The purpose of the vision

Zechariah asks, “What are these, my Lord?” (v 4). He knew that the lampstand symbolized Israel. What he is asking about is the purpose for which this vision was given. (1) Zerubbabel had begun the rebuilding of the temple, but he was facing various opposition and the apathy of the people (ref. Haggai 2:1-9). Words of encouragement are spoken to him. They are, “Not by might nor by power.” This shows that the building of the temple will not be accomplished by human strength. (2) “But by My Spirit” means that the temple will be rebuilt by the power of the Holy Spirit. The work of God is carried forward by God’s people who are moved by the Holy Spirit. This truth has not changed even now. “‘What are you, you great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring out the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’” (v 7). (1) When “mountain” is used symbolically, it refers to a kingdom or a king. The mountain here likely refers to the Persian Empire. That mountain will be brought down and become a plain. (2) As a result, Zerubbabel will complete the temple. He who began the construction of the temple (Ezra 3:8) will bring it to completion (Ezra 6:14-15). The “top stone” is the final stone to be set in place.

The fulfillment of prophecy

When the temple is completed, the people will come to know that “the Lord of hosts has sent the Messiah (Me).” In other words, it will be proven that Zechariah is a prophet of the Lord. “For who has shown contempt for the day of small things? But these seven will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel – they are the eyes of the Lord roaming throughout the earth” (v 10). (1) On the day the temple construction began, there were those who mocked it as something small (Ezra 3:12; Haggai 2:3). They did not understand the greatness of God’s work. This second temple would later be further expanded by Herod the Great. (2) The “plumb line” is a weight used in construction. These (the seven lamps) rejoice when they see it. In other words, God is pleased with the rebuilding of the temple by Zerubbabel. (3) The seven lamps are “the eyes of the Lord which range throughout the earth.” This describes the omniscience and omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s work may appear small at first, but it must not be despised. Blessed is the one who advances the Lord’s work by the power of the Holy Spirit.