Zechariah 4

As the fourth vision centered on Joshua the High Priest, the fifth vision centers on Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah overseeing the building of the temple, a descendent of David.  Interestingly he is in both genealogies of Christ (Matt. 1:1-12-17; Lk. 3:23-27-38).

·        The vision, 4:1-3.  Zechariah saw a menorah, the lampstand in the tabernacle/ temple with seven lamps on it.  At the top of the lampstand is a bowl which holds the oil for each of the seven lamps through the seven pipes.  The source of the oil is two olive trees that stand to either side of the bowl.

·        The explanation, 4:4-14.  Zechariah asks the angel for an interpretation which is given in three stages.

o   Interpretation #1: 4:4-7.  The first interpretation comes in the form of a major principle of the Kingdom of God.  The principle is that nothing is done FOR God apart from the GRACE of God.  Which is to say, not by (your) might nor by (your) power, but by My Spirit.  Whatever mountain gets in the way of Zerubbabel, whether it be the building of the temple or whatever it might be, he will overcome by God’s Spirit, shouting Grace! Grace! as he lays the final capstone.  What a magnificent, timely reminder for us.  Always the truth is: My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).  The principle is: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Prov. 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).  This Hebrew word for grace is the word seen often when someone found favor with the Lord (e.g. Gen. 6:8; 39:4,21; Ex. 33:12).  Zerubbabel found favour with God!  If you read Ezra 3-6 you will see just how gracious God was to Zerubbabel in overcoming obstacles (mountains).

o   Interpretation #2: 4:8-10.  Again, here are comforting words.  As we have noted many people at the time thought the second temple to be nothing compared to the temple of Solomon.  But the LORD of Hosts who sent the Angel of the LORD says Zerubbabel will finish the work and that will be a big thing.  And then the temple he finishes will itself be a big thing.  The seven that will rejoice to see it are likely the seven eyes (3:9) of the Stone (the Messiah).  Zechariah’s partner prophet, Haggai, prophesied that the LORD Himself would walk in this temple (Hag. 2:6-9).  That makes this temple a big deal.  But anything that God is in is big.  We should remember this as well.  “Little is much when God is in it” (cf. John 14:12).

o   Interpretation #3: 4:11-14.  Finally Zechariah is told the specifics of what he saw.  The two olive trees that are the source of the oil of the Spirit or the oil of grace are the two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.  Who are these anointed ones?  The context of Zechariah I believe makes it clear: they are the High Priest (Joshua) and the King, the son of David (Zerubbabel).  I also believe it gives understanding to Rev. 11:3-6), that the two witnesses are two leaders of Israel in the time of Jesus’ return.

What a wonderful vision.  This entire section would have been very encouraging to the people of the day.  And it should give us great energy today as we are involved in the work of Christ.  He is building a Temple (Eph. 2:19-22) and has granted every follower of Him the privilege of being His co-laborers (Matt. 28:19-20).  Be encouraged brothers and sisters.  Our work is God’s work, the work of His Spirit, His grace.  It is no small undertaking.  It is an eternal work and there is no other work being done on earth like it.  And we too have been anointed by the Holy Spirit for this work of grace!