Zechariah 4:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The blessed angel insightfully addresses the seeker and refers to them as the two sons of fatness because they delight in the richness of Christ's oil and generously receive the grace of the Spirit. Indeed, we are forgiven, justified by faith, and partake in His divine nature through communion with the Holy Spirit. Thus, the oil and lamps signify the foundation and essence of the two nations, for our calling exists in the light, akin to the oil that comes from God, as we are indeed forgiven, released from death and sin, and liberated from ancient bondage. We are illuminated, having learned the one true God by nature and elevated from the shadows of polytheistic error. It is important to reflect on the meaning of the olives and the reason why the blessed Prophet shifted his discourse from the olives themselves to their branches. The Jewish synagogue is referred to as the good olive tree, while the multitude of Gentiles represents the wild olive tree. The Apostle Paul similarly remarked to the Gentile believers: “But if thou art cut off from the natural olive tree, and through nature thou art clung to the good olive tree, how much more will these who are by nature be clung to their own olive tree” (Romans 11:24). Therefore, as mentioned earlier, the synagogue is a good olive tree, while the multitude of Gentiles constitutes a wild olive tree; some were educated through the law and led fruitful lives, yet others became a dwelling for wild creatures, filled with demons, and were utterly unfruitful. Nevertheless, not all of the Jewish synagogue embraced faith in the Son, nor did all Gentiles, but many were drawn out from both groups, forgiven and called to enlightenment by faith through the Spirit. Therefore, we may reasonably interpret the branches of the olive tree as those who have been redeemed, graced by forgiveness, and have emerged into the light of the lamp, which is Christ, along with the radiant lamps, symbolizing the multitude of saints. It is noteworthy how the divine angel regards the lampstand as a representation and prototype of Immanuel, and the branches positioned to the right and left are described as the two sons of fatness, standing before the Lord of all the earth. The act of standing serves as a profound indication of spiritual proximity and a soul that is poised to obey and serve Him. Thus, we can contemplate that Christ likewise gathered for Himself a church from both nations (Eph. 5:27). I also believe that Moses, the divinely appointed leader, was graced with the act of standing when God commanded, “But thou shalt stand here with me” (Deut. 5:31); for God, in His omniscience, does not dismiss the instruction imparted through the law. Why is this the case? Because it serves as a guiding light toward Christ, providing a foreshadowing of ultimate truth. Christ Himself affirms this when He says to the unbelieving Jews, “If ye would believe Moses, believe ye also me: for of me he wrote” (John 5:46).

His inquiry was more humble because he did not feel worthy to hear the greater revelation.

The two branches held the two golden spouts, resembling beaks, which in Hebrew are referred to as "sinthoroth," and in Greek "μυξωτῆρες," meaning nostrils. These two nostrils, embellished with two spouts or oil branches, were crafted from the finest gold. Upon the prophet asking again about the two branches and receiving the angel's question of whether he understood their significance, he replied, “No, Lord.” The angel responded by saying these are the two anointed sons who are presented to the Lord of all the earth, as various translations express: “sons of fatness,” “sons of radiance,” or “sons of glory.”

Previously mentioned are the two olives situated to the right and left of the lamp. Consequently, when the prophet seeks further understanding of these aspects, he is not given a reply, perhaps because he does not reflect on what has been said, either desiring clearer expression of what remains obscure, or perhaps his persistent inquiries are met with silence. The letter to the Hebrews suggests that his initial request about the olives yielded no reply due to his inadequate questioning. Eventually, he seeks a deeper understanding of the branches, which he had not addressed before; transitioning from asking about the olives to asking about the branches indicates a figurative inquiry, for the olive shoots symbolize actual trees that grow upward, encased in a protective array of branches and leaves.

Some interpret the two olives as representing the Son and the Holy Spirit, with the central lamp representing God the Father. However, one might question how to distinguish one residing on the right from the one on the left without inconsistency. Under the branches, the incarnation of the Savior and the Holy Spirit’s likeness to a dove can be inferred, though it may seem we are perceiving only glimpses of these trees, showcasing only small parts. Others interpret this as referring to the two Testaments, with one conveying spiritual meaning and the other literal, acknowledging that we can presently only partially comprehend and partially prophesy. There are those who see the two olive branches, or anointed sons of light, as symbolizing the priesthood and the Law, which bring joy to all the earth. Some consider Enoch and Elijah, who exemplified godliness, one in a state of uncircumcision and the other in circumcision, both taken up to heaven alive.

Regarding the terms “splendor,” “anointing,” “fatness,” and “brightness,” the Hebrew text speaks of joy akin to the abundant happiness of the saints, as seen in the Psalms: “They delight in the abundance of your house.” We have deliberated on these interpretations as comprehensively as possible and summarizing diverse Jewish and Christian views. Should someone present a more enlightening perspective, we would gladly adopt the better understanding.