Joe: Alright, so what’s happening in this chapter?

Bible Expert: Well, Joe, in Zechariah 4, the prophet Zechariah has a vision in which he is shown a golden lampstand. The angel who is showing him the vision tells him to pay attention to the seven lamps on the lampstand, which represent the seven eyes of the Lord.

Joe: Seven eyes?

Jamie: (from the background) Hold on Joe, let me Google this real quick.

Bible Expert: Sure, it’s a metaphor for God’s omniscience. He sees all that is happening and all that will happen.

Joe: Alright, got it. So what else?

Bible Expert: Then Zechariah is shown a golden container full of oil with a spout, which is connected to the lampstand. The angel tells Zechariah that the two olive trees alongside the lampstand provide the oil for it and that it will never cease to be lit.

Joe: What does that mean?

Bible Expert: It’s a metaphor for the never-ending presence of God in the world. The oil is a symbol of his Spirit and the lampstand is a representation of the Church, which is to be the light of the world. The angel tells Zechariah that the vision means that God will be with his people and that they will be successful in their endeavors.