Zechariah 4:1-14

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 4:1

The angel - came again, and waked me - Abp. Newcome considers this vision as represented on the same night, Zechariah 1:8 , with the preceding ones. See the latter part of Zechariah 1:10 , compared with Zechariah 3:9 . After some interval the prophet, overpowered with the vision which had been presented to him, was awakened from his prophetic trance as from a sleep. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 4:2

A candlestick all of gold - This candlestick is formed in some measure after that of the sanctuary, Exodus 25:31 , Exodus 25:32 ; : but in that of the sanctuary there was no bowl, nor seven pipes, nor seven lamps, nor the two olive trees. The two olive trees were to supply the bowl with oil; the bowl was to communicate the oil to the seven pipes; and the seven pipes were to supply the seven lamps. In general, the candlestick, its bowl, pipes, lamps, and olive trees, are emblems of the... read more

Adam Clarke

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

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