Zechariah 4:9 - Exposition

Have laid the foundation. Zerubbabel had commenced the rebuilding in the second year of the return, in the second month ( Ezra 3:8 ); it had been hindered by the opposition of the neighbouring people ( Ezra 4:1-5 , Ezra 4:24 ), and was not resumed till the second year of Darius. Shall finish it. The temple was finished in Darius's sixth year ( Ezra 6:15 ). Thou shalt know, etc. The truth of the angel's mission would be proved by the event, viz. the successful issue (comp. Zechariah 2:9 , Zechariah 2:11 ; Zechariah 6:15 ; Deuteronomy 18:22 ). The completion of the material temple was a pledge of the establishment of the spiritual temple, the Church of God.