Read Zechariah 4:1-14
You’re not alone if this fifth vision of Zechariah left you perplexed. It’s not only strange but hard to understand. I’m hoping we can unpack it a little and let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts the intended message for our reflection. Even the angel’s explanation left me scratching my head.
It helps to remember that this section of the book is focusing on who is leading those exiled people now returning to Jerusalem. This vision points to the new governor, and kingly descendent, Zerubbabel. You may recall Haggai mentions Zerubbabel—now it’s Zechariah’s turn to shine the light on the leader God had chosen.
Verse 6 appears to be the key to this passage. “Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. By the Spirit. That’s how God wants Zerubbabel to lead. Spirit-filled leadership is still alive and well today.
Zechariah was also unsure of the meaning and asked three times for help understanding. Let’s break it down. The seven lamps represent Israel, the covenant people of God. They have a job, too, to shine out into all the world. I think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
The angel said they were “eyes” of God searching. It was thought the eye was the source of light. In Matthew 6:22, Jesus says, “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light.” We’ve probably all met someone with mesmerizing eyes. When I find out they are Christian, I sense their eyes alone are shining forth the love of Jesus. I want my eyes to look like that and shine with the love of God.
So, what about the olive trees? They are producing the oil without the need of human effort or strength. That oil must be the Spirit of God. We can’t shine in this world and represent the Father without the Spirit living inside us. Humans don’t have that capability on their own. We are fueled by the Spirit (reread verse 6 above) to shine our light. John 1:5 speaks of this light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
I’m about to give away two antique kerosene lamps I found nestled away in a tub of miscellaneous items. We’re getting ready to move and trying to be as efficient as possible. We always do a lot of donating when we move. Those lamps are just lamps until there is oil for the wick to shine. We’re like those lamps before we’re filled with the Holy Spirit.
Since the Holy Spirit was not given “automatically” to God’s chosen ones (or to us for that matter), the two olive trees must represent the spiritual leadership of the high priest and the Davidic king. Again, we see how God is giving them divine authority to rule in this rebuilt worldly kingdom. Oil is used often in the Old Testament to anoint and make holy.
Did you notice that the names of these leaders is not given? It is my understanding that while they seem to point to Joshua and Zerubbabel, the anonymity leaves open future fulfillment, something beyond the sixth century B.C. The beauty in this passage expands when we remember that Jesus is both Davidic king and high priest. He poured out this Spirit and made it available to his followers.
Now we can see Jesus in this extraordinary prophecy. Reflect on your favorite part of this crazy vision and thank God for giving us the Holy Spirit to fuel us.
Let’s pray. Father, you always know exactly what your children need. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live inside me and guide me. Help me to be still so I don’t miss any direction or empowerment to serve. Thank you for the strength you give me each day, so I don’t have to rely on my own power. Please shine brightly in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
