The Lamp Stand and The Olive Trees

Introduction

Zechariah 4 is divided into three main sections:

1. The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-5)

• Zechariah is awakened by an angel and shown a vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps and two olive trees beside it.

• The lampstand symbolizes God’s presence and the light that the restored temple will bring to the world.

• The olive trees represent the anointed ones who will provide a continual supply of oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s unending provision and empowerment.

2. The Word of the Lord to Zerubbabel (Zechariah 4:6-10)

• The angel delivers a message to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and leader of the temple reconstruction effort.

• This section contains the famous declaration, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6, KJV).

• It assures Zerubbabel that God’s Spirit, not human effort, will enable the completion of the temple.

• It also promises that the obstacles, symbolized by the great mountain, will be removed, and the temple will be completed with shouts of “Grace, grace unto it” (Zechariah 4:7, KJV).

3. Explanation of the Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:11-14)

• Zechariah inquires about the meaning of the two olive trees.

• The angel explains that they are the “two anointed ones” (likely representing Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor) who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

• These anointed ones serve as conduits of God’s Spirit, ensuring the continual flow of divine empowerment and provision for the task at hand.

1. The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-5)

Zechariah 4:1–5 KJV 1900

1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 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: 3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. 4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 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.

• The Lampstand: Represents the presence and light of God. The gold signifies purity and value. The seven lamps represent perfection and completeness (Revelation 1:12, 20).

• The Bowl: Provides oil to the lamps, symbolizing the continual supply of the Holy Spirit.

• The Olive Trees: Represent the anointed ones who supply the oil. This symbolizes the continual and divine provision for the work of God.

2. The Word of the Lord to Zerubbabel (Zechariah 4:6-10)

Zechariah 4:6–10 KJV 1900

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, 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. 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.

• Verse 6: Emphasizes that the rebuilding of the temple will be accomplished by the Spirit of God, not by human strength or resources.

• Verse 7: The “great mountain” represents obstacles, which will be leveled before Zerubbabel. This illustrates God’s power to remove barriers.

• Verses 8-9: Assurance that Zerubbabel, who began the work, will complete it, signifying God’s faithfulness.

• Verse 10: Encourages not to despise small beginnings. The “plummet” (measuring line) signifies God’s careful oversight.

3. Explanation of the Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:11-14)

Zechariah 4:11–14 KJV 1900

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? 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? 13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

• The Olive Trees: Identified as the “two anointed ones” (likely Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor). They are conduits of God’s Spirit and provision.

The Two Witnesses in Revelation 11

Revelation 11:3–4 KJV 1900

3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

In Revelation 11, the two witnesses are explicitly called the two olive trees and the two candlesticks, which directly references the imagery from Zechariah 4. These witnesses are given authority and power to prophesy and perform miracles during a significant period of tribulation.

Parallels and Significance

1. Symbolism of Olive Trees and Lampstands:

• In both Zechariah and Revelation, the olive trees symbolize a source of continuous divine empowerment, represented by the flow of oil (the Holy Spirit).

• The lampstand signifies the light and presence of God, as well as the testimony of His people.

2. Role of the Anointed Ones/Witnesses:

• In Zechariah, the anointed ones (Joshua and Zerubbabel) are pivotal in the restoration and spiritual leadership of Israel.

• In Revelation, the two witnesses play a crucial role in the end-times, bearing witness to God’s truth and performing miraculous signs.

3. Empowerment by the Spirit:

• Both passages emphasize the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for accomplishing God’s work. This underscores the continuity of God’s provision and the Spirit’s role across different periods of redemptive history.

4. Standing Before God:

• Both the anointed ones in Zechariah and the witnesses in Revelation stand before the Lord of the whole earth, indicating their close relationship with God and their divinely appointed mission.

Let’s look at some other references:

Parallels and References

1. Revelation 1:12-20: The vision of the seven golden lampstands and Jesus in the midst of them highlights the church’s role and Christ’s presence.

2. Revelation 11:3-4: The two witnesses are likened to olive trees and lampstands, emphasizing their prophetic ministry and divine empowerment.

3. Haggai 2:4-5: God’s promise of His Spirit being with Zerubbabel and Joshua during the rebuilding of the temple.

4. Isaiah 40:4: The imagery of mountains being made low parallels the removal of obstacles before Zerubbabel.

Application and Reflection

1. Dependence on the Holy Spirit: The key message is reliance on God’s Spirit rather than human strength. This is essential for any spiritual work or ministry.

2. Overcoming Obstacles: Trusting in God’s power to remove barriers in our lives and ministries.

3. Faithfulness in Small Beginnings: Encouragement to value and be faithful in small tasks, trusting that God sees and will bring them to fruition.

4. Role of Leaders: Understanding the role of anointed leaders as channels of God’s Spirit and provision.

Conclusion

Zechariah 4 is a powerful reminder of God’s provision, the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, and the importance of faithful leadership. It encourages believers to trust in God’s Spirit for the accomplishment of His purposes and to remain faithful, even in small beginnings.

A Small Beginning is not small with the Anointing.

Robert F. Young