Zechariah 4
In Zechariah 4, the prophet Zechariah receives a vision that conveys encouragement and assurance to Zerubbabel, the leader overseeing the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This vision emphasizes God's power and guidance, not by human strength but by His Spirit, to accomplish the restoration. The chapter is significant as it reassures the people that despite obstacles, God will ensure the completion of the temple through His divine support. The symbolic elements—the lampstand, olive trees, and the powerful message "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit"—serve to bolster their faith in God's promise and plan.
Zechariah 4:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep.
2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps.”
Zechariah describes an angel awakening him from sleep, symbolizing enlightenment and readiness to understand a divine message. The vision begins with a golden lampstand with seven lamps, a common symbol for divine presence and guidance, likely representing God’s watchful spirit over Israel. The seven pipes feeding the lamps indicate continual provision, suggesting that God’s work in the temple rebuilding will be consistently sustained by divine resources.
Zechariah 4:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.
4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”
The two olive trees beside the lampstand represent sources of oil, symbolizing the Spirit of God sustaining the light. Zechariah's question reflects his curiosity and need for understanding, indicating that these symbols hold a deeper meaning. The placement of the trees suggests an uninterrupted flow of oil, symbolizing the constant supply of God's Spirit, empowering Zerubbabel and Joshua, the priest, to lead and complete the task of rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah 4:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.”
6 So he answered and 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 of hosts.”
The angel’s question emphasizes that Zechariah may not initially grasp the vision’s meaning, which is then clarified. The famous declaration, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," highlights that success will come not through human strength or resources but through divine empowerment. This assures Zerubbabel and the people that God’s Spirit alone will bring about the temple’s completion despite opposition or limited resources.
Zechariah 4:7 (NKJV)
7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”
The “great mountain” symbolizes obstacles in the path of temple reconstruction, which will be leveled by God’s power, clearing the way for Zerubbabel. The mention of the capstone signifies the completion of the temple, with the people celebrating God’s grace. This verse reassures Zerubbabel that any challenges, no matter how daunting, will be removed by God, allowing him to successfully complete the work.
Zechariah 4:8-9 (NKJV)
8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.”
God promises that Zerubbabel, who began the foundation of the temple, will also complete it, reaffirming the certainty of the temple’s completion. This completion will be a sign to the people that God is actively involved and faithful to His promises. This prophecy serves to encourage Zerubbabel and the community, reminding them that their efforts are divinely supported.
Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV)
10 “For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”
The phrase “day of small things” acknowledges that the work may seem modest compared to former glory, but it is valuable in God’s eyes. The “seven,” representing God’s eyes, signify His omniscience and active supervision. God delights in Zerubbabel’s dedication, shown by the plumb line—a tool of measurement for construction. This verse encourages faithfulness in small beginnings, reminding the people that God sees and values their efforts.
Zechariah 4:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?”
12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?”
Zechariah repeats his question about the olive trees, indicating his desire for deeper insight. The mention of “golden oil” flowing from the branches to the lampstand signifies the Holy Spirit’s constant and abundant provision. This divine supply empowers Zerubbabel and the people, ensuring they have what they need to fulfill God’s work.
Zechariah 4:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.”
14 So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.”
The angel identifies the two olive trees as “the two anointed ones,” referring to Zerubbabel and Joshua, leaders chosen by God to guide Israel’s spiritual and physical restoration. Standing beside the Lord symbolizes their closeness to God’s presence and their divinely appointed roles. This final verse emphasizes that God has appointed and equipped these leaders, providing them with His Spirit to complete the work entrusted to them, ensuring that the temple will be completed under divine guidance and authority.