Untitled Sermon (7)
2 (4:1–14) Assurance, of What, God’s Provision for Life and Service; Equipping for Ministry—Ministry, Provision for, Promised; Equipping for, Promised—Service, to God, Resources Promised—Visions, of Zechariah, Lampstand and Olive Trees: the LORD has given His people a second great assurance: that of being equipped for life and service to God. In Zechariah’s fifth vision, we see this. This assurance is vital to every minister and servant called by God. Joshua had already been confirmed in his office as High Priest in vision four. In this fifth vision, Zerubbabel, Judah’s governor, was also confirmed. Together, Zerubbabel and Joshua were specially anointed to serve the LORD of all the earth. Note the Scripture and outline:
OUTLINE
SCRIPTURE
CHAPTER 4
2. The assurance of being equipped for life & service: Vision 5—a lampstand & two olive trees
a. The angel awakened the prophet
And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,
b. The vision revealed a gold lampstand
1) Had a bowl of oil on top
2) Had seven lights
3) Had seven pipes feeding oil to the wicks
2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
c. The vision revealed two olive trees: Fruitful branches drained oil into the bowl of the lampstand
3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.
d. The prophet requested an explanation
4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?
1) The angel’s surprise that he did not understand
2) The prophet’s need for help
5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
a. Zechariah was awakened from sleep by the interpreting angel (v.1). The weight of the visions the prophet received was heavy and extremely important. No doubt, Zechariah became fatigued during the night of his encounter with God. Receiving such visions directly from the LORD was a momentous and exhausting experience—one he felt in the very core of his being. Scripture says he was awakened as if from sleep, so Zechariah had apparently drifted off into deep thought and reflection. His mind sought to comprehend all he had seen so far.
Make note of this fact as well: Zechariah had to be awakened to receive this fifth vision. This fact underscores that the prophet was awake while receiving the Word of the LORD. He was not in a dreamlike state or trance, but mentally awake and alert.
b. Once awakened, the prophet was asked by the angel what he saw. He replied that he saw a gold lampstand. However, this was no ordinary lampstand; it was like the one used in the tabernacle and in Solomon’s temple (see Ex. 25:31–40; 1 K. 7:49). Notice three significant features about this solid-gold lampstand:
⇒ The lampstand had a bowl of oil on top.
⇒ The lampstand had seven lights.
⇒ The lampstand had seven pipes feeding oil to the wicks.
The bowl of oil had seven pipes or tubes that ran down from it to the seven lights. The number seven represented perfection and completion. This fact is gleaned from the beginning of Scripture when the LORD created the earth then rested on the seventh day—a sign that creation was complete (Ge. 2:2–3). In addition, the lampstand reflected God’s great purpose for Israel. Israel was to be a light to the nations, the LORD’s own witnesses on earth (see Is. 43:10–12).
c. The prophet also saw two olive trees whose fruitful branches drained oil directly into the bowl of the lampstand (v.3). The olive trees distinguished this lampstand from those of the tabernacle and temple. These lamps required the priests to continually fill them with oil in order to keep them burning. However, the oil from these trees flowed freely to the bowl, constantly filling it and fueling the light of the candles. Because oil is frequently used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, this was a beautiful picture of the Holy Spirit’s constant filling and indwelling of His servants. In addition, oil was used to anoint kings and priests, serving as an indicator of their consecration to God. In this case, the oil clearly pictured the Holy Spirit’s indwelling and filling of God’s two servants Joshua and Zerubbabel for their life and work—both the priestly and royal offices of Israel. As will be seen, these two men and their offices point to the Messiah’s coming as God’s Priest and King over all the earth.
d. Again, Zechariah asked the interpreting angel for an explanation of what he saw (vv.4–5). This time, though, the angel asked the prophet whether or not he understood what he was seeing. The prophet replied that he did not. The angel was somewhat surprised that Zechariah did not understand (v.5a).
We assume from the angel’s surprise that Zechariah should have understood the symbolism or meaning of the vision. Perhaps he was overwhelmed or simply could not focus his full attention on interpreting what he saw. Whatever the reason, the weakness of human flesh was exposed—the frailty of human strength and wisdom. What we should know and immediately perceive of spiritual matters often escapes us. This is the reason our dependence upon the LORD and His Spirit is so important. Zechariah demonstrated such dependence when he unhesitatingly asked for help.
e. The angel explained that the vision was God’s Word to Zerubbabel, the present governor of Judah (vv.6–10). It was Zerubbabel who had led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem (see Hag. 1:1,12,14; 2:21). And it was Zerubbabel who was the primary focus of the LORD’s encouragement in this vision. The fifth vision was a direct message from the LORD to the leader of His people. It was also an indirect message to His people that Zerubbabel would be empowered to guide them in carrying out the rebuilding of the temple. The LORD revealed eight significant truths to His servant—eight promises that would actually occur under Zerubbabel’s inspired leadership.
OUTLINE
SCRIPTURE
e. The angel explained that the vision was God’s Word to Zerubbabel
1) The Spirit of God would equip him for life & service
2) The obstacles (mountains) confronted in life & service would be leveled & conquered
3) The temple would be joyfully completed
6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.
8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
4) The hands of Zerubbabel himself would complete the temple
5) The people would know that the LORD Almighty truly sent the Messiah
9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.
6) The critics of God’s people & their work would be silenced
7) The people would rejoice because of the plumb line: Showed progress
8) The LORD would grant His wisdom & care
10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
1) The Spirit of God would equip Zerubbabel for life and service (v.6). This was depicted by the bowl above the lampstand that was continually filling with oil from the olive trees in order to keep the lights burning. The LORD emphasized that it would not be the governor’s own strength or power that would complete the temple but the Spirit of God Himself working through Zerubbabel. He needed this assurance because construction on the temple had ceased. The people had grown discouraged because of tremendous political opposition from the peoples surrounding them. Sadly, the people had given up on bringing the temple project to a close. The dismal situation had no doubt disheartened all the leaders including Zerubbabel. Yet, the tender mercies of God reached down to His chosen servant to encourage him. This is always the case with our merciful Redeemer. The LORD is a God of encouragement and of strength: He encourages and strengthens His people for life and service. His Word promises wisdom, strength, and every resource we need to accomplish His work on earth … and the LORD’s Word never fails.
“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ep. 3:16).
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Ph. 2:13).
“Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught him?” (Is. 40:13).
2) The LORD promised that all obstacles would be removed, even the largest and most threatening (v.7a). This assurance came through the LORD’s own question and His response: all mountains, that is, all hindrances to the completion of the temple, would be leveled, made as flat as a plain. No obstacle would prevent this generation from fulfilling the great task God had given them. God would empower them to overcome every barrier.
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done” (Mt. 21:21).
3) The LORD assured Zerubbabel that the temple would be brought to an end under his direction and management (v.7b). The LORD would remove all obstructions and empower the leader as promised in the former verses. The headstone, or capstone, was the final block laid whenever a building was done. It represented the total completion of the construction project. The laying of the capstone was therefore accompanied by joyous celebration. God promised His servant that he would partake in this joyful occasion, which would include songs and shouts of praise.
4) The LORD promised that the hands of Zerubbabel himself would finish the temple (v.9a). What God’s servant had started, he would finish. Just as Zerubbabel had overseen the work on the temple’s foundation, so he would see the temple’s finalization. The LORD was intent on Zerubbabel’s generation finishing the task, and He would empower them to do it. How special this promise must have been to Zerubbabel! The governor would have the privilege of seeing the project he had begun draw to a close and achieve completion. This was a wonderful promise that surely encouraged both Zerubbabel and the people.
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Ac. 20:24).
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Ph. 1:6).
5) The people would know that the LORD Almighty had truly sent the Messiah (v.9b). This promise reminds us that the LORD works on earth through His Son, the promised Messiah. It informs us that Christ would be the one who empowered God’s people to perform their work. Of course, this points to the coming of Christ and His work of salvation, which He alone could complete.
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (Jn. 3:11–17).
“And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (Jn. 6:69).
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (Jn. 11:25–27).
6) Because the work would be executed in the face of tremendous obstacles, all critics of the work would be silenced (v.10a). Those who despised the small things probably referred to exiles who were comparing the new temple to the past glory of Solomon’s temple. Solomon’s temple had been built of the finest materials and adorned with the richest furnishings. However, all of these materials had been destroyed by the Babylonians, so the present generation had none of these at their disposal. To anyone who had worshipped in the first temple, the new temple must have seemed small and paltry indeed. Nonetheless, these critics who diminished the significance of God’s work would be silenced. The completion of the temple would be a marvelous testimony to the power of God, His power to sustain His people in spite of all opposition. The critics would know that it was a work inspired and sustained by the LORD Himself, that only God’s power could have brought it to conclusion. The final product—no matter how it compared to the grandeur of the former temple—would serve as proof of the fact that nothing and no one can prevail against the will of God. His purposes will always be fulfilled, and those who oppose His great work will always be silenced in the end.
“For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me” (2 S. 22:40).
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Is. 41:10).
7) The people would rejoice because the plumb line would show that progress was being made on the temple (v.10b). In other words, Zerubbabel would receive encouragement for the project along the way, during its construction. The plumb line would even show when the last stone (the capstone) was placed atop the temple, a time that would stir great rejoicing among the people.
8) Lastly, the LORD graciously promised His wisdom and watchful care (v.10c). The seven eyes of the LORD symbolized His omniscience—His seeing and knowing all things on earth. The LORD would earnestly look after every phase of the project, guiding His servant every step of the way. The LORD’s seven eyes also indicate that God would see the completion of the temple through to the end as well as witness the people’s celebration of their great achievement.
f. Following these eight assurances, Zechariah asked specifically about the two olive trees (vv.11–13). Once again, the angel was surprised that he did not understand what he was seeing (v.13). Although the angel was taken aback by the prophet’s lack of knowledge, he immediately explained what the two trees represented, as seen in the next point.
OUTLINE
SCRIPTURE
f. The prophet requested to know the meaning of the two olive trees
11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?
1) The request repeated in more detail
12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?
2) The angel’s renewed surprise & question
g. The angel explained that the two trees represented …
13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
1) Zerubabbel: The royal line of Christ, 6:12–13
2) Joshua: The priestly line of Christ, Ps. 110; He. 7
14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
g. The angel explained that the two trees represented the two anointed ones, Zerubbabel and Joshua (v.14). The word anointed had special significance. It meant that these two leaders had been especially called and empowered to perform the work of the LORD. Their lives were to be focused on the LORD, totally dedicated to Him. They were to stand by the LORD of all the earth—serve Him and Him alone. What a great testimony for any servant of God, yet one that every true servant of His must have: that he stands by or serves the LORD of all the earth!
Zerubbabel and Joshua each held a unique and vital position. Each served an indispensable role in the life of the people. Both of these roles also foreshadowed the work and lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Take note of what these were:
1) Zerubbabel represented the royal line of Christ—His kingship and authority (see Zec. 6:12–13). Christ’s human ancestry was of the royal line of David. Furthermore, Zerubbabel, as governor of the returned exiles, illustrated the royalty and kingship of Christ. Christ would not only be the Savior and Redeemer of God’s people but also their King—in fact, the King of all the earth. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Christ by God the Father as a result of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, a sacrifice that is the basis of the great commission (Mt. 28:18–19).
2) Joshua represented the priestly line of Christ. The High Priest stood as the mediator between God and the people, which pointed to Christ as the perfect and eternal priest of God’s people (see Ps. 110; He. 7). He alone was the perfect sacrifice—offered once and for all to atone for the sins of the human race (He. 10). Christ is also the perfect Mediator, the High Priest forever, because it is by His perfect sacrifice that the human race is reconciled to God (He. 7). The High Priest would also offer prayers on behalf of the people just as Christ intercedes for His people (see Ro. 8:27,34; He. 7:25). Thus Joshua, as the High Priest, characterized the essential role of Christ’s High Priesthood.
Thought 1. Three very important lessons can be drawn from this fifth vision.
(1) Every servant of God at times questions his or her ability to do what the LORD asks. Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jonah are just a few examples of God’s servants who questioned their ability to proclaim His Word. Most of God’s servants rightfully sense their inadequacy and unworthiness for ministry. This is good, for we have no ability on our own to accomplish the LORD’s will. We must rely on Him—His strength, His wisdom, and His ongoing support. This is just what He promises to those who follow His will, who seek to serve Him.
(2) God always provides the necessary resources for the work He has called us to do. These may be time or money, strength or patience, or simple perseverance. Whatever is needed to get the job done, He will provide it. But we must rely on the power of His Spirit, not on our own strength and ability. It is the LORD’s strength working through us that will bring His work to fulfillment.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (Jn. 14:26).
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come” (Jn. 16:13).
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Ac. 1:8).
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Ro. 8:11).
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Ro. 8:16).
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ep. 3:20).
“But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin” (Mi. 3:8).
“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Ze. 4:6).
(3) Every ministry is important. There is no small work in God’s eyes. In fact, every work and every good deed the LORD calls someone to do, is essential to the building of His Kingdom. If the LORD has called us to do something—no matter how small or great it may seem—it is important and we must do it. No work of the LORD is insignificant. Thus, we are wise not to belittle the ministry or work of anyone around us, for the LORD knows what He is doing far better than we do.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Is. 55:8–9).
Thought 2. Take a moment and consider the wonderful assurances the LORD has given His people—especially those whom He has called to be leaders. There are two towering truths revealed in this passage: one, the LORD dearly loves His servants and, two, He abundantly provides for their every need. He has promised never to leave or forsake us. He has also promised to supply every resource we need to perform the privileged work He has called us to do. Listen to the glorious promises of God’s Word—promises to bless, protect, and reward His faithful servants:
“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Mt. 24:46).
“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe” (Mk. 5:36).
“But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole” (Lu. 8:50).
“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace” (Ac. 18:9).
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Co. 3:8).
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Co. 15:58).
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Ti. 1:7).
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (He. 13:5–6).
“Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee [the promised land of heaven]: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged” (De. 1:21).
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Is. 41:10).
CHAPTER 5
D. The Strong Warning God Gives Both His People & the Unbelievers of the World, 5:1–6:8
1. God will banish the lawless from the promised land (heaven): Vision 6—a flying scroll
Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll.
a. The appearance of a flying scroll (a portion of God’s Word)
1) It was unfurled, opened up
2) It was 30 feet long by 15 feet wide
2 And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits.
b. The explanation: The scroll was God’s Word pronouncing His curse of judgment
1) All thieves will be banished, Ex. 20:15
2) All who misuse God’s Name—use it falsely or insincerely—will be banished, Ex. 20:7
3 Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.
c. The frightening declaration by God
1) God’s curse will pursue the guilty into their houses or places of refuge
2) God’s curse will destroy the guilty & even consume their houses
4 I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
2. God will remove wickedness from the promised land: Vision 7—the woman in a basket
a. The appearance of a measuring basket (an ephah) in the sky
5 Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth.
1) Zechariah’s request for an explanation
2) The angel’s answer
• The basket was filled with the sins of all the people
6 And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth.
• The basket had a raised lead covering: A woman sat inside
7 And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this is a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah.
• The woman symbolized wickedness
• The woman tried to escape but was pushed back in
8 And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof.
b. The appearance of two angelic women in the sky
1) The angels lifted the basket & flew into the sky
9 Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven.
2) The prophet asked to know where the women were taking the basket
10 Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah?
3) The angel answered: Wickedness was being taken to Babylon, to sit there in a special house (temple) where it would be idolized
11 And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.
CHAPTER 6
3. God will judge the nations: Vision 8—the four chariots
a. The appearance of four chariots: Came from between two bronze mountains
And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.
1) Chariot 1: Led by red horses
2) Chariot 2: Led by black horses
2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3) Chariot 3: Led by white horses
4) Chariot 4: Led by dappled horses
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
b. The prophet’s request for an explanation & the angel’s response
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
1) The chariots are the four spirits (angels) of heaven who stand before the Lord & go out to do His work
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
2) The chariots go out in different directions
• Black horses: North
• White horses: Either west or after the black
• Dappled horses: South
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
• Red: Not listed here—probably held in reserve
3) The powerful horses strained at the bits: Were eager to go forth
4) The LORD charged the four chariots (spirits) to go & patrol the earth
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
c. The LORD’s exciting announcement
1) The angelic forces sent north were victorious
2) The victory brought rest to His Spirit
8 Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.