Zechariah 4

While the previous chapter was to encourage Joshua in his role as priest, here we see a message to keep Zerubbabel on fire. The prophet visualizes being awakened from sleep, and the Angel of the Lord asks him to describe what he sees. The golden menorah stands fed by pipes from two olive trees. We know the menorah represents the revelation of God primarily through Israel. They were called to be a light to the world, brining His divine message through their obedience to the Covenant. Returning now from Exile, Zechariah has reminded them repeatedly to cling to that covenant, because God has promised to bring back every blessing of the past, raising the restored Judah to an even higher standing in world affairs, but only if they would obey.
Thus, the Angel affirms this whole future of possibilities will come not by any human achievements, but by God’s personal Presence in His people. The two trees are the civil and ritual offices, king and priest, who witness to the power of God’s spirit. By their faithfulness, they will be the primary source which feeds the lamp of God’s revelation.
The mountains would flatten themselves before Zerubbabel, making sure he had easy access to the stones needed for the Temple. Having already laid the foundation, the prophet now proclaims it is this king who would finish the work, placing the final capstone. He would chant about the power of God’s grace. Again, Zechariah calls on the king to recognize God sees not with man’s eyes, but sees things most men cannot. The relative small size and simplicity of this new Temple could still be the House of God if Judah would make Him feel welcome there.
Finally, the Angel specifically explains the symbolism of the two trees, the two roles of priest and king that witness to God’s driving power behind their leadership. If they would faithfully and confidently lead this people in obedience, they would see God flatten any resistance. They had nothing to fear.