Zechariah 4 - Introduction

By the golden candlestick is foreshewed the good success of Zerubbabel's foundation: by the two olive-trees the two anointed ones.

Before Christ 519.

IN this chapter the prophet is called upon to contemplate a fifth vision, of the most sublime and mysterious import. He sees a candlestick of pure gold, with its seven lamps communicating by seven pipes with a bowl at the top, which serves for a reservoir, and is constantly supplied with oil from two olive-trees standing on each side of the candlestick. He inquires into the meaning, and receives an answer, which, though it may in some sort apply to the circumstances of the temple then in building, yet from the solemnity of the manner, and the terms in use, must be concluded to point to something far higher, no less than the final and complete establishment of Christ's holy church, not by human means, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, surmounting all obstacles thrown in its way. Annexed is a special prediction, that Zerubbabel, who had begun, should have the honour of finishing the material building of the temple; the accomplishment of which is made a sign or proof of the divine mission. The meaning of the seven lamps is then explained, and also of the two overhanging branches of the olive-trees on each side of the candlestick.