Zechariah 4
INTRODUCTION:
This study reveals to us how we can come to a unified and proper understanding of the Scriptures, thereby empowering the church of God to fully manifest the righteousness of Christ and be the light of the world.
PRAYER THOUGHT:
The circumstances may seem to be favorable for a rich outpouring of the showers of grace. But God Himself must command the rain to fall. Therefore we should not be remiss in supplication. We are not to trust to the ordinary working of providence. We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, the showers of grace may fall upon us. At every meeting we attend our prayers should ascend, that at this very time God will impart warmth and moisture to our souls. As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it as God has promised. {TM 508.2}
The continued communication of the Holy Spirit to the church is represented by the prophet Zechariah under another figure, which contains a wonderful lesson of encouragement for us. The prophet says: “The angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? . . . Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. . . . And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? . . . Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” {TM 509.1}
Read: Zech. 4: 1-6, 11-14.
Read and identify each part and function of the prophecy.
CANDLESTICK w/ SEVEN LAMPS (verse 2)
BOWL (verse 2)
SEVEN PIPES (verse 2)
TWO OLIVE TREES (Verse 2, 11- 14)
TWO PIPES (Verse 12)
All items are of gold
What is the Purpose Of The Symbols:
The symbols are used to illustrate how God keeps the lamps burning by supplying them with sufficient oil. This prophecy describes how God’s word, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, will finish the work through this system rather than by power or might.
What is the symbolism portraying?
The Word of the Lord (the Bible) to the servants of God – verse 6.
It illustrates how God’s word, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, will finish the work through this system rather than by power or might.
The meaning of the Olive trees represent.
Verse 14. Then said he, These [are] the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Rev. 11:3, 4 – the two witnesses – GC 267:2
“The two witnesses represent the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament”
The meaning of the Golden Oil.
TM 188:2
“The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit. With this oil God’s ministers are to be constantly supplied, that they, in turn, may impart it to church.”
COL 132:2
“God’s holy, educating Spirit is in His word.”
TM 336:3
“When the anointed ones empty themselves through the golden pipes, the golden oil flows out of themselves into the golden bowls, to flow forth into the lamps, the churches. This is the work of every true, devoted servant of the living God. The Lord God of heaven cannot approve much that is brought into the pulpit by those who are professedly speaking the word of the Lord. They do not inculcate ideas that will be a blessing to those who hear.”
The meaning of the seven lamps
Rev.1: 20; The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
TM 336.3- 337; There are men who stand in the pulpits as shepherds, professing to feed the flock, while the sheep are starving for the bread of life. There are long-drawn-out discourses, largely made up of the relation of an-ec-dotes; but the hearts of the hearers are not touched. The feelings of some may be moved, they may shed a few tears, but their hearts are not broken. The Lord Jesus has been present when they have been presenting that which was called sermons, but their words were destitute of the dew and rain of heaven.
AA 585.3
Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches.
The meaning of the seven pipes.
TM 188
Read and study the fourth chapter of Zechariah. The two olive trees empty the golden oil out of themselves through the golden pipes into the golden bowl from which the lamps of the sanctuary are fed. The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit. With this oil God’s ministers are to be constantly supplied, that they, in turn, may impart it to church.
What are The Seven Pipes?
Ø the ministers/teachers/leaders.
TM 188 — with the oil God’s ministers are supplied so they can impart it to the church.
With this oil God’s ministers are to be constantly supplied, that they, in turn, may impart it to church. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” God’s servants can obtain victories only by inward purity, by cleanness of heart, by holiness. It is of the utmost importance that ministers set a right example. If they follow lax, loose principles, their example is quoted by those who are doing wrong as a vindication of their course. The whole synagogue of Satan is watching for defects in the lives of God’s representatives, and the most is made of every defect.– Review and Herald, December 22, 1904. {TM 188.2}
SUMMARY: The seven pipes take oil from the bowl NOT FROM THE TREES. This shows that ministers and teachers are required to teach the Bible in light of revealed truths given to us by the messengers of God–they must teach the Bible in harmony with the inspired interpreters. They are NOT to engage in private interpretation. They are therefore, to impart oil (truth) to the lamps church) that is substantiated by Inspiration, and that truth is found only in the bowl (the inspired writings).
Unfortunately, most leaders are not teaching strictly from the bowl. They instead figuratively place their tubes into the trees (Bible) by teaching their own ideas and opinions. They ignore the parts of Inspiration which do not suit them. That is, they do not fully accept and teach the writings of Sis. White while refusing to accept advanced light–the Rod.
The meaning of the two golden pipes
2Pet. 1:19-21;
1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
Amos 3:7; Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Hos.12:13; And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.
2Chron. 20:20 – And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Who are the two pipes today?
Ellen G. White and someone that she predicted are to come in the spirit and power of Elijah.
Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, and when he appears, men may say: “You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.” {TM 475.3}
6T 17 – The light we have received upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, nor will it be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. The Lord’s command to His servants is: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1. {6T 17.1}
6T 420 – As never before, we should pray not only that laborers may be sent forth into the great harvest field, but that we may have a clear conception of truth, so that when the messengers of truth shall come, we may accept the message and respect the messenger. {6T 420.3}
Thus, the TWO PIPES are a symbol of the prophets whom we now primarily recognize as: E.G. WHITE and V.T. HOUTEFF.
Let Heaven Guide
Prophecy must be fulfilled. The Lord says: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Somebody is to come in the spirit and power of Elijah, [SEE APPENDIX.] and when he appears, men may say: “You are too earnest, you do not interpret the Scriptures in the proper way. Let me tell you how to teach your message.” {TM 475.3}
5T 217.1-2
I am filled with sadness when I think of our condition as a people. The Lord has not closed heaven to us, but our own course of continual backsliding has separated us from God. Pride, covetousness, and love of the world have lived in the heart without fear of banishment or condemnation. Grievous and presumptuous sins have dwelt among us. And yet the general opinion is that the church is flourishing and that peace and spiritual prosperity are in all her borders.
The church has turned back from following Christ her Leader and is steadily retreating toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of spiritual power. Doubt, and even disbelief of the testimonies of the Spirit of God, is leavening our churches everywhere. Satan would have it thus. Ministers who preach self instead of Christ would have it thus. The testimonies are unread and unappreciated. God has spoken to you. Light has been shining from His word and from the testimonies, and both have been slighted and disregarded. The result is apparent in the lack of purity and devotion and earnest faith among us. {5T 217.2}
“”In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue.” [VOL. 4, PP. 147, 148 (1876).]” {5T 661.1}
“As the olive trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light bearer in the world.” {TM 510.1}
“The inner lamp must be supplied with the oil that flows from the messengers of heaven through the golden tubes into the golden bowl. The Lord’s communication never comes to man in vain.” {7T 248.3}
The meaning of the bowl
What Does the Golden Bowl represents?
Ø the published works of the inspired messengers–the storehouse of their revealed truths.
Ø It is from the bowl that the oil is stored and then brought to feed the lamps. Thus the Bowl is the reservoir of revealed truth.
Ø From what reservoir do we find revealed truth? Is it not from the WRITINGS of the messengers whom God used to help us understand the Bible? – inspired interpreters.
i. e Sis. EGWhite
Rev. 19:10 – And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
1SM 55 “Abundant light has been given to our people in these last days. Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last. My writings are kept on file in the office, and even though I should not live, these words that have been given to me by the Lord will still have life and will speak to the people..” –
{the living Spirit of Prophecy}
What is the Source Of The Oil:
Ø The two olive trees . The trees represent the Bible–Old & New Testaments.
Ø Zech. 4:14 — they are the two anointed ones.
Ø Rev. 11:3-4 — they are the same as the two witnesses.
Read: GC 267
They shall prophecy a thousand two hundred and three-score days, clothed in sackcloth.” During the greater part of this period, God’s witnesses remained in a state of obscurity. The papal power sought to hide from the people the word of truth, and set before them false witnesses to contradict its testimony. When the Bible was proscribed by religious and secular authority; when its testimony was perverted, and every effort made that men and demons could invent to turn the minds of the people from it; when those who dared proclaim its sacred truths were hunted, betrayed, tortured, buried in dungeon cells, martyred for their faith, or compelled to flee to mountain fastnesses, and to dens and caves of the earth–then the faithful witnesses prophesied in sackcloth. Yet they continued their testimony throughout the entire period of 1260 years. In the darkest times there were faithful men who loved God’s word and were jealous for His honor. To these loyal servants were given wisdom, power, and authority to declare His truth during the whole of this time. {GC 267.2}
— they are the two witnesses representing the Old and New Testaments.
What is the Destination Of The Oil?
Ø The candlestick or the seven lamps.
Ø Rev. 1:20 — The seven candlestick (each having seven lamps), represent the seven churches of the New Testament. See also: AA 585, Matt. 6:14.
In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; the other a revelation. The book that was sealed is not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel relating to the last days. The angel commanded, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.” Daniel 12:4. {AA 585.1}
It was Christ who bade the apostle record that which was to be opened before him. “What thou seest, write in a book,” He commanded, “and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. . . . Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:11, 18-20. {AA 585.2}
A candlestick or seven lamps represent God’s church. Therefore, the purpose of the symbolism is to keep God’s church ablaze with his word.
What Keeps The Church Burning Brightly:
The oil — the Holy Spirit of truth. Although traditionally we have accepted “oil” to be a symbol of the Holy Spirit, it is more specifically the Holy Spirit of truth– the word of God explained and used in the hearts of his people.
Compare the following representations:
“This is the danger to which the church is now exposed–that the inventions of finite men shall mark out the precise way for the Holy Spirit to come. Though they would not care to acknowledge it, some have already done this. And because the Spirit is to come, not to praise men or to build up their erroneous theories, but to reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, many turn away from it. They are not willing to be deprived of the garments of their own self-righteousness. They are not willing to exchange their own righteousness, which is unrighteousness, for the righteousness of Christ, which is pure, unadulterated truth. The Holy Spirit flatters no man, neither does it work according to the devising of any man. Finite, sinful men are not to work the Holy Spirit. When it shall come as a reprover, through any human agent whom God shall choose, it is man’s place to hear and obey its voice. {TM 64.3}
“Read and study the fourth chapter of Zechariah. The two olive trees empty the golden oil out of themselves through the golden pipes into the golden bowl from which the lamps of the sanctuary are fed. The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit. With this oil God’s ministers are to be constantly supplied, that they, in turn, may impart it to church. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” God’s servants can obtain victories only by inward purity, by cleanness of heart, by holiness. It is of the utmost importance that ministers set a right example. If they follow lax, loose principles, their example is quoted by those who are doing wrong as a vindication of their course. The whole synagogue of Satan is watching for defects in the lives of God’s representatives, and the most is made of every defect.– Review and Herald, December 22, 1904. {TM 188.2}
“Now is the time to entreat that souls shall not only hear the word of God, but without delay secure oil in their vessels with their lamps. That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It represents character, and character is not transferable. No man can secure it for another. Each must obtain for himself a character purified from every stain of sin. {TM 233.2}
“Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things. Let discourses be short, spiritual, elevated. Let the preacher be full of the word of the Lord. Let every man who enters the pulpit know that he has angels from heaven in his audience. And when these angels empty from themselves the golden oil of truth into the heart of him who is teaching the word, then the application of the truth will be a solemn, serious matter. The angel messengers will expel sin from the heart, unless the door of the heart is padlocked and Christ is refused admission. Christ will withdraw Himself from those who persist in refusing the heavenly blessings that are so freely offered them. {TM 337.2}
Ø John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13 – the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth
“From the two olive trees the golden oil was emptied through the golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence His Spirit is imparted to the human instrumentalities who are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate to God’s people that heavenly grace which alone can make His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6. {COL 408.1}
Special NOTE: If the trees represent the Bible (Old and New Testaments) then what comes from the Bible?–REVEALED TRUTH. Since oil comes from the trees, then the oil must especially represent present-truth–truths needed for the time in which we live–the product of the Bible (trees). It must represent specials truths needed for the time in which we live to prepare us for the crisis ahead.
How Is The Oil Retrieved From The Scriptures?
Through the Two Pipes–the messengers with the gift of interpretation–the Spirit of Prophecy.
Ø Deut. 29:29 – Secret things belongs to God.
Ø Amos 3:7 — God’s secrets are revealed through his prophets.
Ø 2 Pet. 1:16 – 21 — no prophecy of the Scriptures is of private interpretation, but
must be revealed in the same manner as it was given–by the Holy Spirit through human agents. See also 7 Test. 249.
At this time God’s cause is in need of men and women who possess rare qualifications and good administrative powers; men and women who will make patient, thorough investigation of the needs of the work in various fields; those who have a large capacity for work; those who possess warm, kind hearts, cool heads, sound sense, and unbiased judgment; those who are sanctified by the Spirit of God and can fearlessly say, No, or Yea and Amen, to propositions; those who have strong convictions, clear understanding, and pure, sympathetic hearts; those who practice the words, “All ye are brethren;” those who strive to uplift and restore fallen humanity. {7T 249.2}
TM 510 — the two pipes are human instrumentalities
From the two olive trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence, His Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God’s people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God’s presence. As the olive trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light bearer in the world. {TM 510.1}
SUMMARY: The two pipes must be interpreters who alone can reveal the mysteries, symbols, and prophecies of the Bible. NOTE, that ONLY the TWO PIPES are allowed to go into the trees and withdraw oil–truth. That is, although some things are plain in the Bible, only God’s inspired agents can accurately interpret the “prophecies of the Scripture” ( 2 Pet. 1:19-21) because it was dictated by God’s Spirit and can only be interpreted by God’s Spirit (Amos 3:7).
Conclusion:
- In order for the church of God to illuminate the world with the righteousness of Christ, it must accept the truths revealed from the Bible through the inspired messengers–E.G. White (SOP) and V.T. Houteff (the Rod). We must accept all the truth given to us. Without it we cannot truly be the light of the world.
We also see that the Shepherd’s Rod is the message of the hour. It came not by chance, but through the working of the Spirit to refill the bowl so the ministers can keep the lamps (church) fed and burning brightly. Without it, the church’s flames will go out. Now the lamps are flickering, so to speak.
But we can thank God that it will not be snuffed out because God has a people who are now striving to supply the oil (truth) to the membership (the lamps) and will culminate into a 144,000 Spirit-filled preachers without “guile in their mouths” (Rev. 14:4,5) and who will gather a great multitude (Rev. 7:9).
- Through this study we saw how we can come to a unified and proper understanding of the scriptures so that God can empower the church to fully reflect the character of Christ and be a light to the world.
- FURTHER STUDY:
2 SR 283 – 289 1TG 14 (“Timely Greetings”)
6 TR 17- 27 (“Why Perish”)
3 ANS. 28 – 40
Meat In Due Season – 11. The Golden Bowl – Zec 4 (google.com)