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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Zechariah 4:1-10

Here is, I. The prophet prepared to receive the discovery that was to be made to him: The angel that talked with him came and waked him, Zech. 4:1. It seems, though he was in conference with an angel, and about matters of great and public concern, yet he grew dull and fell asleep, as it should seem, while the angel was yet talking with him. Thus the disciples, when they saw Christ transfigured, were heavy with sleep, Luke 9:32. The prophet's spirit, no doubt, was willing to attend to that... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Zechariah 4:11-14

Enough is said to Zechariah to encourage him, and to enable him to encourage others, with reference to the good work of building the temple which they were now about, and that was the principal intention of the vision he saw; but still he is inquisitive about the particulars, which we will ascribe, not to any vain curiosity, but to the value he had for divine discoveries and the pleasure he took in acquainting himself with them. Those that know much of the things of God cannot but have a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:8

Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. As follows; which is a confirmation of the angel's interpretation of the vision. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:9

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house ,.... The temple at Jerusalem, which was laid, or however renewed, after it had been long neglected, even the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, two months before this vision and prophecy, Haggai 2:18 compared with Zechariah 1:7 , his hands shall also finish it : signified by bringing in the head or top stone, Zechariah 4:7 and so Christ our great Zerubbabel has laid the foundation of his church, which is no... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:10

For who hath despised the day of small things ?.... This literally refers to the building of the second temple, which was contemptible to the enemies of Judah, Sanballat, and others; and little in the eyes of many of the Jews themselves, who had seen the former temple; yet not in the eyes of the Lord of hosts, Ezra 3:12 and so the Targum paraphrases the words, "for who is he that despiseth this day, because the building is small?' but in the spiritual sense, to the building up of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:11

Then answered I, and said unto him ,.... To the angel that talked with him, Zechariah 4:1 , What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick, and upon the left side thereof ? in Zechariah 4:2 they are said to be on each side of the bowl. The mystery of the candlestick being explained to Zechariah by the angel, the prophet desires to know the meaning of the two olive trees that were on the right and left of it, one on one side, and the other on the other... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:12

And I answered again, and said unto him ,.... Before he could have an answer to the former question, he puts the following, as being of the same import: What be these two olive branches ; which grew upon the olive trees, and were nearest to the candlestick, and the pipes that were to the lamps: these, in Zechariah 4:14 , are interpreted of the two anointed ones, or sons of oil, and may design the ministers of the word, if, by the "golden oil" after mentioned, is meant the Gospel;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:13

And he answered me, and said ,.... That is, the angel answered to the prophet's questions: Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord ; See Gill on Zechariah 4:5 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:14

Then said he, These are the two anointed ones ,.... Or "sons of oil" F20 בני היצהר "filii olei", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Tigurine version, Vatablus, Cocceius, Burkius. . Some think the gifts and graces of the Spirit are meant, which come from the God of all grace, remain with Christ, are given freely by him to the sons of God, and are always for the service of the church, and sufficient for it; others, Christ the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. Christ is the anointed... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:10

Who hath despised the day of small things? - The poverty, weakness, and unbefriended state of the Jews. It was said, "What do these feeble Jews?" "Will they build," etc.? No. But God will build by them, and perfect his building too. And shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel - He is master builder under God, the grand architect. Those seven - are the eyes of the Lord - Either referring to his particular and especial providence; or to those ministering spirits, whom he has... read more

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