◄ Zechariah 4:9 ►
"The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you.
Study Bible
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house
Zerubbabel, a descendant of David and governor of Judah, played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Second Temple after the Babylonian exile. His leadership in laying the foundation signifies the restoration of worship and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. This act fulfills the prophecy in Haggai 2:23, where Zerubbabel is chosen as a signet ring, symbolizing God's authority and approval. The foundation laying is a physical manifestation of God's promise to restore His people and their place of worship.

and his hands will complete it
This phrase emphasizes the assurance of divine support in completing the temple. Despite opposition and delays, Zerubbabel is assured that the work he started will be finished. This completion is a testament to God's faithfulness and the perseverance of His people. It also prefigures the ultimate completion of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the cornerstone in Ephesians 2:20, signifying the foundation and completion of the spiritual temple, the Church.

Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you
The completion of the temple serves as a sign of divine intervention and validation of the prophetic message. The title "LORD of Hosts" underscores God's sovereignty and power over all heavenly and earthly armies, assuring the people of His protection and provision. This phrase connects to the broader theme of recognizing God's hand in historical events, as seen in Isaiah 45:3, where God reveals Himself through His actions. The successful completion of the temple under Zerubbabel's leadership confirms the authenticity of the prophetic mission and God's ongoing covenant relationship with His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zerubbabel
A governor of Judah, a descendant of David, and a leader in the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. His role is significant as he is chosen by God to lead the restoration efforts.

2. The Temple
The house of God in Jerusalem, which Zerubbabel is tasked with rebuilding. It symbolizes God's presence among His people and the restoration of worship.

3. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority in orchestrating the events described.

4. The Prophet Zechariah
The author of the book, who delivers God's messages to the people of Judah, encouraging them in their efforts to rebuild the temple.

5. The Exile and Return
The historical context of the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile, a period of renewal and rebuilding both physically and spiritually.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Completion
God promises that what He begins, He will bring to completion. Just as Zerubbabel was assured of finishing the temple, believers can trust God to complete His work in their lives.

The Role of Leadership in God's Plan
Zerubbabel's leadership was crucial in the rebuilding process. God often uses leaders to guide His people, and it is important to support and pray for those in leadership positions.

The Importance of Obedience and Perseverance
Despite opposition, Zerubbabel persevered in obedience to God's command. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and duties, trusting in God's ultimate plan.

Recognizing God's Sovereignty
The title "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of God's supreme authority. In our lives, acknowledging His sovereignty brings peace and assurance amidst challenges.

The Significance of God's Presence
The temple represented God's dwelling among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God's presence within us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the assurance given to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:9 encourage you in your personal walk with God?

2. In what ways can you support and pray for the leaders in your church or community, as Zerubbabel was supported in his leadership role?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition in doing God's work. How did perseverance and obedience play a role in overcoming those challenges?

4. How does recognizing God's sovereignty as the "LORD of Hosts" impact your perspective on current events or personal struggles?

5. Considering that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, how can you cultivate a life that reflects God's presence and glory?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 3-6
These chapters provide a historical account of the rebuilding of the temple, detailing the challenges and opposition faced by Zerubbabel and the people.

Haggai 2
Haggai, a contemporary of Zechariah, also encourages the people to rebuild the temple, promising God's presence and blessing.

Philippians 1:6
This New Testament verse speaks to the confidence that God, who began a good work, will carry it on to completion, paralleling the assurance given to Zerubbabel.
Sermons
Man as a Student of the Divine Revelation and a Doer of Divine WorkD. Thomas Zechariah 4:1-10
Man as a Student of the Divine Revelation and a Doer of Divine WorkHomilistZechariah 4:1-14
The Candelabrum and Olive TreesW. L. Alexander, D. D.Zechariah 4:1-14
The CandlestickF. B. Meyer, B. A.Zechariah 4:1-14
The Golden CandlestickOutlines by a London MinisterZechariah 4:1-14
The Vision of the CandlestickGeorge Hutcheson.Zechariah 4:1-14
Reasons Against PessimismJ. Lewis.Zechariah 4:7-9
Salvation SecureDaniel Moore, M. A.Zechariah 4:7-9
The Building of the Spiritual TempleW. Weldon Champneys, M. A.Zechariah 4:7-9
The Founder and Finisher of the TempleA. Maclaren, D. D.Zechariah 4:7-9
The Temple of God Built Amidst DifficultiesC. Bradley, M. A.Zechariah 4:7-9
Encouragement to Christian WorkersW. Forsyth Zechariah 4:7-10
People
Zechariah, Zerubbabel
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Almighty, Armies, Base, Clear, Complete, Finish, Foundation, Hands, Hast, Hosts, Laid, Temple, Zerubbabel, Zerub'babel
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 4:9

     5317   foundation
     5408   messenger
     7470   temple, significance

Zechariah 4:1-14

     1431   prophecy, OT methods
     4416   branch

Zechariah 4:6-9

     5776   achievement

Zechariah 4:9-10

     7254   plumb-line

Library
September 2. "Who Hath Despised the Day of Small Things" (Zech. Iv. 10).
"Who hath despised the day of small things" (Zech. iv. 10). The oak comes out of the acorn, the eagle out of that little egg in the nest, the harvest comes out of the seed; and so the glory of the coming age is all coming out of the Christ life now, even as the majesty of His kingdom was all wrapped up that night in the babe of Bethlehem. Oh, let us take Him for all our life. Let us be united to His person and His risen body. Let us know what it is to say, "The Lord is for the body and the body is …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Founder and Finisher of the Temple
'The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it.'--ZECHARIAH iv. 9. I am afraid that Zerubbabel is very little more than a grotesque name to most Bible-readers, so I may be allowed a word of explanation as to him and as to the original force of my text. He was a prince of the blood royal of Israel, and the civil leader of the first detachment of returning exiles. With Joshua, the high priest, he came, at the head of a little company, to Palestine, and …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Source of Power
'And the Angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold, a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps which are upon the top thereof: 3. And two olive-trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4. So I answered and spake to the Angel that talked with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Independence of Christianity
Now, as this is true in the general of the great acts of God, this is equally true in the minutiae of them. It is true that God has a church, that that church has been redeemed and will be preserved for his glory, and it is equally true that everything that is done to the church, in the church, or for the church either with the permission or by the power of God, is for God's glory, as well as for the church's weal. You will notice, in reading Scripture, that whenever God has blessed the church, he …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Encouragement for the Depressed
"For who hath despised the day of small things?"--Zechariah 4:10. ZECHARIAH WAS ENGAGED in the building of the temple. When its foundations were laid, it struck everybody as being a very small edifice compared with the former glorious structure of Solomon. The friends of the enterprise lamented that it should be so small; the foes of it rejoiced and uttered strong expressions of contempt. Both friends and foes doubted whether, even on that small scale, the structure would ever be completed. They …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

The Power
"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."--Zech. iv. 6. J. Tauler, 1361. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Rest from longing and desire O thou weary heart! Dost thou ween thy choice has been Not the lower but the higher, Thine the better part? And therefore dost thou long with bitter longing From the day dawn to the night. For the holiness, the rest of His beloved Who walk with Him in white? Thou art wearied with the striving and the yearning For the crown that thou wouldst …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Conversion --Human Agency In
What part and responsibility pertain to the human will in this matter? Before we leave the subject of conversion, it is important that we consider and understand this question also. For on this point also grievous and dangerous views and practices prevail. Human nature tends to extremes. Here too, there is a tendency to go too far, either in the one direction or the other. There are those, on the one hand, who virtually and practically make this change of heart and of nature a human work. They …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely Religious, and Pertaining to the Conscience.
Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters purely Religious, and pertaining to the Conscience. Since God hath assumed to himself the power and Dominion of the Conscience, who alone can rightly instruct and govern it, therefore it is not lawful [1226] for any whosoever, by virtue of any authority or principality they bear in the government of this world, to force the consciences of others; and therefore all killing, banishing, fining, imprisoning, and other such things which are inflicted …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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