I am the first to say to Zion, ‘Behold, look at them;’ and I will give one who brings good news to Jerusalem.
The first [shall say] to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings. (z) That is, the Israelites who return from the captivity. (a) That is, a continual succession of prophets and ministers.
27. The first to Zion. “I, saith Jehovah, am the first that has foretold by my prophets to the Jews those things which none of the false gods, and none of their prophets could foretell, the destruction of Babylon and the return of the banished Jews into their native country.” — Rosenmuller.
Rather, "I first will give to Zion and to Jerusalem the messenger of good tidings, Behold, behold them!" The clause, "Behold . . . them" (the wished-for event is now present) is inserted in the middle of the sentence as a detached exclamation, by an elegant transposition, the language being framed abruptly, as one would speak in putting vividly as it were, before the eyes...