Dave Burnette's Commentary

Zechariah Chapter 4

Written By: God through Inspiration
Penned By: Zechariah
Date Penned: (1-8 520-518BC)(9-14 480BC)
Overview: Messages while Rebuilding the Temple (c 1-8)
Theme: Zechariah's Night Visions (c 1-6)
Message: Zechariah Sees the Golden Lampstand (v 1-14)

Zechariah: Chapter 4 Commentary
   

(4:1) Many people believe that to survive in this world a person must be tough, strong, unbendable, and harsh. But God says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit" The key words are "by my Spirit" It is only through God's Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. The returned exiles were indeed weak - harassed by their enemies, tired, discouraged, and poor. But actually they had God on their side. As you live for the Lord, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities. Instead, depend on God and work in the power of His Spirit (Hosea 1) 

(4:9) The Temple was completed in 516 BC (Ezra 6)

(4:10) Many of the older Jews were disheartened when they realized this new Temple would not match the size and splendor of the previous Temple built during King Solomon's reign. But bigger and more beautiful is not always better. What you do for God may seem small and insignificant at the time, but God rejoices in what is right, not necessarily what is big. Be faithful in the small opportunities. Begin where you are and do what you can, and leave the results to God. 

(4:14) The two anointed ones may be Joshua and Zerubbabel, dedicated for this special task. Also note that in Revelation 11 - two prophets (witnesses) arise to prophesy to the nations during the time of tribulation. They will be killed but will rise again.  

 


Dave Burnette's Life Application

The Power of God

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book ofZechariah with Chapter 4. In our text today the Lord continues to give a visions of instruction with today being the Power of God where His Word says "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." In making application we see a frame work for the Lord's handy work. He does His Will through His Spirit. In making application we see how the Lord works in our lives. It is not our efforts or ambition that allows us to grow in the Lord but rather our obedience and submission to the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us. How about you? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to reign and rule in your heart? Let us learn from our text today and the Word of God to see that the Lord works, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

 

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Zechariah 4

Zechariah 4

 1And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

 2And 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:

 3And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

 4So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

 5Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

 6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

 7Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

 8Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

 9The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

 10For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

 11Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

 12And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

 13And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

 14Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.