Zacarias 4
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
Zacarias 4
Morris - nor by power. This assurance would encourage the governor to proceed with the building of the temple, regardless of the great opposition the project had generated. The promise likewise should encourage Christians in every future time not to rely on political power, strength of numbers or human stratagems to do the work of God, but on God's Spirit. The New Testament frequently stresses this great truth (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). (Borrow Defender's Study Bible) Charles Feinberg - The word might may mean “army” also, but it does not make sense here. Actually there is not much difference in meaning between the words might and power. All kinds of power available to man are meant: physical, mental, or moral. These at their best are insufficient for the task in hand or any work for God. Man’s weakness is no hindrance in the work of God, because He supplies the power of the Spirit of God. (Cp. 1 Sa 14:6; Ho 1:7; 2 Co 12:9-10; Heb 11:34; also 2 Co 4:7.) That which was ministered to the nation was the grace and power of the Spirit of God, pictured by the oil. (Borrow Minor Prophets). THOUGHT - "How timely this message is for our day with its complex and manifold committees, boards, drives, plans, organizations, contests, budgets, sponsors, rallies, groups, and much more. These can never avail in themselves to bring about the accomplishment of the task God has entrusted to us; since it is from first to last a spiritual work, it must be by the omnipotent and unfailing and unerring Spirit of God. The arm of flesh fails; He never does." (Charles Feinberg) David
Zacarias 4
Morris - small things. Though the new temple was small in relation to the former temple (Haggai 2:3; Ezra 3:12), it was a necessary beginning and its ramifications would eventually encompass the whole world. No work done in the name of Christ as led by His Spirit in harmony with His Word is trivial in the eyes of God, for He can use small things to accomplish great things. (Borrow Defender's Study Bible) NET NOTE - Heb “these seven.” Eyes are clearly intended in the ellipsis as v. 10b shows. As in 3:9 the idea is God’s omniscience. He who knows the end from the beginning rejoices at the completion of his purposes. NET NOTE - These seven eyes will joyfully look on the tin tablet in Zerubbabel's hand. - This term is traditionally translated “plumb line” (so NASB, NIV, NLT; cf. KJV, NRSV “plummet”), but it is more likely that the Hebrew בְּדִיל (bédil) is to be derived not from בָּדַל (badal), “to divide,” but from a root meaning “tin.” This finds support in the ancient Near Eastern custom of placing inscriptions on tin plates in dedicatory foundation deposits. David