Zechariah 4:6-10

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:6

Then he answered, and spake unto me, saying ,.... In great condescension, in order to instruct him into the true meaning of the vision: This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel ; this signifies what was said by the Lord to Zerubbabel, by some one of the prophets sent unto him: saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts : that is, that as the candlestick was supplied with oil, from the two olive trees by the side of it, without the help of any... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 4:7

Who art thou, O great mountain ?.... This is said in reference to those who opposed the building of the temple, as Sanballat, and others; or the Persian monarchy, and Babylon the capital of it; a mountain being a symbol of a kingdom, or capital city; so Babylon is called, Jeremiah 51:25 hence the Targum paraphrases the words thus, "how art thou accounted a foolish kingdom before Zerubbabel!' and may denote the opposition made to Christ, and to the building of his church, both by Rome... 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

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

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

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

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