DESPISE NOT SMALL THINGS Devotion 18 of 24 THE MEANING There is a sense in which all of these views are true. THE PLUMB LINE The plumb line is held by the master builder – in this case, Zerubbabel. The "plumb line," or "plummet" (KJV) is the means of measuring the acceptance of the structure. It is the final test of its approval. – Tomorrow:
"Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know That the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth." Zechariah 4:8-10, NKJV
"For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel" (V 10b)
The New International Version reads differently: "MEN WILL REJOICE when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel." An even different view is represented by the New Living translation. "For THE LORD REJOICES to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." The King James Version represents men rejoicing WITH the "seven eyes." "for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel WITH THOSE SEVEN." The New Revised Standard Version adds yet another perspective. "For WHOEVER HAS DESPISED THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS SHALL REJOICE, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel."
1. Men would rejoice at the completion of the Temple.
2. The Lord Himself would also rejoice, joying over the work with joy: " . . . He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in his love, He will joy over thee with singing" (Zeph 3:17).
3. Those who were at first discouraged with the small beginnings, would finally rejoice at the completion of the work.
The meaning of the text, however, is found in the Divine explanation given to the prophet: "They (the seven) are the eyes of the LORD." Both the NASB and NKJV accentuate this perspective, i.e., that the seven eyes are the rejoicing ones. "But THESE SEVEN SHALL BE GLAD when the see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel-- these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth" (NASB). For THESE SEVEN REJOICE to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel" (KJV).
The idea is that the all seeing God will rejoice at the completion of the work, when Zerubbabel lays the Divine plumb line next to the work, proving it is precisely according to the divine pattern.
It is because of Divine rejoicing that men are glad, whether the builders or those who behold their work. This is joy that brings honor and glory to God, because it reveals a recognition of "the Lord's doing" (Psa 118:23).
The approval of men would not be the final test of Zerubbabel's Temple. It had to pass the test of the Divine plumb line! The idea of our text is that the structure, though small in its beginning, would pass the final test of Divine scrutiny! The work God had appointed would be completed with His approval and blessing. It would not in any way be deficient, or come short of Divine expectation.
It is a principle in the Kingdom of God that every work purporting to be of God must be measured, or evaluated, by the Lord Himself. Thus, John the Revelator was instructed by a holy angel, "Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein" (Rev 11:1). This was nothing less than putting the professed church to the Divine test; laying the Divine plumb line next to its impressive walls. The place in which the Lord dwelt was to be measured – "the temple of God." The means of justification that were being declared were measured – "the altar." Those who professed identity with God were also measures– "them that worship." These remain the three fundamental tests of "the church." Is it a suitable dwelling for God? Is the Divinely appointed means of justification declared? Are people appropriately described as "worshipers?"
In our text, however, the use of the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel was the Divinely appointed means of confirming the total work meant His approval. It was another way of affirming what had already been declared: "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; HIS HANDS ALSO SHALL FINISH IT" (4:8). His hands would not merely finish working, but would complete the work in such a manner as to pass Divine approval – the ultimate test of all work.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to so built my life that I will stand the final test of Your all-seeing eye.