vision of a candlestick, with two olive trees. (1-7) Further
encouragement. (8-10) An explanation respecting the olive trees.
(11-14)
Verses 1-7: The prophet's spirit was willing to attend, but the flesh
was weak. We should beg of God that, whenever he speaks to us,
he would awaken us, and we should then stir up ourselves. The
church is a golden candlestick, or lamp-bearer, set up for
enlightening this dark world, and holding forth the light of
Divine revelation. Two olive trees were seen, one on each side
the candlestick, from which oil flowed into the bowl without
ceasing. God brings to pass his gracious purposes concerning his
church, without any art or labour of man; sometimes he makes use
of his instruments, yet he needs them not. This represented the
abundance of Divine grace, for the enlightening and making holy
the ministers and members of the church, and which cannot be
procured or prevented by any human power. The vision assures us
that the good work of building the temple, should be brought to
a happy end. The difficulty is represented as a great mountain.
But all difficulties shall vanish, and all the objections be got
over. Faith will remove mountains, and make them plains. Christ
is our Zerubbabel; mountains of difficulty were in the way of
his undertaking, but nothing is too hard for him. What comes
from the grace of God, may, in faith, be committed to the grace
of God, for he will not forsake the work of his own hands.
Verses 8-10: The exact fulfilment of Scripture prophecies is a
convincing proof of their Divine original. Though the
instruments be weak and unlikely, yet God often chooses such, to
bring about great things by them. Let not the dawning light be
despised; it will shine more and more to the perfect day. Those
who despaired of finishing the work, shall rejoice when they see
Zerubbabel giving directions what to do, and taking care that
the work be done. It is a comfort to us that the same all-wise,
almighty Providence, which governs the earth, is in particular
conversant about the church. All that have the plummet in their
hands, must look up to the eyes of the Lord, have constant
regard to Divine Providence, act in dependence on its guidance
and submission to its disposals. Let us fix our faith on Christ,
and view Him carrying on his work according to his own glorious
plan, and daily bringing his spiritual building nearer to
completion.
Verses 11-14: Zechariah desires to know what are the two olive trees.
Zerubbabel and Joshua, this prince and this priest, were endued
with the gifts and graces of God's Spirit. They lived at the
same time, and both were instruments in the work and service of
God. Christ's offices of King and Priest were shadowed forth by
them. From the union of these two offices in his person, both
God and man, the fullness of grace is received and imparted.
They built the temple, the church of God. So does Christ
spiritually. Christ is not only the Messiah, the Anointed One
himself, but he is the Good Olive to his church; and from his
fulness we receive. And the Holy Spirit is the unction or
anointing which we have received. From Christ the Olive Tree, by
the Spirit the Olive Branch, all the golden oil of grace flows
to believers, which keeps their lamps burning. Let us seek,
through the intercession and bounty of the Saviour, supplies
from that fulness which has hitherto sufficed for all his
saints, according to their trials and employments. Let us wait
on him in his ordinances, desiring to be sanctified wholly in
body, soul, and spirit.
vision of a candlestick, with two olive trees. (1-7) Further
encouragement. (8-10) An explanation respecting the olive trees.
(11-14)