Zechariah 4:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Zechariah 4:7
7 Who 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.
Chapter Context
Zechariah 4 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, worship, salvation. Written during the early post-exilic period (c. 520-480 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Persian support for temple rebuilding came with continued imperial control.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Zechariah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Zechariah 4:7
7 Who 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.
Analysis
Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain—Following the famous 'not by might nor by power' declaration (v. 6), God addresses the obstacles facing temple-builder Zerubbabel. The har haggādōl (הַר הַגָּדוֹל, 'great mountain') symbolizes massive opposition—political resistance from Samaritan adversaries (Ezra 4), economic hardship, discouragement, and the seemingly impossible task of completing the temple with meager resources. God mocks the mountain: mī-'attāh (מִי־אַתָּה, 'who are you?')—what are you compared to My Spirit?
Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain—Lemīshōr (לְמִישׁוֹר, 'into level ground') promises divinely-flattened terrain. What human strength couldn't budge, God's Spirit levels effortlessly. And he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it—Vehōtsī et-hā'eḇen hārōshāh (וְהוֹצִיא אֶת־הָאֶבֶן הָרֹאשָׁה, 'and he shall bring out the top/capstone'). The 'eḇen rōshāh is the final, crowning stone completing the building. Zerubbabel who laid the foundation (v. 9) will place the capstone. The shouting chēn chēn lāh (חֵן חֵן לָהּ, 'Grace! Grace to it!') celebrates that grace alone accomplished what seemed impossible. This anticipates Christ the cornerstone rejected by builders yet chosen by God (Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:6-7).
Historical Context
Temple work had been halted for 16 years (536-520 BC) due to opposition documented in Ezra 4:1-5, 24. The obstacles seemed insurmountable. Zerubbabel faced enemy accusations to Persian authorities, lack of resources, popular discouragement, and skeptics who despised the modest scale ('day of small things,' v. 10). Yet God promised: the mountain will become a plain, and Zerubbabel will finish what he started. The temple was completed in 516 BC (Ezra 6:15), four years after this prophecy.
Reflection
- What 'great mountains' in your life seem immovable apart from God's Spirit?
- How does the shouting of 'Grace, grace!' reframe obstacles from achievements earned to gifts received?
- Why is it significant that the same person (Zerubbabel) lays the foundation and places the capstone?
Word Studies
- Grace: חֵן (Chen) H2580 - Grace, favor
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 4:9, Psalms 114:4, 118:22, Isaiah 41:15, Jeremiah 51:25, Micah 4:1