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In conjunction with the fourth vision’s imagery of priest and temple, Zechariah now sees a cultic lampstand, reminiscent of the one in the tabernacle (Ex 25:31, although Solomon’s temple had ten [1Ki 7:49]). The exact nature of Zechariah’s lampstand is impossible to determine. It was probably a single column with a large bowl on top, branching out into seven lights each with seven channels, or pipes, for oil (Meyers and Meyers, 229-38).
Zechariah’s question (v.4) concerning the significance of the lampstand and the two olive trees is not addressed until later in the chapter. In the intervening verses, a pertinent message is given for Zerubbabel, the second leader involved in rebuilding the temple (Hag 1:1). Joshua’s role and significance had been made clear in ch. 3. Now Zerubbabel comes center stage. He would be instrumental in completing the work on the temple but not through might (ḥayil, human resources in general) nor power (kōaḥ, human strength in general). When viewed from a human perspective, rebuilding the temple was impossible at this time, given Zerubbabel’s limited resources. But more than this was available. The temple would be completed by God’s Spirit (rûaḥ), who was instrumental in the creation of earth and the parting of the Red Sea. The completion of the impossible task will stand as a witness to God’s activity.
The succeeding verses (vv.7-10a) emphasize the invincibility of Zerubbabel as leader and the certainty of his success. Every mountainous obstacle will become level ground, and he will provide the final stone of the temple amidst a ceremony of praise. Even the skeptic who considers Zerubbabel’s attempts to be insignificant (v.10; cf. Hag 2:3) will have reason to rejoice.
Now the interpreting angel returns to Zechariah’s initial question (v.4) concerning the meaning of the vision (vv.10b-14). The two olive trees supply the oil for the lampstand through two pipes, as is made clear by Zechariah’s question in v.12, repeated for emphasis. The two trees seem to represent Joshua and Zerubbabel; and the lampstand, the people of God (as the seven lampstands in Rev 1:20 represent churches; cf. Baldwin, 123-24). The success of Joshua and Zerubbabel will depend on their receptivity to God’s Spirit. Through Joshua, the people are forgiven of sin and given access to God’s presence (3:1-10). Through Zerubbabel, the temple project will meet with glorious success. The two anointed ones seemed to enjoy equal status. But after Zerubbabel’s death, the office of high priest assumed greater power, and Zerubbabel was without a successor. Both offices contributed significantly to the NT understanding of the person and work of Jesus.