Zechariah asks the angel what all this is. “So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)
What are the olive trees on the left and right of the candlestick? “So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”” (Zechariah 4:14, NIV).
We are reminded of the goal of this prophecy, in that God is desirous of instilling a vision in Zechariah of such a dimension that the work in Jerusalem is re-ignited. This re-focus will be directed toward two leaders: Joshua the priest and Zerubbabel the governor (e.g. v9). This vision reminds them of their amazing resources, through the Spirit of God. "Most interpreters think these two represent Zerubbabel (the governor, who was descended from David) and Joshua (the high priest). They stand in the Lord’s presence and receive his favor and protection." [1]
Zechariah 4:7 (NIV), says, "What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’ ” Here the symbol of a difficult opposition, but the knowledge that it is small in God's economy. God is on their side. He will overcome. "That the
project would ultimately succeed is indicated by the assurance that Zerubbabel
will experience the joy of helping put the capstone in place, thus marking the
completion of the restoration temple." [2]
The emphasis in this vision is that in spite of the opposition, God will build the Temple by the Spirit of Christ and it is all of grace. ““Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”” (Zechariah 4:10, NIV)
Since God is omniscient (seven eyes), He knows all things and even is aware the the small beginnings. But His Spirit and grace will accomplish the work and He will rejoice when He sees the "chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel." To the "Israel of God", the Church, (the lamp stand) this vision is a word of encouragement the true Temple will be built through the power of the Spirit and by grace. It will occur the the One who will come who is prophet (Zechariah), priest (Joshua) and king (Zerubbabel).
Father, Your Son is the Light of the World and Your Church is to be a light to the nations. We are set on a hill and cannot be hid. Father, sometimes the work seems small and difficult. Neither surprise You. Neither is beyond Your Spirit's enabling grace. You will rejoice when the Project is finished and Your Son is glorified with His people. He is our Word. He is our Great High Priest. He is King. Encourage your Church today, Father. I especially pray for my brothers who have finished another Lord's Day and for many today is a day of discouragement and reflection. For some there is doubt. For others they wonder if they have the strength to carry on. I pray, in Jesus Name, that they will know beyond doubt that it is “. . . not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV). Amen!
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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1757). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/II. A Series of Eight Night Visions (1:7-6:8)/E. The Fifth Vision: The Gold Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees (4:1-14), Book Version: 4.0.2
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