zechariah-4:1-7-asv

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:6

This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel - This prince was in a trying situation, and he needed especial encouragement from God; and here it is: Not by might, (of thy own), nor by power, (authority from others), but by my Spirit - the providence, authority, power, and energy of the Most High. In this way shall my temple be built; in this way shall my Church be raised and preserved. No secular arm, no human prudence, no earthly policy, no suits at law, shall ever be used for the founding,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:7

O great mountain? - The hinderances which were thrown in the way; the regal prohibition to discontinue the building of the temple. Before Zerubbabel - a plain - The sovereign power of God shall remove them. March on, Zerubbabel; all shall be made plain and smooth before thee. I have given thee the work to do, and I will remove all hinderances out of thy way. He shall bring forth the headstone - As he has laid the foundation stone, so shall he put on the headstone: as he has begun the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:1

Verse 1 Another vision is narrated here, — that a candlestick was shown to the Prophet, on which there were seven lights. He says that the candlestick was formed all of gold: and he says that to the seven lamps there were as many cruses, (infusoria — pourers,) or, as some think, there were seven cruses to each lamp: but the former view is what I mostly approve, that is, that every lamp had its own cruse. He further says, that there were two olive-trees, one on the right, the other on the left... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:2

Verse 2 The Prophet was also reminded to be attentive to the vision — What seest thou? Then there was presented to him a sight which we have described; but the Prophet by seeing could have seen nothing, had he not been instructed by the Angel. We must also observe, that this tardiness of the Prophet is useful to us; for we hence more surely conclude, that nothing was represented without a design; but that the whole was introduced for his benefit, though he overlooked, as with closed eyes, what... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:3

Verse 3 We must now then enquire the meaning of the vision. Many understand by the candlestick the Church; and this may be allowed. At the same time I think that God here simply testified to the Jews, that in having commanded them to set up a candlestick, he did not appoint an empty, or a deceptive, but a real symbol. God no doubt represented by the lamps the graces, or the various gifts of his Spirit; yet the idea of a sevenfold grace is a mere fancy; for God did not intend to confine to that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:4

Verse 4 It afterwards follows, that the Prophet inquired of the Angel, What does this mean? We hence learn again, that the Prophet was instructed by degrees, in order that the vision might be more regarded by us; for if the Prophet had immediately obtained the knowledge of what was meant, the narrative might be read by us with no attention; we might at least be less attentive, and some might probably think that it was an uncertain vision. But as the Prophet himself attentively considered what... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:5

Verse 5 He calls the angel his Lord, according to the custom of the Jews; for they were wont thus to address those who were eminent in power, or in anything superior. He did not call him Lord with the intention of transferring to him the glory of God; but he thus addressed him only for the sake of honor. And here again we are reminded, that if we desire to become proficient in the mysteries of God, we must not arrogate any thing to ourselves; for here the Prophet honestly confesses his own want... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:6

Verse 6 Now follows the explanation the angel gives this answer — This is the word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel, saying, etc. Here the angel bears witness to what I have shortly referred to that the power of God alone is sufficient to preserve the Church, and there is no need of other helps. For he sets the Spirit of God in opposition to all earthly aids; and thus he proves that God borrows no help for the preservation of his Church, because he abounds in all blessings to enrich it. Farther, by the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:7

Verse 7 Here the angel pursues the same subject which we have been already explaining — that though the beginning was small and seemed hardly of any consequence and importance, yet God would act in a wonderful manner as to the building of the temple. But as this was not only arduous and difficult, but also in various ways impeded, the angel now says, that there would be no hindrance which God would not surmount or constrain to give way. He compares to a mountain either the Persian monarchy or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 4:1

The angel that talked with me. The interpreting angel is meant. Came again, and waked me. It is thought that the angel, who is said ( Zechariah 2:3 ) to have gone forth, now rejoined the prophet and renewed his colloquy with him. But the expression in the text is probably only equivalent to "aroused me again" (comp. Genesis 26:18 ; 2 Kings 1:11 , 2 Kings 1:13 , etc.). Absorbed in awe and wonder at the contemplation of the preceding vision, the prophet had fallen into a state of... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:6

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 4:1

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