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Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem - whereas in anger I had before withdrawn from her, having "returned to my place, until they should acknowledge their offence, and seek my face" (Hosea 5:15).
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, Zechariah 1:1) had only its foundations laid (Haggai 2:18). It was not completed until the sixth year of Darius (Ezra 6:15).
And a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem - (Job 38:5). The measuring line is used for building, not hastily, but with measured regularity. Not only the temple, but Jerusalem also, was to be rebuilt (Nehemiah 2:3, etc.: cf. Zechariah 2:1-2). Also, as to the future temple and city, Ezekiel 41:3; Ezekiel 42:1-20; Ezekiel 43:1-27; Ezekiel 44:1-31; Ezekiel 45:6.