Matthew Henry Commentary Zechariah 2:6-9

"Ho, ho, flee from the land of the north, saith Jehovah; for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heavens, saith Jehovah. Ho Zion, escape, thou that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: After glory hath he sent me unto the nations which plundered you; for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall be a spoil to those that served them; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me." — Zechariah 2:6-9 (ASV)

If God will build Jerusalem for the people and their comfort, they must inhabit it for Him and His glory. The promises and privileges with which God's people are blessed should engage us to join them, whatever it costs us. When Zion is enlarged to make room for all God's Israel, it is utter madness for any of them to remain in Babylon.

The captivity of a sinful state is by no means to be continued, even if a person is comfortable in worldly matters. Escape for thy life, look not behind thee. Christ has proclaimed the deliverance to the captives that He Himself has accomplished, and it is essential for everyone to resolve that sin will not have dominion over them.

Those who wish to be found among God's children must save themselves from this world . What Christ will do for His church will be clear proof of God's care and affection. He that touches you, touches the apple of his eye. This is a powerful expression of God's love for His church.

He considers what is done against her (the church) as done against the most sensitive part of the eye, to which the slightest touch is a great offense. Christ is sent to be the Protector of His church.