Matthew Poole and continuators on Zechariah 4:9

9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you .

Perhaps (as is customary) he did lay the first stone with his own hands, or rather his direction, and command, and under his conduct.

In the second year of Cyrus perhaps fourty years agone, likelier seventeen, but be those years more or less, he shall finish it, thus the Prophet expresly promiseth from the Lord, both continuance of Zerubbabels Life, Care and Power, as also his success in this work to encourage both him, and the Jews.

Whoever thou art, that dost hear me, both Zerubbabel and all among the Jews

Shall be fully assured, and certainly know

God of Truth and Mercy, our God from our Fathers who remembers his Covenant,

commanded me to preach these things.

Returned Captives, and poor builders of this stately and magnificent house.

Marginal references: Ezra 3.10.; and 6.15.; chap. 2.9, 1[illegible: 1 letter]. and 6.15.