had returned, was holiness. So his visions, of which
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Prayer for the Lord's Promised Presence. Zech 2:10

John Newton—Olney Hymns

The Lord Reigneth
Hallelujah; for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! T he book of the Revelation, being chiefly prophetical, will not, perhaps, be fully understood, till the final accomplishment of the events shall draw near, and throw a stronger light upon the whole series. But while the learned commentators have been, hitherto, divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians. Particularly, those passages
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer Some persons, when they hear of the prayer of silence, falsely imagine, that the soul remains stupid, dead, and inactive. But, unquestionably, it acteth therein, more nobly and more extensively than it had ever done before; for God Himself is the mover, and the soul now acteth by the agency of His Spirit. When S. Paul speaks of our being led by the Spirit of God, it is not meant that we should cease from action; but that we should act through the internal
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. W hen Joseph exchanged a prison for the chief honour and government of Egypt, the advantage of his exaltation was felt by those who little deserved it (Genesis 45:4, 5) . His brethren hated him, and had conspired to kill him. And though he was preserved from death, they were permitted to sell him for a bond-servant. He owed his servitude,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action, Wrought by the Spirit of God, and in Dependence Upon Him --The Communication Of
Some people, hearing of the prayer of silence, have wrongly imagined that the soul remains inactive, lifeless, and without movement. But the truth is, that its action is more noble and more extensive than it ever was before it entered this degree, since it is moved by God Himself, and acted upon by His Spirit. St Paul desires that we should be led by the Spirit of God (Rom. viii. 14). I do not say that there must be no action, but that we must act in dependence upon the divine movement. This
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Zechariah 2:12 NIV
Zechariah 2:12 NLT
Zechariah 2:12 ESV
Zechariah 2:12 NASB
Zechariah 2:12 KJV

Zechariah 2:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Zechariah 2:11
Top of Page
Top of Page