What happensPermalink
Zechariah sees a golden lampstand supplied with oil by two olive trees. The angel gives God’s message to Zerubbabel: the temple will be completed not by human might or power, but by God’s Spirit. Every mountain before Zerubbabel will become a plain; the hands that laid the temple’s foundation will also finish it. God’s people should not despise these small beginnings, for the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth and watch over the work. The two olive trees represent two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord.
Why it mattersPermalink
The lampstand supplied by olive trees pictures God sustaining His work by His Spirit. Zerubbabel, Judah’s governor, need not measure the temple’s prospects by his own strength or its humble beginnings. God will overcome the obstacles. The two anointed figures are not named, though Joshua and Zerubbabel are likely possibilities.
Key versePermalink
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.