2026-09-24
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version_ (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Zec 4:6.
This scripture stood out as I have heard something like this in the New Testament. So this is what Logos app says: The search results contain numerous passages expressing the same core conviction as Zechariah 4:6—that divine enablement supersedes human capability. These texts form a consistent biblical theme rejecting reliance on personal strength or worldly resources.
Direct contrasts between human and divine power appear throughout. David declares that “the LORD saves not with sword and spear” and “the battle is the LORD’s” (1 Sam 17:47), while Hezekiah tells his people that “with him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chron 32:8) The psalmist similarly notes that “the king is not saved by his great army” and “the war horse is a false hope for salvation.” (Ps 33:16–17)
Weakness becomes the paradoxical pathway to strength. Paul writes that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Cor 12:9–10) and he concludes, “when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:9–10) Isaiah teaches that God “gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” (Isa 40:29–31) Paul also observes that “the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Cor 1:25)
Trust in God replaces trust in resources. The psalmist declares, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Ps 20:7) Jeremiah warns that those who “trust in man and make flesh his strength” are cursed, (Jer 17:5–8) while Isaiah promises that “in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (Isa 30:15–16) God assures Judah, “I will save them by the LORD their God. I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen.” (Hos 1:7)
These passages collectively emphasize that accomplishing God’s purposes requires abandoning confidence in personal effort and embracing dependence on His Spirit.
Thoughts
So as this was directed to Zerubbabel in the verse, this is a man that knew God, and had come into the space of knowing what it means to work hard and be diligent to God. Zec 4:6. Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, ... A word of God comes to those who work hard and know and have a relationship with God, we can and will easily fall into the trap of we can do and achieve things, but we and I need to keep a real perspective on what is actually happening, God is the source of all things, gifts and energy, ability and influence. He is the God of all and the maker of all things, seen and unseen. He is the Alpha and the Omega, and everything in between. Zec 4:6. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. His power and glory shines on us, through us, for others to look to Him, when that changes then things are puverted and things begin to unravel.
Zec 6:7 O great mountain The world is being pointed out here, our daily lives keep us busy and want our attention, God gives us the ability to overcome the daily struggles, because He is faithful, He passes his grace and care to us, we should look to Him, for He is a good father.