Bible Commentary

Zechariah 4

Zechariah 4 — Overview

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

In this chapter are contained the vision of a golden candlestick, and of two olive trees by it, and the explanation thereof. The preparation to this vision, which is the awaking of the prophet, as of a man out of sleep, is in Zec 4:1.

The vision of the candlestick, and olive trees, is in Zec 4:2. The candlestick is described by the matter of it, gold; and by the parts of it, its bowl, lamps, and pipes; and the olive trees by their situation; the explanation of which is at the request of the prophet, he not knowing what they meant, Zec 4:4 when it is observed to him, that this represents, under the type of Zerubbabel building the temple, the building of the Gospel church by Christ; and which is done and finished, not by might or power of man, but by the Spirit, notwithstanding all opposition, and contempt of it, to the great joy of many, who observe the grace of God, and his providential care and goodness, in it, Zec 4:6 and upon the prophet's inquiring the meaning of the two olive trees, which he was ignorant of, he is told that these are the two anointed ones that stood by the Lord of the whole earth, Zec 4:11.

Ver. 1. And the angel that talked with me,....

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Zechariah 4 — OverviewZechariah 4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn this chapter we have another comfortable vision, which, as it was explained to the prophet, had much in it for the encouragement of the people of God in their present straits, which were so great that they…Zechariah 4 — OverviewZechariah 4 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeZechariah 4:1, By the golden candlestick is foreshewn the good success of Zerubbabel’s foundation; Zechariah 4:11, by the two olive trees the two anointed ones.Zechariah 4:1-10Zechariah 4:1-10 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere is, I. The prophet prepared to receive the discovery that was to be made to him: The angel that talked with him came and waked him, v. 1. It seems, though he was in conference with an angel, and about…Zechariah 4:1Zechariah 4:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe angel that talked with me. The interpreting angel is meant. Came again, and waked me. It is thought that the angel, who is said (Zechariah 2:3) to have gone forth, now rejoined the prophet and renewed his colloquy…Zechariah 4:1-7Zechariah 4:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Church revived. "And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me," etc. The imagery of these verses is twofold; but their subject seems one. By the "candlestick" expressly mentioned in Zechariah 4:2…Zechariah 4:1-7Zechariah 4:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Church in three aspects. I. SYMBOLICALLY REPRESENTED. (Zechariah 4:2, Zechariah 4:3.) Candelabrum. II. DEVOUTLY CONTEMPLATED. (Zechariah 4:5.) Humble, earnest, reverent inquiry. III. DIVINELY INTERPRETED. 1. The…