Fifth vision: a lampstand and olive trees

1The angel who explained the visions woke me from what seemed like sleep. 2Then he asked, “What do you see?”

“A solid gold lampstand with an oil container above it,” I answered. “On the stand are seven lamps, each with seven flames. 3One olive tree is on the right side and another on the left of the oil container.4.3: Rev 11.4. 4But, sir, what do these mean?”

5Then he asked, “Don't you know?”

“No sir,” I replied.

6So the angel explained that it was the following message of the LORD to Zerubbabel:4.6 Zerubbabel: Governor of Judah (see Haggai 1.1).4.6: Ezra 5.2.

I am the LORD All-Powerful. So don't depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit. 7Zerubbabel, that mountain in front of you will be levelled to the ground. Then you will bring out the temple's most important stone and shout, “God has been very kind.”4.7 God…kind: Or “What a beautiful stone.”

8The LORD spoke to me again and said:

9Zerubbabel laid the foundation for the temple, and he will complete it. Then everyone will know that you were sent by me, the LORD All-Powerful. 10Those who have made fun of this day of small beginnings will celebrate when they see Zerubbabel holding this important stone.4.10 important stone: Or “measuring line (with a stone attached to the end)”.4.10: Rev 5.6.

Those seven lamps represent my eyes—the eyes of the LORD—and they see everything on this earth.

11Then I asked the angel, “What about the olive trees on each side of the lampstand? What do they represent?4.11: Rev 11.4. 12And what is the meaning of the two branches from which golden olive oil4.12 golden olive oil: The Hebrew text has “gold”, which possibly refers to the colour of the olive oil as it flows through the gold pipe. flows through the two gold pipes?”

13“Don't you know?” he asked.

“No sir, I don't,” was my answer.

14Then he told me, “These branches are the two chosen leaders4.14 chosen leaders: The Hebrew text has “people of oil”. In ancient times prophets, priests, and kings had olive oil poured over their heads to show that they had been chosen (see 1 Samuel 10.1; 16.13). who stand beside the Lord of all the earth.”