Zechariah 1:16

Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem - whereas in anger I had before withdrawn from her, having "returned to my place, until they should acknowledge their offence, and seek my face" ().

With mercies - not merely of one kind, nor once only, but repeated mercies. With mercies - not merely of one kind, nor once only, but repeated mercies.

My house shall be built in it - which at this time (the second year of Darius, ) had only its foundations laid (). It was not completed until the sixth year of Darius ().

And a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem - (). The measuring line is used for building, not hastily, but with measured regularity. Not only the temple, but Jerusalem also, was to be rebuilt (, etc.: cf. Zechariah 2:1). Also, as to the future temple and city, ; Ezekiel 42:1; Ezekiel 43:1; Ezekiel 44:1; .