God's Modes of Working
James Hay, D. D. Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power… When Zerubbabel was ready to bend before the interruption of his work, his heart was greatly encouraged to persevere in the arduous undertaking by the assurance that through God's special interposition and grace the work should be carried forward to a happy and honourable termination, till at last he should bring forth "the headstone thereof with shouting, Grace, grace unto it." The expression "Not by might," etc., intimates that God will carry on and complete His work, as He had begun their deliverance from Babylon, not by external force, but by the internal influence of His Spirit upon the minds of men. I. OBSERVATIONS FOR ILLUSTRATING THE TEXT. 1. It is usual for God to bring most important and stupendous results out of causes apparently trivial and unimportant. 2. The words of text imply God's accomplishment — of the most gracious designs by the weakest and most insignificant instruments. 3. That it is our duty to attempt many things which evidently lie beyond human power. 4. God will grant the necessary aid while we employ the means that are in our power. II. PRACTICAL INFERENCES FROM THE SUBJECT. 1. That ministers should preach the Gospel with an humble and confidential dependence on the cooperation of the Spirit to crown their labours with success. 2. This subject administers reproof to those who pervert it into an argument for carnal sloth and security. 3. Learn not to despise the day of small things. As in the natural, so in the moral world, the progress of God's power is often hid from our view; but still, is it making no advancement? The Spirit of God is again moving on the face of the deep, preparatory to a new creation. (James Hay, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then 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. WEB: Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, "This is the word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, saying, 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says Yahweh of Armies.