Summary of Zechariah 4
Zechariah’s fifth vision is of a lampstand with 7 lamps with 7 channels leading to it. This vision is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
The “great mountain” shall “become a plain” before God. Zerubbabel’s hands “laid the foundation” and “shall also finish it” with the “capstone,” amid shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”
BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18 Day 5: Zechariah 4
12) The lampstand fed continuously by olive trees illustrates a limitless supply of oil, representing the Holy Spirit’s power. This symbolism proves that success relies not on human “might,” but on divine sufficiency. It assures Zerubbabel that God will supernaturally level “mountains” of opposition to bring the work to a triumphant finish.
13a) God encouraged him that success comes by the Spirit, not human strength, promising that “mountains” of opposition would vanish and he would finish the Temple. The warning cautions against despising “small beginnings” or relying on self-effort, urging him to trust solely in God’s sufficient grace.
b) It shifts focus from human exhaustion to divine reliance, teaching that success depends on God’s Spirit, not our striving. It reframes overwhelming “mountains” as obstacles God will flatten. Finally, it validates “small beginnings,” assuring us that God rejoices in humble starts and guarantees to finish His work with grace. I am encouraged by God doing it all by grace.
14) ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.’ This verse is comforting because I can let go of things and put them in God’s hands rather than mine. Everything is from Him, by Him, and for Him. Everything is in God’s power. When I feel like I can’t do something, it’s okay because God can do it.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4
Great study! I love all the different visions. God is so gracious to speak to His people and lead and guide us!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 18, Day 5: Zechariah 4
You’ll see that many of these images have to do with the temple since the people were currently rebuilding it at this time.
The golden lampstand was meant to stand in the temple. The olive trees’ job was to supply the 7 lamps with oil via 7 pipes.
The Jewish people would know instantly that this was special. Here, the olive trees supply the oil. In ancient times, the lampstands had to be constantly tended to, so the analogy of God doing it all hit home.
Zerubbabel was in charge of the temple building. The message to him was that God, via the Holy Spirit would supply the power to finish the temple.
Oil was a popular symbol in the Bible. Its properties were what was important: healing, lubrication, light, warmth, polishes, etc. Here, it represents God’s Spirit.
The building of the temple was a great mountain. But with God’s power, it would be as a plain.
When work is done by the Spirit, it is by grace. God always finishes what He starts.
The small things shape us.
The 7 are the eyes of the Lord who rejoices in us doing His work.
The 2 anointed ones were Zerubbabel and Joshua. We see this symbolism again in Revelation, as 2 more will rise up for the Lord (Revelation 11:3-13). Revelation 11:4
The anointed ones would have a continual supply of oil like the lamps.
END NOTES SUMMARIZED
Interpretation
Zechariah 4 (The Vision of the Golden Lampstand) is a message of supernatural empowerment specifically designed to encourage Zerubbabel, the governor.
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The Power Source: The prophet sees a lampstand fed directly by two olive trees, meaning it never runs out of fuel and requires no human maintenance. This illustrates the central truth: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” The work will be accomplished by God’s endless supply of grace, not by human military force or political maneuvering.
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Leveling the Mountain: The “great mountain” of opposition (rubble, politics, discouragement) facing Zerubbabel is promised to become a “plain.” God will flatten the obstacles that seem insurmountable.
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The Capstone: God guarantees that Zerubbabel, who laid the foundation, will personally set the final stone (the capstone) to finish the Temple. This triumph will not be met with boasts of “We did it,” but with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”—acknowledging God’s help from start to finish.
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Small Beginnings: The vision rebukes the cynics who “despise the day of small things.” God rejoices to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand, affirming that humble beginnings often lead to glorious finishes.
Conclusion
God’s work is done by God’s power. When we face “mountainous” obstacles, the solution is not to try harder (might/power), but to rely deeper on the Holy Spirit. God assures us that what He begins by grace, He will finish by grace.
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