Zechariah 4:6

So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Study Bible

So he said to me,
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God through an angelic messenger to the prophet Zechariah. In the context of biblical prophecy, such direct messages are significant as they convey divine will and guidance. The use of an intermediary, like an angel, is common in prophetic literature, emphasizing the sacredness and authority of the message.

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:
Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah and a key leader in the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. His lineage traces back to King David, making him a significant figure in the restoration of Israel. The phrase underscores the divine origin of the message, affirming that it is not merely human advice but a directive from God Himself. This highlights the importance of divine guidance in leadership and governance.

Not by might nor by power,
This part of the verse emphasizes the futility of relying on human strength or military force to accomplish God's purposes. In the historical context, the returned exiles faced opposition and challenges in rebuilding the temple. The message serves as a reminder that success in God's work does not depend on human resources or abilities. This theme is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 20:7, which contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord.

but by My Spirit,
The Spirit of God is presented as the true source of power and success. This reflects a broader biblical theme where the Holy Spirit empowers individuals to fulfill God's will, as seen in the lives of figures like Samson (Judges 14:6) and the apostles (Acts 1:8). The emphasis on the Spirit underscores the necessity of divine intervention and guidance in achieving spiritual and physical restoration.

says the LORD of Hosts.
The title "LORD of Hosts" refers to God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It conveys His ultimate authority and power over all creation. This assurance of divine backing would have been particularly comforting to Zerubbabel and the Israelites, reinforcing the message that their efforts are supported by the Almighty. The title is frequently used in the Old Testament to remind God's people of His omnipotence and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet who received visions from God to encourage the Israelites during the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

2. Zerubbabel
The governor of Judah and a descendant of David, tasked with leading the reconstruction of the temple. He represents the political leadership of the Jewish people during this period.

3. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority.

4. The Temple Reconstruction
The event of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This was a significant task for the returning exiles and a symbol of spiritual renewal.

5. The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
The context of Zechariah 4, where Zechariah sees a vision symbolizing God's provision and the continuous supply of His Spirit to accomplish His purposes.

Teaching Points

Dependence on the Holy Spirit
We are reminded that true success in God's work comes not from human strength or resources but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

God's Sovereignty and Provision
The title "LORD of Hosts" reassures us of God's ultimate control and His ability to provide for His people in accomplishing His purposes.

Encouragement in Difficult Tasks
Just as Zerubbabel was encouraged in the daunting task of rebuilding the temple, we too can find strength in God's promise to be with us in our challenges.

Spiritual Renewal and Restoration
The rebuilding of the temple symbolizes spiritual renewal. We are called to allow God's Spirit to renew and restore us personally and corporately.

Faith Over Fear
Trusting in God's Spirit over our own might helps us overcome fear and doubt, enabling us to step out in faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of Zechariah 4:6 help us understand the importance of relying on God's Spirit in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" to modern-day challenges we face?

3. How does the account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 illustrate the message of Zechariah 4:6?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are relying on the Holy Spirit rather than our own strength?

5. How can the promise of God's Spirit in Acts 1:8 encourage us in our personal ministry and witness today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath illustrates the principle of relying on God's power rather than human strength.

Acts 1:8
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to empower His disciples, echoing the theme of divine empowerment found in Zechariah 4:6.

Ephesians 6:10-18
Paul speaks about the armor of God, emphasizing reliance on God's strength rather than human might.

2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul discusses how God's power is made perfect in weakness, aligning with the message of Zechariah 4:6.