Zechariah 4 Study Notes

4:6-7 While Zerubbabel was a legitimate heir to David’s throne, his role was apparently limited to governor, even though he is spoken of in elevated terms (Hg 2:21-23). In hyperbolic language, he would be able to move mountains. But since God deserved all the credit, shouts of grace, grace to the temple were very appropriate. Though God empowers human instruments, his intent is to negate any human claim to strength or might.

4:10 Typical of other visionary texts in the Bible, these seven eyes of the Lord involve symbolism that is left unexplained (cp. 3:9). Though it is often suggested that multiple eyes may signify wisdom or knowledge, uncertainty about such details reminds readers that God is transcendent and his ways are beyond human understanding.

4:11-14 Here the image of the lampstand (see note at vv. 2-3) becomes even more otherworldly. Given the placement of this vision next to the preceding one, it is likely that the two anointed ones (Hb, “two men of oil,” v. 14) are Joshua and Zerubbabel.