The next vision of this series is found in the fourth chapter of Zechariah. At this time the prophet was enabled to see a candlestick, on either side of which stood an olive-tree. From them were pipes connected with a bowl located above the candlestick. From this receptacle other pipes ran to each of the lamps.

After this vision was presented to the prophet, he responded by saying, "What are these, my lord?" In reply, the interpreting angel reprimanded him for not being able to understand the meaning of the symbolism.

Since the angel did not tell the prophet the significance of the candlestick, one concludes that its meaning evidently was obvious. Let us therefore see if we may be able to learn what it indicates. We know that candlesticks and all types of lamps are used for the purpose of giving light where there is darkness. Naturally therefore one concludes that the candlestick here signifies that which gives light in darkness. This idea is confirmed by an examination of the first chapter of the Book of Revelation. There John was given a vision of seven golden candlesticks in the midst of which the glorified Son of Man was walking. He was informed that they signified or represented the seven churches of Asia. Thus those seven local congregations gave forth the light of truth in the heathen darkness about them.

Since the church during this age is functioning as Israel did in the Mosaic economy, we may be certain that the candlestick which was first in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple signified, Israel, who gave forth the light of the Word of God to the heathen world during that time.

But the candlestick as it was in the Jewish economy had to be cleansed and the oil replenished daily. This fact signified the imperfection of Israel during that time. In order to give forth light, there was the necessity for constant attention.

But this candlestick is an improved one, being connected with an inexhaustible supply of the oil which was burned to give the light. This oil comes from olive-trees connected by pipes to the candlestick. This arrangement therefore signifies that there will be a change in Israel's condition and that she will at some time be thus connected with the inexhaustible supply of that which enables her to shine with uninterrupted splendor.

These facts therefore present us with a prediction that at some time in the future Israel will be thus connected with God, the source of all light, and Messiah in such a way that she can give forth the light of His truth with uninterrupted blessing. When will this be?

A study of the original plan of God's blessing the world through her as set forth in Genesis 12:1-3, a further study of Israel's position in the Tribulation period when she will furnish the evangelists who conduct the world-wide revival at that time, and an additional study of the prophecies which show Israel's position in the Millennial Age lead one to the conclusion that this symbolism presents to us the scriptural teaching that at some future time Israel will give forth the light of the truth of God to the world and be the means of blessing all nations. This prediction, therefore, foreshadows Israel, who in the Tribulation (Rev. 12) is represented under the symbolism of the woman, crowned with twelve stars, clad with the sun, and standing with the moon under her feet. She will indeed send forth the truth through all nations in the Tribulation. But when the nation is converted at the end of that time, she will be the channel of world-blessing throughout the Millennial Age. It is this fact which is set forth by the symbolism of this chapter.

We have already noticed the candlestick which was in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple and which had to be snuffed, cleansed, and refilled daily. Those facts indicate that Israel needs to be cleansed and refilled by the Spirit of God and that the arrangements then obtaining were not permanent. On the other hand, the candlestick shown to Zechariah was in connection with the olive-trees, the source of the oil. Such a supply is inexhaustible. This representation, therefore, presented to Zechariah the fact that the time would come when Israel would be in a permanent relationship with the Lord and would give forth the light of His Word and truth constantly without interruption. There can be little doubt that this is the significance of the symbolism.

There were many and great difficulties looming before Zerubbabel. He had been experiencing these for years, and it seemed as if he were making no progress. The secret of his failure seems to be echoed in this reassuring message given to him; namely, that it was not by might and not by power that things are accomplished.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the top stone with shoutings of Grace, grace, unto it. Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; these are the eyes of Jehovah, which run to and fro through the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:6b-10)

Man is indeed impotent and can accomplish nothing that is worth while by his own power and strength. Especially does this fact become apparent to one who recognizes that there are hosts of evil spirits led by Satan that are constantly opposing everyone endeavoring to serve God. Man in his own strength is unable to cope with the power of Satan and his emissaries. It is only by the Spirit of God that men are able to meet and defeat the enemy and to accomplish that which will advance the cause of the Lord Jesus among men. This great lesson, it seems, was that which Zerubbabel needed above everything else. The Lord Jesus said that apart from Him one can do nothing (John 15:5c). The Apostle Paul declared that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him (Phil. 4:13). May we learn this lesson and depend utterly upon Christ and the Spirit of God.