CHAPTER III
THE ANOINTED
(ZECHARIAH, CHAPTER 3)
JEHOVAH'S Priest is his beloved Son Christ Jesus. He acts in the capacity of a sacrificing priest to offer up the members of his body, in which capacity he was foreshadowed by the Aaronic priesthood. He is the royal priest, and in this office he was foreshadowed by Melchizedek, "a priest upon his throne." In due time Jehovah sends forth his Son, the great Priest and Judge, to rule in the midst of his enemies, and at that time says to him: "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath." (Ps. 110:1-5) Christ Jesus acts in the capacity of a sacrificing priest in offering up his body members, and acts in the capacity of the Melchizedek priest in preparing the members of his body for the great war.
"Joshua" is the Old Testament name for Jesus by whom salvation comes from Jehovah, and about which much is said in the third chapter of Zechariah's prophecy, and which relates to God's anointed people. The third chapter of Zechariah's prophecy is explained at some length in Vindication, Book Three, pages 139-152. Since this chapter relates to the preparing of God's remnant for the battle of the great day, further
consideration is here given to it. In this chapter of the prophecy Joshua represents those who have been called to the kingdom, who have responded to the call, and who stand in the presence of Christ Jesus for trial and preparation that the approved ones thereof may have a place in the temple. "Joshua the high priest" represents Christ Jesus, the sacrificing priest, who has brought these who are in a covenant with God by sacrifice up to this point of judgment. Christ Jesus is also in that same picture represented as "the angel of Jehovah", that is to say, "the Messenger of the covenant" and Judge, and who as Jehovah's Priest after the order of Melchizedek must and does conduct the trial of the covenant people of Jehovah, separating the disapproved and bringing into the temple the approved ones and anointing them in order that these approved ones may offer unto Jehovah an offering in righteousness. — Mal. 3:1-3.
The angel that talked with Zechariah (1:9) explained the vision to Zechariah, in these words: "AND HE SHEWED ME JOSHUA THE HIGH PRIEST STANDING BEFORE THE ANGEL OF THE LORD, AND SATAN STANDING AT HIS EIGHT HAND TO RESIST HIM. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, THE LORD REBUKE THEE, O SATAN; EVEN THE LORD THAT HATH CHOSEN JERUSALEM REBUKE THEE: IS NOT THIS A BRAND PLUCKED OUT OF THE FIRE? NOW JOSHUA WAS CLOTHED WITH FILTHY GARMENTS, AND STOOD BEFORE THE ANGEL." — 3 : 1-3.
In this prophecy "Joshua the high priest" means Jesus Christ who has brought "Joshua",
his prospective body members, to the temple before "the angel" of Jehovah, who is the great Judge representing Jehovah, and who there judges "Joshua", the people of God, and determines who shall be made a part of the temple. (Rom. 14:10,12) The adversary, Satan, is shown as the opposer; and the facts show that those who had not a proper heart condition yielded to his influence, were disapproved, and turned aside to join Satan. (Matt. 13:41; 24: 48-51) From that point on "Joshua" pictures in particular the remnant which are approved and anointed. The Lord, as the representative of Jehovah, rebukes Satan and tells him that these who have been faithful up to this point are the remnant and, as such, are as "a brand plucked out of the fire", that is to say, have withstood the refiner's fire and have come through sound and purified. (Mal. 3:1-3) It was a decided rebuke to Satan when he saw Christ Jesus, the great Judge, had judicially determined that some in the covenant had maintained their integrity toward Jehovah and thereby had proved Satan to be a liar.
Joshua had been in Babylon where everything was 'filthy', and necessarily his garments would be spoiled. (Isa. 28:8) At the time of the vision Joshua had escaped from Babylon and was at Jerusalem as a temple builder. In this vision, at this point, Joshua is shown as clothed in filthy garments, and which filth must be taken away at the time that he was approved. (Isa. 4: 3,4) The "refiner's fire" and "fullers' soap" did this
cleansing work. (Mal. 3:2) "The angel of Jehovah," Christ Jesus, the great Judge, now speaks and says: "TAKE AWAY THE FILTHY GARMENTS FROM HIM. AND UNTO HIM HE SAID, BEHOLD, I HAVE CAUSED THINE INIQUITY TO PASS FROM THEE, AND I WILL CLOTHE THEE WITH CHANGE OF RAIMENT." (3:4) Thus is shown the purification of those on trial before the Lord at the temple; and such were given a change of raiment, showing that they were approved for the temple work and brought in and made a part of Jehovah's organization.
In the vision a miter is brought forth. The miter is an ornamental headdress, and the same Hebrew word is translated "diadem". Placed upon the head it would denote that the wearer was assigned to some official position in the organization of the Lord, and hence that he had been anointed. "AND I SAID, LET THEM SET A FAIR MITRE UPON HIS HEAD. SO THEY SET A FAIR MITRE UPON HIS HEAD, AND CLOTHED HIM WITH GARMENTS. AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD STOOD BY." (3:5) This shows that at the temple judgment the approved remnant are brought into the temple, anointed, and assigned to positions of service in the organization of Jehovah. (Job 29:14; Isa. 62: 3) The remnant's being now 'clothed with garments' pictures their being brought under the "robe of righteousness" and identified as members of the capital organization of the Most High. (Isa. 61:10; Ps. 45:8) The Messenger of the covenant, God's angel, "STOOD BY," and this indicates his approval of those whom he brings
into the temple, and signifies that he stands as their shield and support; and this is a rebuke to Satan. Those now brought into the temple, the remnant, need instruction and enlightenment. "AND THE ANGEL OF JEHOVAH [Christ Jesus] PROTESTED UNTO JOSHUA [testified to and instructed the remnant class]." — 3:6, A.R.V.
Those at the temple must now be wholly obedient to Christ, the Greater Moses, and hence Jehovah of hosts speaks to them by his Chief Representative, his Angel: "IF THOU WILT WALK IN MY WAYS, AND IF THOU WILT KEEP MY CHARGE [ORDINANCE, margin; that is, thing to be watched], THEN THOU SHALT ALSO JUDGE MY HOUSE, AND SHALT ALSO KEEP MY COURTS; AND I WILL GIVE THEE PLACES TO WALK AMONG THESE THAT STAND BY." — 3:7.
In this part of the prophecy the remnant class at the temple receive instructions preparing them for service in the organization of Jehovah. These must follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, that is to say, be entirely devoted to Jehovah God. The 'things to be watched' are "whatsoever he shall say unto you" that ye must do. (Acts 3:22,23) Such is the condition precedent that must be met and performed by those that will have a part in the judgment, that is to say, in declaring the judgment of Jehovah against fraudulent "Christendom" and other parts of Satan's organization. It is this honor that Jehovah gives to his faithful ones. (Ps. 149:9) The faithful, therefore, must participate in declaring the judgments of Jehovah against the enemy.
Furthermore Jehovah says to the remnant: "AND SHALT ALSO KEEP MY COURTS"; if they continue faithful. The faithful ones shall never go out of the temple, but 'shall come near to me to minister unto me in my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, and shall keep my charge'. (Ezek. 44:15,16) "Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple." — Ps. 65:4; 84:10; 92: 13; 135: 2,3.
Then says the Lord to the remnant: "AND I WILL GIVE THEE PLACES TO WALK [A PLACE OF ACCESS, R.V.] AMONG THESE THAT STAND BY"; that is to say, with Christ Jesus and his holy organization. Such is the final and everlasting reward of the faithful ones.
Jehovah now speaks to the temple organization, including Christ Jesus, and his body members with him, and the faithful remnant on the earth, and says: "HEAR NOW, 0 JOSHUA THE HIGH PRIEST, THOU AND THY FELLOWS THAT SIT BEFORE THEE: FOR THEY ARE MEN WONDERED AT; FOR BEHOLD, I WILL BRING FORTH MY SERVANT, THE BRANCH." (3:8) These things being written aforetime for the aid and comfort of the remnant while on earth, it is a special privilege to now learn and understand this prophecy. An announcement of special importance is now made; hence attention is specifically directed to it. This very special announcement is that the kingdom of Jehovah is born and that he has
brought into the temple Christ Jesus, "MY SERVANT, THE BRANCH." This, in brief, means that Jehovah has presented Christ Jesus, the Messenger and great Executive Officer, to his temple, and it is therefore "the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ". (Titus 2:13) Those who were once in the covenant for the kingdom but who became heady and self-important have never seen that the Lord Jesus has appeared at the temple of Jehovah. They have rejected this great announcement made in this prophecy by Jehovah, and have allied themselves with Satan and gone into the "evil servant" class. They hold to the traditions of men, and their garments remain filthy; and concerning such the Lord says: "He which is filthy, let him be filthy still." — Rev. 22:11.
"THE BRANCH" is Christ Jesus, the glorious Son and offspring, that is to say, the firstborn, the only begotten Son of Jehovah; and as High Priest he is THE BRANCH of Jehovah. (Isa. 55:3,4) The members of the body of Christ are "branches" of THE BRANCH. — John 15:1-8.
Christ Jesus, the anointed and installed King of Jehovah, is The Stone now mentioned by the prophet, to wit: "FOR, BEHOLD, THE STONE THAT I HAVE LAID BEFORE JOSHUA: UPON ONE STONE SHALL BE SEVEN EYES: BEHOLD, I WILL ENGRAVE THE GRAVING THEREOF, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS, AND I WILL REMOVE THE INIQUITY OF THAT LAND IN ONE DAY." (3: 9) This is the Foundation Stone for the temple, the headstone of the capital or-
ganization of Jehovah God. Jehovah brings forth THE BRANCH and lays The Stone at the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple. (Hag. 2:15; Isa. 28:16; Zech. 4: 7; Ps. 118: 22; Dan. 2:44) The opposers 'dash the foot against this Stone', and the Stone crushes them; but the faithful remnant class (Joshua) joyfully 'come unto the Stone'. (1 Pet. 2:4-8) The laying of this Stone before the Joshua class was done in 1918 by Jehovah, but his faithful people were not informed of it until 1922. (See The Watchtower, 1922, pages 324, 332; 1926, page 310.) When informed of the laying of the Stone it behooves the Joshua class, which is the remnant, to carefully scrutinize it, to "behold thy King". (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5) "Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." (Heb. 3:1) Jehovah calls attention to it because of its great importance to his people in particular, and to all creation in general.
All eyes shall gaze upon this Stone, which Stone abundantly testifies that Jehovah is the Almighty, the Most High, whose name endures eternally. This is pictured by the words "UPON ONE STONE SHALL BE SEVEN [symbolic of all] EYES". The eyes of Jehovah behold that Stone because the Stone is entrusted with the greatest of all tasks, to wit, the vindication of Jehovah's name, which will be done by him at the battle of the great day of God Almighty. Unto Jehovah that Stone is "precious"; and the fact that his eyes are upon it shows that it has his approval and
is fully supported by him. (Zech. 4:10; Ps. 110:5) Jehovah is the one who 'engraves the inscription on the Stone'. (Ex. 39: 6) As Christ Jesus is designated Jehovah's High Priest for ever, he is the Head of the capital organization of the Most High.
Jehovah uses his beloved "Stone" to remove all lawlessness from the universe. "I WILL REMOVE THE INIQUITY OF THAT LAND IN ONE DAY"; and that day is the day which Jehovah has made. (Ps. 118:22-24) In that day and before completely removing all iniquity Jehovah prepares his remnant as a people "for his name" and sends them forth to declare his name and his purpose and thus to inform the peoples of the earth. He first removes all iniquity or workers of lawlessness from his covenant people, thereby cleansing his sanctuary. This he began to do upon the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple, and that must continue until the sanctuary is cleansed and all his servants offer unto him an "offering in righteousness". Then he sends forth Ms clean sanctuary class to offer unto him a continual offering of praise and testimony in righteousness, and when this work is done Jehovah the great God of battle will destroy all iniquity in the earth by the hand of his mighty Executive Officer. "THAT LAND" means primarily the condition of God's covenant people, and from these he removes iniquity and brings them into his sanctuary and under the robe of righteousness.
As a result of removing all iniquity from his covenant people they enter into prosperity. "IN THAT DAY, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS, SHALL YE CALL EVERY MAN HIS NEIGHBOUR UNDER THE VINE AND UNDER THE FIG TREE." (3:10) Those who abide in the land, or condition cleansed from iniquity, call to one another to encourage one another in engaging in the offering of the continual sacrifice of praise to the Most High. (Isa. 12: 4; Heb, 13:15) "IN THAT DAY, SAITH JEHOVAH OF HOSTS, SHALL YE INVITE EVERY MAN HIS NEIGHBOR UNDER THE VINE AND UNDER THE FIG-TREE." — A.R.V.
The timid and lukewarm will specially need such invitation and encouragement. The vine and fig tree are here used as a symbol of peace, security, rest and joy in the favor of the Lord. (1 Ki. 4: 25; Joel 2: 21-23) The fig tree particularly pictures sweetness and good fruit. "The fig tree said unto them, . . . my sweetness, and my good fruit." (Judg. 9:11) The vine more fully pictures kingdom service, which makes glad the heart: "My wine, which cheereth God and man." (Judg. 9:13; John 15:1-8) The Lord is prospering his kingdom service work more since the cleansing of the sanctuary, because the true and faithful ones trust in the Lord and are not offended. 'Under his vine and fig tree' no one shall make them afraid. (Mic. 4:4) Abiding in this condition they are prepared for the battle of the great day of God Almighty.
ENLIGHTENMENT
(ZECHARIAH, CHAPTER 4)
Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones. To all on the outside of the organization of Jehovah his is a secret organization. To Zechariah, meaning the remnant, the angel of the Lord speaks: "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 BIGHT SIDE OF THE BOWL, AND THE OTHER UPON THE LEFT SIDE THEREOF." (4: 2, 3) In this vision the remnant is shown as receiving further or cumulative evidence of the organization of Jehovah and their own work in connection therewith. God's covenant people 'did slumber and sleep' for a time, as indicated by verse one. (Zech. 4:1; Matt. 25:1-5; Rev. 8:1) In 1919 they began to wake up, and some three years later were wide awake; and from that time forward those fully devoted to Jehovah have been able to "see afar off", while others
have indulged in dreaming and have remained in darkness. — Rev. 3:18; 2 Pet. 1:9; Joel 2: 28.
Zechariah saw a golden candlestick, a symbol of enlightenment and joy. The significant part of the vision is that, at the time of its fulfilment, 'the temple of God has been opened in heaven' for the enlightenment of those who are devoted to Jehovah. (Rev. 11:19) The bowl in the top of the candlestick contained the oil which produces the light and symbolizes the anointing by the spirit of God; and then those who had received the anointing could be enlightened concerning the "deep things" not before that time discernible; as it is written: "But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit: for the spirit searcheth [revealeth] all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Cor. 2:10) "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him," (1 John 2: 27) The "SEVEN PIPES TO THE SEVEN LAMPS" is a symbol of the perfect channel of imparting the anointing and the enlightenment. The "SEVEN LAMPS" impart complete spiritual light. The candlestick in its entirety pictures the organization and witness work for the enlightenment of all who devote themselves to Jehovah and learn of his purpose and his kingdom. The vision of the golden candlestick is a prophecy to Jehovah's witnesses at the present
time, and which is now being fulfilled to their joy in the Lord.
The two olive trees on either side of the bowls picture Jehovah's remnant people, that is to say, the faithful witnesses. "THESE ARE THE TWO ANOINTED ONES THAT STAND BY THE LORD OF THE WHOLE EARTH." (4:14) That these picture Jehovah's witnesses is corroborated by Revelation 11: 3,4. The facts show that there are two parts of Jehovah's witnesses receiving the anointing of Jehovah, to wit, (1) those found faithful at the time of the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple for judgment, and which are represented by Mordecai (Esther 2:5) and Naomi (Ruth 1:2), and which class doubtless received the anointing in 1922; and (2) those who afterwards came to the Lord and were chosen and anointed, and which class is pictured by Esther and Ruth. Being all of one "tree" family (olive), they all really form one class, to wit, the remnant, the witnesses of Jehovah, all doing one thing, to wit, bearing the illuminating message of the Lord to those who desire to know Jehovah and his kingdom. All are looking after the "goods" or kingdom interests and constitute the two-talent and five-talent servants, to wit, the "faithful and wise servant". (Matt. 25:14-23; 24: 45-47) They have oil in themselves because they are 'partakers of the root of the fatness of the olive tree'. — Rom. 11:17, R.V.
Jehovah's anointed, pictured by Zechariah, inquire: "WHAT ARE THESE [things], MY LORD?" showing that they seek the divine interpretation
of God's Word and do not seek the conclusion of men, nor rely upon the dreams of men. The angel said to Zechariah: "KNOWEST THOU NOT WHAT THESE BE? AND I SAID, No, MY LORD." (4:4,5) God's covenant people, here pictured by Zechariah, could not know until the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple. The fact that the prophecy relates to the temple and shows an intimacy between Zechariah and the angel proves that the angels of the Lord at the temple are used to enlighten and comfort the anointed ones and to bring them refreshing truths. Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose.
Note in this connection that the angel has a proper appreciation of his place in the organization. A man who thinks himself wise and important would say: "I will tell you, because I am learned and I am on the inside." The angel did not speak of his own private interpretation or teaching, but he gave Jehovah God all the credit. "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." (4:6) The great lesson here is to honor and glorify Jehovah, who by his power accomplishes his purposes and spreads the feast for his people. This gives strength of faith to the people of God, and they are not in doubt as to whether they are following in the right course or not. Those who follow the teachings of men and give
glory to man are not enlightened, and hence are not taught of God. The remnant should take notice of these and avoid such.
At most, the earthly remnant possess a very email amount of might and power or wealth, but their lack of these should not cause them discouragement. They can accomplish nothing except by the spirit of God. The candlestick and the olive trees teach the very same lesson. Jehovah's witnesses now give forth the light of Jehovah only because they are in his organization and have his spirit. The real power causing them to bear testimony is "the golden oil" (verse 12), which is the spirit of Jehovah. It is Jehovah's testimony which he has committed to Christ Jesus, who in turn has committed a part thereof to his faithful remnant. (Rev. 12:17) The temple cannot be completed in its entirety until the witness work is completed, because it is participating in this witness work that edifies and builds up the temple class and proves who is faithful unto the end.
The self-important, self-centered "elective elders" assume a ridiculous position by trying to hinder the forward progress of the witness work, which is an attempt to stop the building of the temple preparatory to the great day of battle. Such opposers are pictured by the religious hybrids, the Samaritans, who claimed to be God's people; and which opposers now make a like claim but in fact are supporters of Satan's organization. The angel of the Lord says unto the opposers: "WHO ART THOU, O GREAT MOUN-
TAIN? BEFORE ZERUBBABEL THOU SHALT BECOME A PLAIN: AND HE SHALL BRING FORTH THE HEADSTONE THEREOF WITH SHOUTINGS, CRYING, GRACE, GRACE, UNTO IT." — 4: 7.
A class of religionists, foreshadowed by the people of Samaria, set up an organization which opposes God's organization and its work on earth, and this opposing organization gives honor to a man or men and follows the teachings of a man, and not the teachings of the Lord, and by thus doing they commit "the sin of Samaria". (Amos 8:14) These make themselves a part of Babylon, which is Satan's organization. This class has been saying and still says: "There has been no truth in The Watchtower since the death of its original editor, and no revealed truth since that time." This declaration is a presumptuous insult to Jehovah. The Lord ironically addresses these boasters as a "great mountain", that is to say, great in their own estimation. They oppose the Greater Zerubbabel, Christ Jesus, the builder of the temple. In his organization are his faithful members which are the remnant now on earth, because they are of the anointed temple class and are temple builders; and this the "great mountain" opposes. The prophecy declares that this boasting "GREAT MOUNTAIN" shall become before Zerubbabel, Christ Jesus, a "plain", meaning it is to be brought down flat. To his great temple builder, Christ Jesus, Jehovah says: "Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth [Roth., a new pointed threshing
sledge owning teeth]; thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small [Roth., crush them], and shalt make the hills [highest portions] as chaff." — Isa. 41:15; 40:4.
The head stone of the temple is Christ Jesus. The prophecy positively declares it shall be brought forth. This took place at the final laying of the "head stone of the corner" at the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple for judgment in 1918. (Ps. 118: 22; Isa. 28:16) He was then presented by Jehovah as earth's rightful King. The body members of Christ on earth are used to bring this information to the attention of others. The faithful witnesses bring the information "WITH THUNDERING SHOUTS", and this really began in 1922, at the general convention, when the thousands, assembled together, discerned the King had come to his temple, and rose and shouted, crying out: "Advertise the King and the kingdom"; and since then they have continued to shout fearlessly and with joy give the testimony. — Isa. 12:6; Zech. 9:9.
Jehovah gave grace and glory to the Stone, and his witnesses so declare: "Thou art fairer than the children of men; grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever." (Ps. 45:2) "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Ps. 84:11) The faithful remnant admire the Stone as the fairest of all creation, being altogether lovely, the grandest ruler the world will ever have. They do not glorify
man and give man credit, but because God has honored his beloved Son his witnesses cry out in honor to the Son: "BEAUTIFUL! BEAUTIFUL!" and say: "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of Jehovah: we have blessed you out of the house of Jehovah," because you are the greatest of all builders. (Ps. 118:26, A.R.V.) Such is admiration of Jehovah's workmanship done and provided for the vindication of his name; and hence credit is given to the Most High. — John 5: 23; 2 Thess. 1:10.
Jehovah will use his anointed to accomplish his purposes regardless of all opposition, and his positive assurance thereof is stated by his prophet thus: "THE HANDS OF ZERUBBABEL HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THIS HOUSE, HIS HANDS SHALL ALSO FINISH IT ; AND THOU [the remnant] SHALT KNOW THAT THE LORD OF HOSTS HATH SENT ME UNTO YOU." (4:9) In the spring of 535 B. C. Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the temple. (Ezra 3:8-10) Sixteen years later Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the temple anew. (Hag. 2:18) Thus it was done successfully despite all opposition. Christ Jesus, the builder of the temple of Jehovah, uses his small number to represent him on the earth and to begin the Elisha work after coming to the temple for judgment ; and having begun it, he will finish it regardless of all opposition. (Phil. 1:6) He is no respecter of persons, but will permit those, and those only, to have a part in the temple building who are wholly devoted to Jehovah and who are obedient to Jehovah's great Prophet. In due
time he will finish the work. (Ezra 5:1, 2; 6: 14,15) This work Christ Jesus does to vindicate Jehovah's name, and in this the remnant will be in full unity with him. — John 17: 21-23; Eph. 4: 12-14.
As Goliath despised the smallness of the man David, who came to fight him (1 Sam. 17:22-51), even so Satan and all of his cohorts despise the smallness and the allied equipment of God's organization on the earth. Satan and all of his crowd despise Jehovah's organization, and many who think themselves to be in present truth, but who are of "the synagogue of Satan", also oppose. (Rev. 3:9) These speak with contempt, despising the small remnant, who in fact are small in number and in physical and financial strength. They fail to take into account that not by wealth, or power or influence is the work done, but by the spirit of God. It pleases God to call the "despised" for his service. — 1 Cor. 1:28.
Shall these despisers see and rejoice? They shall see the result of the Lord's work, but they will not rejoice. "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." (4:10, A.R.V.) This text clearly means that the perfect eyes of the Lord shall see the temple progress to completion; hence those perfect eyes blaze with delight. Jehovah knows that he will have a small faithful class on earth that
will maintain their integrity unto the completion of the temple and the vindication of his name, and this rejoices his heart and the heart of Christ Jesus. These seven eyes of the Lord run to and fro beholding the work in progress and seeing the accomplishment thereof. (Deut. 11:12; 2 Chron. 16: 9; 1 Ki. 8: 29) In the Authorized Version the preposition "WITH" is a supplied word, hence the text does not mean that Zerubbabel has both the plummet and also the seven eyes in his hand. The 'seven eyes' are Jehovah's eyes or complete vision beholding the plummet in the hand of the great Builder, and it rejoices him that his anointed will vindicate his name.
After receiving the explanation through the angel of the Lord, Zechariah again asked the meaning of the "TWO OLIVE TREES" upon each side of the candlestick, and of the "TWO OLIVE BRANCHES, WHICH THROUGH THE TWO GOLDEN PIPES [EMPTIED] THE GOLDEN OIL OUT OF THEMSELVES". (4: 11,12) His repeating the inquiry shows the Zechariah class searching God's Word in the light of the facts well known, desiring to understand the prophecy. The candlestick seems to represent the light-disseminating organization of Jehovah on earth, and this conclusion is supported by the words of Jesus: "Repent, and do the first works; or else I ... will remove thy candlestick." (Rev. 2: 5) This pictures those of the 'wise virgin' class having the oil in their vessels; and they put it into their lamps, when going out to "meet the Bridegroom". (Matt. 25:
7-9) As "trees of righteousness", and living because 'planted by rivers of waters', these keep their lamps lighted and alive and burning. A miracle here appears, in this: The olive oil is generally obtained by crushing the fruit; but in this instance it is taken from the trunk of the tree. This is the way these "trees of righteousness" hold forth the fruit of the kingdom. They pipe the oil directly into the light-bearing organization and use it there to the honor of Jehovah and his King. "The olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God?" — Judg. 9:9.
The prophet told the angel he did not know the meaning thereof, and the angel answered: "THESE ARE THE TWO ANOINTED ONES, THAT STAND BY THE LORD OF THE WHOLE EARTH." (4: 13, 14) These are the two leading prophets in the building of the temple, namely, Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel, which show Christ Jesus in the position both as a sacrificing Priest and as the great Executive Officer of Jehovah God, and Builder of the temple. As such he stands for Jehovah, the God of the whole earth. All of his anointed body members stand with him and enjoy great peace and consolation, because all have part in the vindication of Jehovah's name.
