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Zechariah Series - Session #5 - Bible Verse Handbook
Session 5 Grace to Build the House of Prayer (Zech. 4:1-14) I. REVIEW B. In the first three visions, the Lord promised to manifest His zeal and mercy by returning to personally live in Jerusalem, to fill the temple with His glory, to take full possession of the land of Israel, and to draw all the nations to worship and obey the LORD 14“I am zealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with great zeal…16I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; My house [the temple] shall be built in it.” (Zech. 1:14;16) 10“I am coming and I will dwell in your midst…11Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day…and I will dwell in your midst...12And the LORD will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land.” (Zech. 2:10-12) C. Zechariah saw the main leaders of the temple in Jerusalem because this vision presents Israel's leadership and national calling as priests to all the nations 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” (Ex. 19:6) 6 But you shall be named the priests of the Lord , G. In Zechariah 3, He cleanses their heart and leads them to wholehearted obedience 1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord , and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by. The Coming Branch 6 Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, In Zechariah 4, He helps their work and values it even when it is small and difficult 6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel H. The first obstacle to overcome is the lie that we fail too much to be used by God (Zech. 3:1-5 See above ) The next obstacle to overcome is the lie that we lack too much to complete God's will. (Zech. 4:6-9 See above ) II. FIFTH VISION: THE GOLD LAMPSTAND AND TWO OLIVE TREES (4:1-14) A• Summary: The lampstand in the holy place of the temple was the main feature in the vision. Zechariah saw a seven-branched lampstand (menorah) with a bowl on its top. 2 “There is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. (Zech. 4:2) Two olive trees stood next to the lampstand. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left… (Zech. 4:3) Two olive branches dripped oil into receptacles (extensions) of the two golden pipes 12What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains [flows] ?… The two olive branches are symbolic of two anointed leaders who God used to keep the lamps aflame 14These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zech. 4:14)
Arise, shine; For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace,
Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” (Zech. 4:1-5) Two prophetic oracles 6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel The explanation of the two olive trees 11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” 12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?” 13 Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are? ” And I said, “No, my lord.” 14 So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zech. 4:11-14)
7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet: Five months later Israel had begun the work of rebuilding the temple 12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord . 13 Then Haggai, the Lord 's messenger, spoke the Lord 's message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord .” 14 So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius. (Hag. 1:12-15) It took almost four years to build the temple. 15 Now the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. (Ezra 6:15) F. Zerubbabel made financial provision for full-time singers to minister to God night and day. 47In the days of Zerubbabel…Israel gave the portions [money] for the singers. (Neh. 12:47)
9 Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” So the angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are. ” 19 And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these?” So he answered me, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” 21 And I said, “What are these coming to do?” So he said, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head; but the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.” (Zech. 1:9, 19, 21) 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” 12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?” (Zech. 4:4, 11, 12) 4 Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” (Zech. 6:4) 13 “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” (Jn. 16:13) III. THE SYMBOLISM IN THE VISION OF THE LAMPSTAND (4:1-5) A. Zechariah saw a lampstand (menorah) with a bowl on top of it, next to two olive trees. 1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 The angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” (Zech. 4:1-5)
(Zech. 4:2-3 See above ) 2. Lampstand: a. The mission of Jesus, Israel, and the Church is be a light to the nations 6 “I, the Lord , have called You in righteousness, 6 Indeed He says, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt. 5:14-16) The Lamp of the Body22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! You Cannot Serve God and Riches24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Mt. 6:22-23) 21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? (Mk. 4:21) 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, 16 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. (Lk. 8:16) 33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. (Lk. 11:33) 35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; (Lk. 12:35) 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John's Witness: The True Light6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (Jn. 1:4-8) 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. (Jn. 5:35) 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (Jn. 8:12) 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (Jn. 9:5) 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. (Jn. 12:46) 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Eph. 5:8) 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (Phil. 2:15) 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. (1 Thes. 5:5) 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. (Rev. 1:20) 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. (Rev. 11:4) b. Moses' tabernacle had a golden lampstand shining in the holy place The Gold Lampstand31 “You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. 32 And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. 33 Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower—and so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand. 34 On the lampstand itself four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower. 35 And there shall be a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. 36 Their knobs and their branches shall be of one piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece of pure gold. 37 You shall make seven lamps for it, and they shall arrange its lamps so that they give light in front of it. 38 And its wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of pure gold. 39 It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils. 40 And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain. Solomon's temple had ten golden lampstands in the holy place 49 the lampstands of pure gold, five on the right side and five on the left in front of the inner sanctuary, with the flowers and the lamps and the wick-trimmers of gold; (1 Kgs. 7:49) 4. Two olive trees: The two olive trees stood to the right and left of the lampstand 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” (Zech. 4:3) The lamp in the temple burned olive oil continuously; it never went out. 20 “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. (Ex. 27:20) 5. What are these, my lord: Zechariah asked what the two olive trees represented 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” (Zech. 4:4) Zechariah asked twice more for understanding about the olive trees . 11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” 12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?” (Zech. 4:11, 12) In the exchanges between Zechariah and the angel, we see the importance that the Lord gives to the human process. Our actions 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, 10 For who has despised the day of small things? Prayers 5 Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me, “Lift your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.” (Zech. 3:5) The measure of our understanding 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by. (Zech. 3:5) 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” 12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?” 13 Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are? ” And I said, “No, my lord.” (Zech. 4:2, 4-5, 11-13) IV. THE MESSAGE OF THE FIFTH VISION (4:6-10)
6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel
12 Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! 5. Mountain: This speaks of the many obstacles that stood in Zerubbabel's way. There were four main obstacles: the Samaritans' political and civil opposition 1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the Lord God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers' houses, and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.” 3 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel said to them, “You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we alone will build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” 4 Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. Rebuilding of Jerusalem Opposed6 In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 In the days of Artaxerxes also, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the letter was written in Aramaic script, and translated into the Aramaic language. 8 Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes in this fashion: (Ezra 4:1-8) 6 This is a copy of the letter that Tattenai sent: The governor of the region beyond the River, and Shethar-Boznai, and his companions, the Persians who were in the region beyond the River, to Darius the king. 7 (They sent a letter to him, in which was written thus.) To Darius the king: All peace. 8 Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judea, to the temple of the great God, which is being built with heavy stones, and timber is being laid in the walls; and this work goes on diligently and prospers in their hands. 9 Then we asked those elders, and spoke thus to them: “Who commanded you to build this temple and to finish these walls?” 10 We also asked them their names to inform you, that we might write the names of the men who were chief among them. 11 And thus they returned us an answer, saying: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. 12 But because our fathers provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and carried the people away to Babylon. 13 However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to build this house of God. 14 Also, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple that was in Jerusalem and carried into the temple of Babylon—those King Cyrus took from the temple of Babylon, and they were given to one named Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor. 15 And he said to him, ‘Take these articles; go, carry them to the temple site that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its former site.' 16 Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem; but from that time even until now it has been under construction, and it is not finished.” 17 Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king's treasure house, which is there in Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send us his pleasure concerning this matter. (Ezra 5:6-17) Israel's spiritual lethargy, compromise, fear, and strife 2 “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord 's house should be built.” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 “ Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” 9 “ You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. (Hag. 1:2-4, 9) An economic crisis that was intensified by drought and agricultural failures. 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 6 “You have sown much, and bring in little; 7 Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” (Zech. 4:7) 8. Shall bring forth the capstone: The capstone was ceremonially put in place when the temple project was finished. Zechariah received this word in 519 BC 7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet: He completed the temple about three years later in 516 BC 15 Now the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. (Ezra 6:15) D. At the very same time that Zechariah prophesied to Zerubbabel about the mountain moving, King Darius commanded Tattenai, the Persian governor of Samaria and Judah, to stop resisting Zerubbabel and to give him financial provision and help. 6 Now therefore, Tattenai…7 Let the work of this house of God alone…8 Let the cost be paid at the king's expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered. 9 And whatever they need…let it be given them day by day without fail…11I issue a decree that whoever alters this edict…let him be hanged… 13Tattenai… diligently did according to what King Darius had sent…15The temple was finished. ( Ezra 6:6-13) V. SECOND PROPHETIC ORACLE (4:8-10) A. The message of the second oracle assured Zerubbabel that he would finish the temple. When he finished the temple, it would be clear that God had spoken through Zechariah. 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands shall also finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. (Zech. 4:9)
10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord , the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord , according to the ordinance of David king of Israel. (Ezra 3:10) The second time was in 520 BC, after a sixteen-year delay 9 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Let your hands be strong, 18 ‘Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the Lord 's temple was laid—consider it: (Hag. 2:18)
8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel He finished it about three years later 14 So the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the command of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15 Now the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. (Ezra 6:14-15)
8 For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. 9 For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. (Zech. 2:8, 9, 11) “Me” seems to refer to Jesus, who is the Angel of the Lord in the book of Zechariah 11 So they answered the Angel of the Lord , who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, “We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting quietly.” The Lord Will Comfort Zion12 Then the Angel of the Lord answered and said, “O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which You were angry these seventy years?” (Zech. 2:8-9, 11 See above ) 1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord , and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by. The Coming Branch6 Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, 10“For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” (Zech. 4:8-10)
12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, (Ezra 3:12) 3 “Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? (Hag. 2:3) Haggai's message four months earlier in 520 BC, called them to be strong and to work diligently instead of despising the work and quitting. 4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel…and be strong, Joshua…and be strong, all you people of the land…and work; for I am with you,” says the LORD of hosts. (Hag. 2:4)
8The temple…is being built with heavy stones, and timber being laid in the walls… (Ezra 5:8) 8 “Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple We must know that Lord values, uses, and takes pleasure in our smallest tasks. 8 “that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the LORD. A. The interpreting angel explained the meaning of the two olive trees. 11I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” 12And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?” 13Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 14So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zech. 4:11-14) B. What are these: Zechariah persistently asked for an explanation of the olive trees. He asked for it three times 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left? (Zech. 4:4, 11) He changed the question slightly from asking about the olive trees to asking more specifically about the branches 12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?” (Zech. 4:12)
5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 13 Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are? ” And I said, “No, my lord.” (Zech. 4:5, 13) Finally, the angel answered him 14 So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zech. 4:14) D. Two olive branches: He asked about the meaning of the two branches that supplied olive oil to the receptacles of the two gold pipes, which carried it to the bowl atop the lampstand 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. (Zech. 4:2) E. Two anointed ones: The two branches represent two anointed ones who stood beside or before the Lord. Five hundred years later, John received more insight into these “olive tree ministries” 3 I will give power to My two witnesses [forerunners], and they will prophesy…4 These are the two olive trees …standing before the God of the earth…6 These have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. (Rev. 11:3-6)
8 At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord , to stand before the Lord to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. 9 Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance, just as the Lord your God promised him.) (Deut. 10:8-9) Like the high priest 28 and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days, saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” (Judg. 20:28) The priests of Zadok 15 “But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood,” says the Lord God . Elijah And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “ As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” (1 Kgs. 17:1) Elisha 14 And Elisha said, “ As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you. (2 Kgs. 3:14) John the Baptist 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. (Jn. 3:29) The two witnesses 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. (Rev. 11:4) The angels 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. (Lk. 1:19) 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. (Rev. 8:2) G. Golden oil: Signifies oil of the purest quality and value. Oil is a symbol of the Spirit. 6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
20 “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. 21 In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the Lord . It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel. (Ex. 27:20-21) 7 “Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. 8 And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations. (Ex. 30:7-8) 2. The oil flowed automatically, continuously, and abundantly, indicating a supernatural work of the Spirit as promised earlier (Zech. 4:6-7 See above ) H. The promise of the two olive trees was initially fulfilled by Joshua and Zerubbabel, who were anointed to serve God in the kingly and priestly offices. 12 Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! 2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. 3 Your people shall be volunteers 3. The Lord responded to the difficult work of building the temple. 10 For who has despised the day of small things? J. In Jesus' final teaching before the Upper Room, He exhorted His end-time leaders to cultivate oil before the Bridegroom God 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (Mt. 25:1-5) Jesus widened His invitation to be sons of oil, calling all who would hear to live as wise virgins, by taking the time and effort to acquire oil 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' (Mt. 25:8)
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