Chapter 4

1 By the golden candlestick is foreshewed the good success of Zerubbabel’s foundation. 11 By the two olive trees the two anointed ones.

1. Walked me. This incident marks the transition from one vision to the other. The prophet was probably in a state of deep meditation, and now his attention is directed to a new symbolic presentation. Compare Dan. 8:18; 10:8, 9; see on ch. 1:8.

2. Candlestick. The symbolism is evidently borrowed from the candlestick in the sanctuary. The one in the ancient tabernacle had seven lamps (Ex. 25:31–40). Solomon’s Temple had ten candlesticks, five on the right and five on the left (1 Kings 7:49). The present candlestick is not like the former, however, and has its own distinctive lesson to teach.

Bowl. This held the oil, which was fed to the seven lamps through seven pipes.

3. Olive trees. According to v. 12 these trees supplied oil to the central bowl, which, in turn, supplied the lamps.

6. Zerubbabel. For the identity and work of Zerubbabel see Ezra 2:1 to 4:5; see also p. 1073. Zerubbabel here represents the civil leadership and administration, as Joshua (Zech. 3:1) represents the religious leadership of the nation.

By my spirit. The oil furnished by the olive trees (v. 3) typified the Holy Spirit (see COL 408). Divine grace alone could overcome all the obstacles that confronted the rebuilders (see Vol. IV, p. 1073) of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel and his companions were depressed by their feeble ability and scant resources to carry on the work of restoration against the opposition of their enemies. The vision showed that God’s purposes for Israel would be attained not by human “might” or “power,” but by His own Spirit and His own power.

7. Great mountain. Symbolic of the seemingly insuperable difficulties Zerubbabel had to meet in accomplishing his purpose (see on Isa. 2:2).

Headstone. Zerubbabel is given the assurance that he will finish the work of restoration by putting on the headstone, or topstone, thereof. Compare 7T 170.

Shoutings. These are doubtless the cries of rejoicing of those witnessing the placing of the headstone.

9. Laid the foundation. See on Ezra 3:8.

Finish it. See on Ezra 6:15.

10. Day of small things. That is, the meager progress thus far achieved.

They shall rejoice. That is, at the accomplishment of that which appeared impossible.

With those seven. The word “with” is supplied. The sentence may be translated, “These seven, they are the eyes of the Lord running to and fro in all the earth.” The reference is doubtless to the seven lamps (v. 2). They are here made a symbol of the omniscience and omnipresence of God. “He that keepeth Israel” neither slumbers nor sleeps (Ps. 121:4). From His great throne above He superintends the affairs on this earth and works out the purposes of His will. Nothing escapes His notice (see Ps. 139:1–12; see on Dan. 4:17).

11. What are these? The significance of the two olive trees (v. 3) had not yet been explained.

14. Two anointed ones. They are described as standing “by the Lord.” In the symbolism the olive trees provided oil for the lamps (v. 12). The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (see on v. 6). The anointed ones therefore represent the heavenly instrumentalities through which the Holy Spirit is imparted to human beings who are wholly consecrated to His service. “The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God’s people” (TM 510). Those who receive such a heavenly imparting are expected, in turn, to communicate these blessings to others.

John the revelator also mentions two olive trees and parallels them with “the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth” (Rev. 11:4). By these symbols he identifies the two witnesses which represent “the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament” (GC 267). Hence, although the two prophets saw similar symbols, the significance of the symbols was not identical.

Ellen G. White comments

1–14COL 407, 408; CS 261; TM 188, 377; 6T 296, 458, 459

1–4COL 407; TM 509

1–6PK 593

1–96T 458

2, 3 COL 418; 6T 11, 116, 117, 123; 7T 249

6     AA 17; COL 67, 407, 408; Ev 19; GC 232, 529; GW 251, 383; LS 202; PK 596; TM 188, 264, 509, 512; 2T 608; 4T 535; 5T 668; 6T 50, 74; 7T 90; WM 177

7     PK 594, 595; 7T 170

9     PK 595, 596

10   CS 48; PK 595; 7T 169

10–146T 459

11   TM 510

11–14CW 114; Ev 282; MM 184; PK 593; TM 338, 340; 6T 11, 116, 117, 123; 7T 148, 154, 249

12   COL 407; 7T 195

14   COL 408; TM 510