Constructive Might

Bart Bruehler points out in an article from CBQ that the oracle to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:7 employs language (“might and power”) typically used to describe military prowess.  Yet Zerubbabel doesn’t lead an army; he organizes a construction project.

He is a new Solomon.  Moses said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous” before Joshua conquered the land; David said to Solomon, “Be strong and courageous” because Solomon was going to need “might and power” to build the temple. The Davidic branch Zerubbabel needs similar might to build the second temple.