Zechariah 4:1-14
Q.1. What does the fifth vision add to the previous vision? What would Zerubbabel do? How would he accomplish his role? – (Zech.4:1-9 c.f. Zech.3:1-7)
Zechariah had addressed the first of the two olive trees – the leadership of Joshua, the High Priest. Then he turned his attention to the second olive tree – the governor, Zerubbabel (Zech.4:9 c.f. Ezra 3:1-3, 8-13; 5:1-5). In spite of the opposition, the delays, and the seeming impotence of the workers, they were reminded – 6 … “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. 7What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” (Zech.4:6-7). God’s reputation is a stake when it comes to His promises – The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. For who has despised the day of small things (Zech.4:9-10). They (and we) should never make our projections in God’s work based on our resources alone. Against all odds, the Lord would succeed through these leaders.
Q.2. Who were the two anointed olive trees? Who was watching over their leadership? What important message did the angel bring? – (Zech.4:8-14)
The two olive trees represent the priestly and kingly offices in Israel, who at that time were the governor, Zerubbabel and Joshua, the High Priest. This foreshadowed the Messiah (the Branch) Who will combine both kingly and high priestly roles – 12 … `Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, a man whose name is Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord. 13 Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honour and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.” (Zech.6:12-13 c.f. Heb.5:5-10; 7:1-28). The plumb line suggests that God’s plans are laid, and what He plans will be accomplished. In fact He was perfectly aware of all that was happening – … these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth (Zech.4:10 c.f. 2 Chr.16:9; Rev.5:6). This was an encouraging promise of success to the readers of that generation as well as a guarantee of success after Messiah comes to reign.