Introduction: Chapter four falls in perfect chronological order with what we have read in the preceding Scriptures. A vision of the future spiritual restoration of Israel (ch. 3) is immediately followed by a demonstration of the result of that restoration. Israel will occupy the position of original intention for her by being God's witness to the nation. (Isaiah 43:21; Deut. 4:5,6; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 18:49; 96:3) God chose Israel to be a witnessing people by verbal expression and holy lifestyle. Their failure is well documented in Ezekiel 5:5-8.

I. THE PRESENTATION OF THE VISION:

Receiving a real vision from the Lord seems to be exhausting business. Not only did Zechariah appear to be worn out but the same thing happened to Daniel (Daniel 10:7-9).

Similar candlesticks are mentioned in reference to the Tabernacle and Temple, but one of the primary differences is the automatic, non human operation of Zechariah's candlestick. This is a picture of the divine intervention in the nation Israel.

II. THE PURPOSE OF THE VISION (4,5):

God wanted Zechariah to know that in spite of the failures of Israel a day was coming when they would be a shining light to the nations (Matthew 5:14). God has always wanted to use Israel as a mouthpiece to voice His message to the world (Romans 3:1,2; 9:4,5). Their light will always be under a bushel until the light flows through Jesus Christ (Luke 1:78; 2:32; John 8:12). Through double application the prophet is being alerted to these promises. Since Israel has been presently set aside the church occupies the position of sending the light (Revelation 1:20; Ephesians 5:8; Philippians 2:15).

 

III. THE PROMISES OF THE VISION (6-10):

A. The temple will be completed by divine power (vs. 6) -

Zerubbabel was faced with a difficult task of rebuilding a temple in a time when a people had just come out of captivity. This history foreshadows something still to take place in the future. On both occasions it will be only the power of God that will get the task completed.

B. Every obstacle to the work shall be removed (vs. 7a) -

Mountains have long stood for difficulties (Matthew 17:20). In this case the mountain could be a reference to Babylon (Jeremiah 51:25). It seems certain that Zerubbabel is a type of Christ (Isaiah 40:4,5.)

C. The temple shall be successfully and joyfully completed (vs. 7b-9) -

The headstone is the finishing or gable stone which marked the completion of the building. (Psalms 118:22; Luke 20:17,18) Christ is the first (Isaiah 28:10) and last.

D. God's wisdom and care will be magnified (vs. 10) -

The plummet in Zerubbabel's hand was a symbol of his being busy in the superintending and construction of the temple. The seven eyes are really the subject of the verse and refer back to 3:9. The eyes of the Lord would not need to run to and fro through the whole earth to protect Zerubbabel's temple, but they will do so in the millennial kingdom.

 

IV. THE PERSONALITIES OF THE VISION (11-14):

As the golden candlestick symbolizes Israel in full fellowship with God as a light-bearer to the nations, so the two olive trees represent the two offices of the kingship and priesthood through which the blessing of God was to flow. From a historical standpoint the two offices were filled by Joshua (ecclesiastical-chapter 3) and Zerubbabel (civil-chapter 4). But the two offices of king and priest, as well as their official capacity, foreshadow the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, in His millennial role as both King and Priest (Psalms 110:1-7; Zechariah 6:13).

The "two witnesses" of the Tribulation are said to be "the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth" (Revelation 11:4). They are witnessing of Him who is coming to take possession of the whole earth.

The phrase "the Lord of the whole earth" is definitely a millennial term (Micah 4:13).