Fifth Vision: Gold Lampstand
1 The angel who was speaking with me then returned and roused me as one awakened out of sleep. 2 He asked me, “What do you see? ”
I replied, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top. The lampstand also has seven lamps at the top with seven spouts for each of the lamps. 3 There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.”
4 Then I asked the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord? ”
5 “Don’t you know what they are? ” replied the angel who was speaking with me.
I said, “No, my lord.”
6 So he answered me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ j says the LORD of Armies. 7 ‘What are you, great mountain? k Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. l And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it! ’ ”
8 Then the word of the LORD came to me: m 9 “Zerubbabel’s hands have laid the foundation of this house, n and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Armies has sent me to you. 10 For who despises the day of small things? o These seven eyes of the LORD, which scan throughout the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the ceremonial stone in Zerubbabel’s hand.” p
11 I asked him, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand? ” 12 And I questioned him further, “What are the two streams of the olive trees, from which the golden oil is pouring through the two golden conduits? ”
13 Then he inquired of me, “Don’t you know what these are? ”
“No, my lord,” I replied.
14 “These are the two anointed ones,” ,q he said, “who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” r
4:1–6. The vision contains two major objects. The first is a solid gold lampstand (4:2) that symbolizes the bearing of witness. Isaiah speaks of restored Israel as being a light to which the nations, in a world of darkness, will come because the light of God in the person of the Messiah has first come on Israel (Is 9:2; 60:1–3). Next Zechariah sees two olive trees next to the lampstand, one on either side, which supply the oil that fuels the lamps (4:3). What is in view here is the source of supply for the testimony symbolized by the lamps. Zechariah asks about the significance of the lampstand and the trees (4:4). The answer is given to him in 4:6. These oft-quoted words constitute the central message of the chapter and may be applied to anyone laboring for the Lord.
4:7. Verse 7 applies verse 6 to Zerubbabel’s situation. The mighty mountain might refer to the opposition of Gentile political power (cf. Dn 2:44). But it also refers to difficulties and obstacles of any kind, no matter how great. God’s power, not human strength, makes impossibilities actualities.
4:8–10. Zechariah 4:9 encourages Zerubbabel that although the task is difficult, even mountainous, by God’s enablement he will carry it out. God finishes what he starts. There will be joyful acknowledgment of God’s hand in the temple project, even by those who have despised “the day of small things” (4:10). Many have minimized the rebuilding efforts as insignificant and futile. But rejoicing will replace this negativism. The message is unequivocal: God has had his watchful and approving eyes on Zerubbabel’s efforts.
4:11–14. Verses 11–14 take up again the matter of the two olive trees. More detail is given through Zechariah’s questions (4:11–12). In addition to the olive trees, he wants to know about the two golden conduits that pour out golden oil. This question helps us see the connection between the trees and the lampstand: the oil supplies fuel for the lamps. The answer to the question as to what the two streams or branches represent is given in 4:14. Both kings and priests were anointed; and Zerubbabel and Joshua were the current representatives of these two offices. Their power and effectiveness depended on the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. The ultimate responsibility of these two officials is to serve the God of all the earth. God’s lordship and sovereignty are thus affirmed, and the outworking of his program through his servants will demonstrate his absolute lordship.