Zechariah 1:12
Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years? Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?
The angel of the Lord intercedes for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, asking the Lord of hosts how long He will withhold mercy after seventy years of indignation. The question gives voice to the people's distress and need for reassurance at a time when their permission to rebuild seemed threatened. The Lord answers with words of comfort and assurance, declaring His compassion, His renewed favor toward Jerusalem, and His mercy in restoring the city. That comforting answer specifically promises the rebuilding of His house.