Zechariah 2:12- “The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Zechariah 2:12, God is making a powerful statement about His ownership and love for the land of Judah, specifically Jerusalem. The phrase “The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion” suggests that God is claiming the land of Judah as His special possession, reaffirming that it belongs to Him. This inheritance is not just about land ownership but also about a personal relationship—God is asserting His claim over the land and His people, which had been displaced and damaged due to their disobedience and the exile. By saying, “will again choose Jerusalem,” God is reassuring His people that despite their past failures, He will restore Jerusalem to its rightful place as the center of His divine presence and blessing. This is a promise of restoration, renewal, and a future where Jerusalem is once again the focal point of God’s work in the world.

Historical Context

At the time Zechariah prophesied, the Jewish people had returned from their Babylonian exile. Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the people were working to rebuild the city and the temple. Many of the exiled Jews had returned, but the city was still vulnerable and facing challenges. Zechariah’s message provided hope to a people who felt forgotten or abandoned. The restoration of Jerusalem and the land of Judah was symbolic of the broader restoration of God’s favor and presence. This promise reaffirmed God’s covenant with His people, ensuring them that the land and the city would again be a special place where His glory dwelt.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse speaks to God’s faithfulness and His desire to restore what was broken. It emphasizes that God has a special relationship with Jerusalem and the people of Judah, even though they had been unfaithful. This verse also speaks to God’s sovereign will to choose and reclaim His people and their land, underscoring that God’s promises are unbreakable. Additionally, it highlights the concept of God’s “inheritance” as a picture of His ownership and His deep love for His people. This inheritance is not based on the people’s merit but on God’s grace and commitment to His covenant.

Literary Analysis

Zechariah 2:12 uses imagery of inheritance to communicate the idea of God’s deep and lasting connection to Judah and Jerusalem. The word “inherit” suggests a long-term relationship and care, indicating that the land is not only physically restored but is reclaimed as a sacred space for God’s presence. The phrase “choose Jerusalem” further emphasizes that God’s choice is intentional and special, not arbitrary. Literary repetition of the idea of God’s “inheritance” and “choice” reinforces the centrality of Jerusalem in God’s redemptive plan. The use of the term “holy land” also calls attention to the sacred nature of the place, further highlighting its significance in God’s overall plan.

Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 7:6: “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” This echoes the idea of God choosing a people and a place as His own.
• Psalm 132:13-14: “For the Lord has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling, saying, ‘This is my resting place forever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.'” This passage highlights the idea of God’s chosen dwelling place, reinforcing the theme of Jerusalem as His special possession.
• Matthew 23:37-39: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together… Look, your house is left to you desolate.” This passage, spoken by Jesus, reflects Jerusalem’s rejection of God’s messengers but also points to the future restoration of the city.
• Revelation 21:2: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” This is a vision of the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of Jerusalem as God’s holy place.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Zechariah 2:12 serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises. Just as He promised to restore Jerusalem and the land of Judah, He promises to restore His people today. For Christians, this speaks to the truth that God has chosen us and will bring about our restoration, even in the midst of challenges or hardships. This promise also invites believers to see their relationship with God as one of being chosen and cherished, not based on their own merit but on God’s love and grace. Additionally, this verse points to the ultimate restoration that will take place when Jesus returns and establishes God’s kingdom fully, where God’s presence will dwell with His people forever.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights the love of God in His commitment to His people. Despite Israel’s failures and the destruction of Jerusalem, God promises to return and restore them. This demonstrates a love that is patient, enduring, and willing to restore what was lost. The idea that God chooses Jerusalem again speaks to His love for His people—it’s not about their worthiness, but about His desire to be with them and bless them. The theme of inheritance also speaks to the loving, familial nature of God’s relationship with His people—He claims them as His own.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Zechariah 2:12 points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ. Just as God promises to restore Jerusalem, Jesus came to bring about the ultimate restoration of God’s people, offering salvation and reconciliation. In the New Testament, Jesus’ death and resurrection make it possible for all believers, not just the people of Judah, to become part of God’s chosen people. Furthermore, Jesus’ return will fulfill this promise in its fullest sense, as He establishes the new Jerusalem in the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:2). The connection to Jesus Christ shows how God’s promises of restoration are fully realized in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the idea of God “choosing” and “inheriting” Jerusalem speak to your understanding of God’s relationship with His people?
2. In what ways can you trust God’s promise of restoration in your own life, especially during challenging times?
3. How does Zechariah 2:12 encourage you to see God’s plan of redemption as unfolding throughout history and into the future?
4. How do you understand the concept of “inheritance” in relation to your own relationship with God?
5. What does the promise of God’s presence in Jerusalem mean to you as a Christian today? How does it point you toward the future hope of Christ’s return?