What is the meaning of Zechariah 4:7? What are you, O great mountain? - The “great mountain” pictures any obstacle opposing God’s purposes—here, the stalled rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 4:4-5). - God speaks as if the mountain can hear; He confronts it directly, showing His sovereign authority (Psalm 97:5; Isaiah 41:15). - Jesus echoed this imagery when He said, “whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up’… it will be done” (Mark 11:23), teaching that faith rests on God’s power, not human strength. Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain - Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and heir to David’s line, stands as God’s chosen leader (Haggai 2:21-23). - The Lord promises to level every hindrance so the work can advance (Isaiah 40:4); the impossible becomes possible because God Himself intervenes. - The verse affirms literal history: under Zerubbabel’s leadership, the temple foundation was laid and, despite fierce opposition, the structure rose (Ezra 6:14-15). Then he will bring forth the capstone - The “capstone” (or top stone) is the final stone set in place, signaling completion. - This anticipates the day when Zerubbabel would finish the temple, proving God’s promise true (Zechariah 4:9). - It also foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Cornerstone/Capstone (1 Peter 2:6-7; Ephesians 2:20), guaranteeing God’s redemptive plan will be finished. Accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ - The joyful cry highlights that the entire project—from first stone to last—is traced to God’s unmerited favor. - Twice repeating “Grace” underscores abundant, overflowing blessing (John 1:16). - The crowd celebrates what only God could do—He removed the mountain, sustained the builders, and crowned the work (Psalm 115:1). summary Zechariah 4:7 assures God’s people that no obstacle can thwart His purposes. The Lord personally flattens every “mountain,” empowers His servant Zerubbabel, and sees the work through to the final stone—all by grace. For believers today, the verse calls us to trust the same mountain-moving God, rejoice in His grace, and look to Christ, the true Capstone, who guarantees the ultimate completion of God’s house. |
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