Zechariah 4 Study Notes

4:1-10 Faced with rebuilding their temple and city, the chosen people felt small, powerless, and overwhelmed. Opposition came from within and without—from the Samaritans accusing them of treason (Ezr 4:6-24), to some of their own people thinking the odds against the project were insurmountable (Ezr 3:12; Hg 2:3). But Zechariah saw things differently. God would empower the people and their leader Zerubbabel. The vision was particularly evocative: For who despises the day of small things? (4:10).

4:2-3 Though the cumulative impact is evident, the vision is marked by complex imagery. Oil pressed from olives, with a wick to soak up the oil, provided the primary source of light in the ancient world. But the lampstand described here is surrealistic, with an inexplicable arrangement of containers of oil—a bowl . . . seven lamps . . . seven spouts, and two olive trees—perhaps signifying an abundance of oil. On the lampstand in the tabernacle, see Ex 25:31-37.

4:4-6 The angel’s question Don’t you know what they are? heightens the anticipation of what the answer will be and underscores the necessity of supernatural insight. What the angel said to Zerubbabel about the Spirit provides insight into the interpretation of the lampstand. Oil was symbolic of God’s Spirit (1Sm 16:13). Thus, while Zerubbabel would be instrumental in accomplishing God’s purposes, it could only happen through the plentiful supply of God’s Spirit. This understanding of the significance of the lampstand is supported by the angel’s explanation at the end of the vision (Zch 4:14).

4:6-7 While Zerubbabel was a legitimate heir to David’s throne, his role was apparently limited to governor, even though he is spoken of in elevated terms (Hg 2:21-23). In hyperbolic language, he would be able to move mountains. But since God deserved all the credit, shouts of grace, grace to the temple were very appropriate. Though God empowers human instruments, his intent is to negate any human claim to strength or might.

4:10 Typical of other visionary texts in the Bible, these seven eyes of the Lord involve symbolism that is left unexplained (cp. 3:9). Though it is often suggested that multiple eyes may signify wisdom or knowledge, uncertainty about such details reminds readers that God is transcendent and his ways are beyond human understanding.

4:11-14 Here the image of the lampstand (see note at vv. 2-3) becomes even more otherworldly. Given the placement of this vision next to the preceding one, it is likely that the two anointed ones (Hb, “two men of oil,” v. 14) are Joshua and Zerubbabel.