זכריה, פרק ד׳, פסוק ט׳

A prophetic promise guarantees that the leader who laid the foundation of the Temple will also see it through to completion. The initial laying of the cornerstone took place in the past, during the days of Cyrus [רש"י, אבן עזרא]. At that time, the work was done under great pressure and difficulty, making the founding act largely symbolic [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Now, a promise is made that the work will finally be finished. Commentators present two ways to understand this completion. The historical approach suggests that Zerubbabel himself, despite all the obstacles and delays he faced, will personally complete the building project he began [רש"י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, a messianic perspective views this as a long-term guarantee. The completion will ultimately be carried out by the Messiah, who will descend from Zerubbabel. Because the future Temple will be built on the exact same site, its construction by the Messiah is considered the absolute and final completion of the project [מצודת דוד].

Once the building is fully realized, it will serve as undeniable proof that the prophet was truly sent by God [מצודת דוד]. When delivering this message, the prophet speaks directly to Zerubbabel as an individual, yet the promise is intended for the entire nation. Zerubbabel stands in that moment not just as a leader, but as the representative of all the Israelites [אבן עזרא].