WHO HAS DESPISED THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS (4:1-14)?
Neal Pollard
The post-exilic people were small in number and relatively weak in power, which other books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai show. This fifth vision is yet another attempt to encourage the leadership in their work. The fourth focused on the spiritual leadership of the priest, Joshua. The fifth focuses on the political leadership of the governor, Zerubbabel. As Merrill notes, “Both deal with cultic persons or objects (the high priest and the menorah respectively), both mention historical persons contemporary to the prophet (Joshua and Zerubbabel), both refer to temple building, and both reach their climax on a strong messianic note” (145).
As with other of Zechariah’s visions, this has some symbolism to sift through. There’s a golden lampstand, a bowl, and seven lamps with seven spouts, flanked on each side by an olive tree (2-3). There’s also a plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand (10). There are two golden pipes emptying the golden oil from themselves (12). The prophet sees all of this and repeatedly asks the angel for the meaning of them. The only explanation he gets is at the end of the chapter, that “these are the two anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth” (14). The olive trees on either side of the lampstand appear to correspond to the Lord flanked by the two anointed ones.
What does this vision represent? So many explanations are given, but what seems to fit best with the context and message of the book is that the lampstand represents the Lord (see also Isa. 60:1-3). Seven represents perfection and is seen twice, doubling down on the image. Oil in Scripture often represents the Spirit, and the Spirit’s being upon Jesus is both prophesied (Isa. 61:1) and fulfilled (Luke 4:18; John 3:34; Acts 10:38). It also indicates provision, especially the purest, golden oil (Joel 2:19-24). Jesus came a light in the darkness, the light of the world (John 1:3-4; 8:12). The two olive trees seems best to represent Joshua and Zerubbabel, priest and sovereign. Perhaps this symbolizes the work Jesus would come to do, becoming our priest and king.
Yet, contextually, there is also a message about the temple. Zerubbabel would finish what he started. The temple would be completed. From there, God’s glory would shine forth, even though it would seem plain, simple, and small compared to Solomon’s Temple. The day of small things certainly seems to include the appearance of this temple.
But by application, the appearing of Jesus would seem plain and ordinary (Isa. 53:2). He defied Jewish expectations of the military Messiah, focused instead on spiritual transformation. Yet, from such simple beginnings, look at the power and influence of His work on the world today! Likewise, the work we attempt to do in His kingdom may seem small and insignificant. But, as we strive to accomplish His purpose on this earth as His church, oh the great things He can do!
The Preacher Pollard Blog 