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.
This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit. As the lamps burned continually, supplied with oil from a source (the living olive trees) which man did not make, so Zerubbabel need not be disheartened because of his weakness; because as the work is one to be effected by the living Spirit which God had promised should "remain among" His people (cf. Haggai 2:5), man's weakness is no obstacle; because God's might will perfect strength out of weakness (Hosea 1:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Hebrews 11:34). "Might" and "power" express human strength of every, description, physical, mental, or moral. Or, "might" is the strength of many combined [an "army," literally, chayil (H2428)]; "power," that of one man (Pembellus). [Others make kowach, "power," to signify strenuousness and mighty exploits: chayil (H2428), "might," valour, ability.] God can save, "whether with many, or with them that have no power" (2 Chronicles 14:11: cf. 1 Samuel 14:6, "There is no restraint to the Lord, to save by many or by few"). So, in the conversion of sinners, the whole work is God's ultimately; ministers are only "mighty through God" (1 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 10:4). "Zerubbabel" is addressed as the chief civil authority in directing the work.