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Zechariah 4

Zech 4, Zec 4, Zc 4


Zechariah 4

1 And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.



8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

13 And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

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Summary and the Meaning of Chapter 4 of the Book of Zechariah of the KJV Holy Bible

Chapter 4 of the Book of Zechariah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a continuation of a series of prophetic visions received by Zechariah. These visions serve as symbolic messages from God, providing both immediate and future implications for the people of Israel. The chapter opens with the angel that had been speaking to Zechariah waking him up as if from sleep and showing him a new vision.

The vision in Chapter 4 is of a golden candlestick, also known as a menorah, with a bowl on top of it. This vision is rich in symbolism, and its interpretation provides insight into the historical context of Zechariah's time, the future of Israel, and more broadly, God's plan for His people.

The Vision of the Golden Candlestick

In the vision, Zechariah sees a golden candlestick with seven lamps and seven pipes leading to the lamps. On top of the candlestick is a bowl, and on each side of the bowl are two olive trees. When Zechariah asks the angel about the meaning of the vision, the angel first responds with a message for Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, saying, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). This message emphasizes that the rebuilding of the temple, a task Zerubbabel is overseeing, is not by human strength but by the power of God's Spirit.

The angel then explains to Zechariah that the two olive trees represent the two anointed ones, or sons of oil, who stand by the Lord of the whole earth. These two anointed ones are typically understood to be Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, leaders in the rebuilding of the temple. The vision affirms their roles and the divine assistance they will receive.

Historical Context and Symbolism

The historical context of Zechariah's time is essential for understanding the significance of this vision. The people of Judah had returned from Babylonian exile and were facing the daunting task of rebuilding the temple and the city of Jerusalem. The vision of the golden candlestick, then, serves as a symbolic message of encouragement and assurance of divine help.

The menorah, a seven-branched candlestick, was a common symbol in Judaism and was part of the tabernacle and later, the temple. In Zechariah's vision, the menorah is continuously supplied with oil from the two olive trees, symbolizing a constant source of spiritual sustenance and illumination. This vision indicates God's constant presence and provision for His people, an important message for the people of Judah in their time of rebuilding.

Future Implications and Broader Themes

Beyond the immediate historical context, Chapter 4 of Zechariah also has future implications for the people of Israel. The vision of the golden candlestick and olive trees is seen as a prophetic picture of God's plan for His people. The two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth are seen by some scholars as foreshadowing the two witnesses in the Book of Revelation, further emphasizing the prophetic nature of Zechariah's vision.

One of the broader themes in this chapter is the sovereignty of God. The vision underscores that it is not human effort but God's Spirit that accomplishes His purposes. This is seen in the angel's message to Zerubbabel and in the vision of the constant supply of oil to the menorah. The vision also highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience, as represented by the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord.

Another key theme in Chapter 4 is the power of God's Spirit. The vision emphasizes the role of the Spirit in accomplishing God's purposes, a theme that is also seen in other parts of the Bible. The Spirit is portrayed as a source of power, guidance, and sustenance, and the vision underscores the importance of relying on the Spirit rather than human strength.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chapter 4 of the Book of Zechariah in the KJV Holy Bible presents a rich and complex vision that carries significant messages for the people of Israel during Zechariah's time and beyond. The vision of the golden candlestick and olive trees serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty, the power of His Spirit, and the importance of faithfulness and obedience. It offers encouragement and assurance of divine help in the face of daunting tasks and serves as a prophetic picture of God's plan for His people.

Throughout this chapter, the meaning is clear: God is in control, and it is His Spirit, not human effort, that accomplishes His purposes. This message, delivered through the vision of Zechariah, is not only relevant to the people of Judah as they rebuild their temple and city but also carries timeless truths for believers today. It calls us to rely on God's Spirit for strength and guidance, to remain faithful and obedient, and to trust in God's sovereign plan.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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