Zechariah 4:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophet answered, ‘I do not, my lord.’ What do the two branches of oil, positioned on either side of the lampstand, indicate? The angel provides clarification regarding the olive branches and elucidates the meaning of the lampstand. It is crucial to observe that the lampstand stands firm, with olive tree branches before it; however, the angel refers the branches not to the lampstand but to God. Thus, the lampstand symbolizes God, or more accurately, our Savior and His redemptive incarnation. What do these signify? The angel continues, ‘These are the two anointed ones who stand before the Lord of all the earth’ (Zech. 4:13, 14) - not merely linked to the lampstand, as seen in the vision, but to the Sovereign Lord of the universe. The seven-branched lampstand serves as a representation of the Savior’s incarnation, embodying the divine nature enlightened by the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit. As prophesied, a shoot will emerge from Jesse's lineage, and a Branch shall arise from its roots; the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him. What kind of Spirit? Multifold in its actions and rich in its essence. The Spirit of God is referenced here, as the prophet speaks of His gifts: the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and reverence for God (Isaiah 11:1, 2). These seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, resting upon the sacred flesh of the Lord, exemplify the seven lampstands in the allegory. Why seven lamps? To denote the potency of the Holy Spirit's manifestations. Further along, the prophet Zechariah declares, ‘These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which roam throughout all the earth’ (Zech. 4:10). Observe how truth unveils itself without reliance on human insight.

When the prophet candidly admitted his confusion without shame, the angel ultimately elucidated the mystery of the vision, interpreting its deeper meaning: ‘This, says the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”’ It implies that the events visualized will come to pass not through human might or physical strength, but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and divine guidance. Though the Only Begotten became human like us, He did not engage in carnal warfare to establish a church for the world akin to a lampstand. Instead, He drew nations to Himself, illuminating the candlestick with spiritual lights. Through the Holy Spirit's power, He appointed the apostles, prophets, and evangelists in the churches, enriching them with divine gifts and the abundant outpouring of the Spirit. Thus, through Christ, who accomplished this ‘not by might, nor by power’ of the flesh, Satan was deprived of his dominion; along with him fell the forces of darkness, and the descendants of Israel, who once served created things instead of the Creator, were brought to the knowledge of God through faith. The churches also manifested the shining saints, akin to the lamp which is Christ; for, as the wise Paul states, they were ‘like lights in the world, holding forth the word of life’ (Phil. 2:15-16). Immanuel's salvation of the world was not through human strength but through His divine power, a truth He proclaimed through the prophet Hosea: ‘But I will have mercy upon the children of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God: and I will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, nor by horses, nor by horsemen’ (Hos. 1:7). This message held particular relevance for Zerubbabel, a descendant of Judah who then held the royal position in Jerusalem. To ensure that Zerubbabel did not associate the impending glorious deeds with the need for warfare or conflict, he was redirected from such earthly distractions. Instead, he was commanded to trust that it would be divine strength, not human effort, that would bring these events to fruition through Christ. It is noteworthy that Zerubbabel, as a member of the tribe of Judah and a king, prefigured Christ. His cooperative ministry with Jesus the son of Josedech signifies that Immanuel embodies both king and high priest.

The angel, who awakened Zechariah as one emerges from sleep, poses this question to illuminate our understanding. Through the inquiries stemming from the prophet’s confusion and his plea, “What does this mean, my lord?” we learn of God’s message to Zerubbabel. We must first clarify Hebrew interpretations of the Old Testament to reach the heights of understanding exemplified in the Church. The golden lampstand symbolizes the Law, while the lamp—the flame shining at the top—represents Christ, who is the head of the Law and illuminates the world. The seven lamps signify the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit, as clearly indicated by the seven eyes on one stone, affirming the Law’s divine inspiration by the Holy Spirit.

The seven tubes filled with oil represent the outpouring of these gifts from heaven to humankind. The two olive trees—one on either side of the lampstand—symbolize the Law and the Prophets. Thus, when the prophet articulated his vision, he was unaware of its significance and sought insight from the angel, who embodies divine enlightenment. Despite his earnest questioning, the angel does not elucidate the vision until a subsequent inquiry reveals the divine message to Zerubbabel, underscoring that deliverance from captivity comes not through armies or sheer force, but by the Spirit of God.

The phrase “Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you shall be a level plain” is often linked to the adversary, who stood in opposition, much like the devil confronting Christ. He is humbled before the people of Judah, as God will reveal the foundational stone—Jesus Christ, His Son—who supports the people of Israel. The grace represented by this stone echoes the unwavering grace bestowed upon their forefathers.

Let us now reflect on contemporary interpretations within the Church. The golden lampstand of pure gold symbolizes the Church itself, holding meaning that transcends mere words found within sacred texts. The gold is likened to the radiant beauty indicated in the Psalm of the dove, shining with a golden brilliance. The lamp represents Christ, who is the light of the Church. He declared, “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel, but on a lampstand, that it may give light to all in the house.”

The seven lamps and the tubes through which the oil flows embody the gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit that nourish the Church. The two olive trees are often interpreted as Moses and Elijah, who conversed with Christ on the mountain, foreshadowing His suffering in Jerusalem, demonstrating that every law and prophecy heralds the suffering of Christ. Some see the two olives as the Law on one side and the Gospel on the other, echoing the imagery of divine embrace in the Song of Songs.

Many regard the great mountain as a representation of the devil and Antichrist, who opposed Zerubbabel and attempted to assert dominance, claiming authority over the nations. In response, the Lord humbles this arrogance, commanding, “Get behind me, Satan,” for it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him alone.”

In the Gospel, we are reminded of the episode with a demon-possessed boy, wherein faith as small as a mustard seed can compel a mountain to move, illustrating that through prayer and dedication, even the most formidable adversaries can be overcome. Some misguided interpreters mistakenly apply verses meant for the devil to Christ, given the presence of mountains in scripture. However, we must remember that the Lord intends for the mountain to symbolize opposition before Zerubbabel’s lineage.

Ultimately, God will reveal the foundational stone, as represented in the beginning: “In the beginning was the Word,” affirming that all things were made through Him. When we speak of grace equating with grace, we recognize that we receive from His fullness, whether through the Law or the Gospel. This grace is offered equally to both Israel and the Gentiles, as affirmed by Gabriel’s message to Mary and the Apostle Paul's proclamation of salvation through faith. Furthermore, John reminds us, “The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”