#53 On the nature of God: Learning from the prophets: Zechariah; chapters 4-6

In the first three chapters, God outlined what He desired—a new era and a return to correct religion. Now, further information is provided as to how the new era should be.

In the fifth vision, Zechariah saw a lampstand and two olive trees that emphasized the restoration of correct religion. In the old temple there had been only one lampstand—symbolizing God as the only source of light. In this new vision, a lampstand symbolizes that the word of God remains as the source of light in all matters, both religious and physical. The olive trees are the source of oil for the lamp and stands for the written word of God.

Two significant revelations are also made, Zechariah 4:6-8:

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain…

…Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it.”

These revelations must have been encouraging to Zerubbabel. He wouldn’t need might or power. God would supply both. Any impediments would be removed, and he would finish the work of building the temple.

The sixth vision was of a giant scroll. On one side was a curse against swearing falsely. On the other side was a curse against stealing. Apparently, these two sins had been predominant among the people. They needed to be reminded that God would send a curse, Zechariah 4:4:

“I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Even the stones of the house would be destroyed.

The seventh vision was of a giant basket representing the sins of the people being taken away. The cover was partially opened to show a woman inside who is said to be wickedness. The heavy lid was then firmly replaced on the basket. Two women with wings took the basket to Shinar, apparently where wickedness belonged.

This vision symbolized God cleansing the nation for this new era in which the people would worship Him correctly and not idols.

The eighth or last vision was of four chariots going forth into all the earth. These apparently are sent by God to examine the state of the earth. The ones going to the north showed that God’s Spirit was at rest. This probably symbolizes that the two problems that came from the north—the Assyrians and the Babylonians—would not rise up again and afflict God’s people.

Then, God gave Zechariah a command. He is to go to three men who had just migrated from Babylon and receive the gold and silver that they had brought. Then he was to make a crown for the head of Joshua the high priest. This was unusual, because the priests did not wear a crown. The king wore the crown. This crowning of Joshua was symbolic of the coming Branch, the Messiah, who would build a spiritual kingdom in which He would be both king and its priest. This fits the description of Jesus, Hebrews 1:1-2; 8; 4:14:

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world…

…But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom…

…Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”

The crown that Zechariah made would reside in the newly built temple.

These eight visions show that a new era is arising. God was preparing the nation to worship Him correctly until the Branch, the Messiah, would come to establish a permanent spiritual kingdom.

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