Monday, August 3, 2015

Bible Study Notes in Zechariah- Chapter 4


Zechariah 4

 

-The angel returns to the prophet as the chapter commences. It rouses Zechariah as from sleep and asked him what he saw. Zechariah saw an all gold lampstand with its bowl on top of it and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts. Also, there were two olive trees by it on each side. As the prophet asked the angel what these things were, the spiritual being replied, “Do you not know what these are?” Zechariah did not know, so the angel revealed, “This is the Word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:1-6).” Grace was proclaimed on the rebuilder of the Temple in Jerusalem, namely Zerubbabel, and his work on God’s House on earth. Zerubbabel’s hands had laid the foundation, and his hands would finish according to the Word of God for the purpose of them knowing that the LORD had sent His Word from the angel to the prophet (Zechariah 4:7-9). “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth (Zechariah 4:10).” Zechariah then asked about the olive trees, which brought the same response from the angel, “Do you not know what these are?” The prophet still had no understanding, so the angel revealed to him that, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth (Zechariah 4:11-14).” These two may refer to: 1) Joshua and Zerubbabel in the context, 2) Elijah and Moses in the spirit of prophecy, 3) the future witnesses of prophecy in Revelation 11:3-12 during the tribulation, or possibly 4) a reference to the Trinity, Spirit and Son joining the Father. No matter who these are that are standing by the Lord of the earth, they are of God and do His will in complete unity of purpose.

-*Application* God’s sovereignty should jump out at us in this passage. His eyes are on the earth as a reminder of His omnipresence and omniscience. His transcending power means that we should take heed and fall in line with His will and plan. Otherwise, we are toast (Revelation 20:15). The reminder of grace is also here for us to meditate on. God is with His people and will work to bring about their redemption even after catastrophe.

 

Verses to Memorize: Zechariah 4:6, 10

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