One of the last Old Testament prophets, Zechariah, began his ministry in 520 BC. It followed the return of the Israelites from exile after the decree of Cyrus II of Persia in about 538 BC.
Despite being back in the land, God’s people were discouraged. The temple foundation had been laid shortly after their return, but strong opposition prevented further progress. There was little evidence of the spiritual renewal anticipated by earlier prophets. The Jews were home again, but Jerusalem was only partially rebuilt and there was no real revival. God seemed absent and faithful obedience felt useless. It was a day of small things.
Zechariah 4
Zechariah’s prophecy includes eight visions. The fifth is that of the golden lampstand and two olive trees. The angel who showed Zechariah the visions awakes him and asks what he sees. He sees ‘a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps’ (Zechariah 4:2).
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