Zechariah 4:1–14

Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

DEPENDENCE
Zechariah 4:1–14

Zechariah wrote for the people of Judah who had recently returned from the Babylonian captivity and were uncertain about the future prospects for the city of Jerusalem, once great but still in ruins from the Babylonian invasion. His message was essentially one of encouragement: the greatest days of Jerusalem lay in the glorious future.

A Vision to Ponder (1–5)

In this chapter, the golden lampstand probably represents the idea of testimony. The image of the seven lamps and seven channels, or spouts, for the wicks would seem to emphasize the abundant supply of the oil, which, in turn, symbolizes the fullness of God’s power through His Spirit.

The two olive trees possibly stand for the priestly and royal offices in Israel. Undoubtedly the two olive branches represent Joshua and Zerubbabel. According to verse 12, each of the two olive trees has an olive branch beside a golden conduit (pipe) that pours out golden oil. The olive oil is conducted directly from the trees to the bowl of oil at the top of the lampstand, without any human agency. Similarly Zerubbabel and Joshua are to bear continual testimony for God’s glory and are to do God’s work — on the temple and in the lives of the people — in the power of His Spirit. This combination of the priestly and royal lines and functions is apparently intended to point ultimately to the messianic King-Priest (Jesus) and His offices and functions.

The purpose of the vision was to encourage Zerubbabel to complete the rebuilding of the temple and to assure him that the Spirit of God would enable him to do the work. The answer to Zechariah’s question (v. 4) is postponed (vv. 11–14) in order to emphasize the final verse of the chapter and to focus attention on only one of the two olive branches, Zerubbabel and his special ministry.

A Message to Heed (6–10a)

Verse 6 interprets the symbolism of the oil (“by My Spirit”). Just as there was a constant and sufficient supply of oil without human agency, so Zerubbabel’s work on the temple and in the lives of the people was to be completed, not by human strength and might but, by divine power. The Lord’s power was needed because of the opposition and apathy hindering the rebuilding.

Faith in the power of God’s Spirit can overcome mountainous obstacles. A defiant challenge was laid down against whatever would hinder the rebuilding of the temple. The figurative mountain could include opposition and the people’s unwillingness to finish the task. The project would ultimately succeed because Zerubbabel would bring out the capstone and put it in its place, thus marking the completion of the temple restoration. The people would shout, “grace, grace to it!” This expression is a prayerful desire for God’s gracious blessing to rest on the restored temple.

The laying of the temple foundation refers to what took place in 537–536 B.C. The year was now 519 B.C., three years before the fulfillment of the prediction that Zerubbabel would complete the project. A delay in the execution of God’s will does not necessarily end in ultimate defeat. The completely restored temple (516 B.C.) would prove the divine commission of the speaker.

The opening question in verse 10 implies that some of the people had a negative attitude toward the temple project and those involved in it. In the context “the day of small things” refers to the day the work on the temple had begun and the day continues as the work progresses. Some thought it was insignificant, forgetting that little is much when God is in it. And God was definitely in this rebuilding program. By His Spirit, He was enabling Zerubbabel to finish the work.

A Master to Serve (10b–14)

The answer to Zechariah’s question from verse 4 is revealed in verse 14. The two olive branches are identified as Zerubbabel and Joshua. In the light of the context, they must be the two who are anointed to serve the Lord in the strength that He supplies. The God they served is the God we are to serve today. He is sovereign; He is master of all their circumstances and ours.