1. What exciting prospect lay ahead for the Jewish exiles?
The emotion was breathed in the atmosphere. Jehovah had just stirred up “the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia” to free the Israelites, who had been held captive in Babylon for decades. The king issued a decree for the Jews to return to their land and rebuild “the house of the Lord, the God of Israel” (Ezra 1:1, note, 3). What exciting news! At last the worship of the true God was to be restored in the land that he had given to his people.
2. What did the exiles do as soon as they arrived in Jerusalem?
In the year 537 before our era, the first exiles arrived in Jerusalem, which had been the capital of Judah, the southern kingdom. As soon as they arrived, they began to work, and by the year 536 they had already laid the foundations of the temple.
3. What opposition did the Jews face?
But soon after work began on the temple, strong opposition arose. The surrounding towns began to discourage the Jews and demoralize them "so that they would not continue with the rebuilding" (Ezra 4:4). The situation was already bad, but it was still going to get worse. In the year 522 before our era, a new Persian king, Artaxerxes, came to the throne. * Opponents saw this as an opportunity to stop the works once and for all by “creating trouble in the name of the law” (Ps. 94:20). Among other things, they accused the Jews of planning a rebellion against King (Ezra 4:11-16). Artaxerxes believed his lies and forbade the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 4:17-23). So the works that brought so much joy to the exiles were interrupted (Ezra 4:24).
4. What did Jehovah do when the rebuilding of the temple was prohibited? (Isaiah 55:11).
Neighboring peoples who did not worship Jehovah and some of the Persian government were determined to stop the rebuilding work on the temple. But Jehovah was determined that they go ahead, and he always achieves what he sets out to do (read Isaiah 55:11). What did he do then? He named Zechariah a prophet and gave him eight exciting visions. This brave prophet had to tell them to the Jews to encourage them. Thanks to these visions, they would understand that they did not have to fear their opponents and that they should continue with the work that Jehovah had asked them to do. In the fifth vision, Zacharias saw a lampstand and two olive trees.
5. What are we going to analyze in this article?
Zechariah's fifth vision greatly encouraged the Israelites of his day. Nowadays, we all get discouraged sometimes. Therefore, discussing this vision can help us serve Jehovah faithfully when we experience opposition, when we face changes, or when we receive instructions that we do not understand.
WHEN WE SUFFER OPPOSITION
6. How did the vision of Zechariah 4:1-3 give courage to the Jews? (See cover drawing.)
(Read Zechariah 4:1-3). The sight of the lampstand and the two olive trees gave the Jews the courage to face opposition. Why? In the vision it is seen that the oil produced by the two olive trees is collected in a bowl which, in turn, feeds the seven lamps of the lampstand. Thanks to this constant supply of oil, the lamps in the chandelier never go out. Zechariah asks the angel: “What do these things represent, my lord?” And he answers with a message from Jehovah: “'Neither with a military force nor with power, but with my spirit,' says Jehovah of armies” (Zech. 4:4, 6). The oil from the trees represented Jehovah's mighty holy spirit, which never ends. Compared to the power of God's spirit, the military forces of the Persian Empire were nothing. With Jehovah on their side, those working to rebuild the temple would be able to withstand any opposition and finish the job. What an encouraging message! All they had to do was trust Jehovah and get back to work. And that's just what they did, even though it was still banned.
ILLUSTRATION:
In a vision, Zechariah saw a lampstand with seven lamps receiving oil from two olive trees. (See paragraph 6).
7. What unexpected turn favored the Jews?
Suddenly, the situation took an unexpected turn that favored the Jews. In the year 520 BC, a new king, Darius I, ruled Persia. During his second year of reign, he discovered that the ban on rebuilding the temple was illegal, so he gave permission for the work to be completed (Ezra 6 :1-3). That news alone was surprising, but something else happened. The king ordered the neighboring towns to stop hindering the Jews and also to give them the money and materials they needed (Ezra 6:7-12). As a result, the Jews completed the temple in just over four years, in 515 BC (Ezra 6:15).
8. Why can you be brave in the face of opposition?
Many of Jehovah's servants today also experience opposition. Some live in places where our work is restricted. There they can be arrested and “brought before governors and kings”, and this serves as a testimony to them (Matt. 10:17, 18). Sometimes a change of government can improve your situation. Or a reasonable judge may make a decision that favors the play. Other Witnesses face a different kind of opposition. They live in a country where there is freedom to worship Jehovah, but they have relatives who try their best to stop them (Matt. 10:32-36). In many cases, when these relatives realize that their efforts are for nothing, they stop resisting. And some who were once violently opposed eventually become zealous Witnesses. Therefore, do not give in to the opposition. Be brave. You have Jehovah and his mighty holy spirit, so you have nothing to fear!
ILLUSTRATION:
A brother in prison imagines a candlestick with seven lamps receiving oil from two olive trees.
Trust in Jehovah's power in the face of opposition. (See paragraph 8).
WHEN WE ARE FACING SOME CHANGE
9. Why were some Jews sad when the foundation for the new temple was laid?
When the foundation for the new temple was laid, some of the older Jews burst into tears (Ezra 3:12). As they had seen the great temple built by Solomon, they were filled with great sadness because it seemed to them that the new one was insignificant compared to the other (Haggai 2:2, 3). How might Zechariah's vision help them regain their joy?
10. How did the words of the angel that we read at Zechariah 4:8-10 help the Jews to regain their joy?
(Read Zechariah 4:8-10). What was the angel referring to when he said that the Jews would be overjoyed and see the plumb line in the hand of the Jewish governor Zerubbabel? The plumb line is a construction tool that lets you know if something is completely vertical. Thus, the angel was assuring God's people that, as simple as the temple seemed to some, it would be finished and meet Jehovah's requirements. And if Jehovah was going to be happy with him, why shouldn't they be? For God, the important thing was that in the new temple they adored him as he wanted. So if the Jews concentrated on worshiping him as he wanted and getting his approval, they would get their joy back from him.
11. What changes do some servants of Jehovah find difficult to face?
Many of us find it difficult to face changes. Some who have been in one area of special full-time service for a long time have received a change of assignment. Others may have had to give up a responsibility that they liked very much due to age. In these cases it is natural to feel sad. Perhaps at first we do not understand the reason for the decision or agree with it. Maybe we miss how things were before. And we may get discouraged thinking that we will be less useful to Jehovah (Prov. 24:10). Let's see how Zechariah's vision can help us continue to give God the best of ourselves.
12. How does Zechariah's vision help us not to be discouraged by changing circumstances?
One thing that will help us cope better with changes is to see things as Jehovah sees them. He is doing great things today, and we have the immense honor of collaborating with him (1 Cor. 3:9). Our responsibilities may change, but Jehovah's love for us does not. So if a change in the organization affects you personally, don't be left wondering why the change happened. Instead of missing "the old days," ask God to help you see the positive aspects of the new situation (Eccl. 7:10). Don't think about what you can't do anymore, but about all the things you can do. Zechariah's vision teaches us how important it is to maintain a positive attitude in order to remain happy and faithful even when circumstances change.
ILLUSTRATION:
An older brother in a hospital bed reads the Bible and imagines a plumb line.
See the changes with a positive attitude. (See paragraphs 11 and 12). *
WHEN IT IS HARD TO FOLLOW SOME INSTRUCTIONS
13. Why might some Jews think that going back to rebuilding the temple was a bad decision?
Although rebuilding the temple was still prohibited, the men who led the people—high priest Jeshua (Joshua) and governor Zerubbabel—“went back to rebuilding the house of God” (Ezra 5:1, 2). It may have seemed like a bad decision to some Jews, because the works could not be hidden and their enemies would do everything possible to prevent it. Joshua and Zerubbabel, who were the two responsible men, needed to know that they had Jehovah's support. And Jehovah gave them what they needed. Let's see how.
14. What did the words at Zechariah 4:12, 14 assure high priest Joshua and governor Zerubbabel?
(Read Zechariah 4:12, 14). In this part of the vision, the angel reveals to God's faithful prophet that the two olive trees represent "the two anointed ones": Joshua and Zerubbabel. These two men are said to be figuratively “standing beside the Lord of all the earth,” Jehovah. This place of honor demonstrates the great confidence that Jehovah has in them. So the other Jews have every reason to trust their decisions, because Jehovah is using them to guide the people.
15. How do we show that we respect the guidance that Jehovah gives us in his Word?
One way Jehovah continues to guide his people today is through his Word, the Bible. In it, he tells us how he wants us to worship him. And how do we show that we respect the guidance he gives us in his holy Word? Taking time to read it carefully and understand it. Ask yourself, “When I read the Bible or one of our publications, do I stop and reflect on what I am reading? Do I investigate biblical truths that are 'hard to understand'? Or do I just read the information above?” (2 Pet. 3:16). If we take time to reflect on what Jehovah teaches us, we can follow his guidance and fulfill our ministry. —1 Tim. 4:15, 16.
16. What will help us follow the instructions of the “faithful and wise slave” if we do not fully understand them?
Another way Jehovah guides his people is through the “faithful and wise slave” (Matt. 24:45). Sometimes the slave may give us instructions that we don't fully understand. For example, we may receive very specific instructions for surviving a natural disaster that we think is unlikely to occur in our area. Or perhaps we feel that the slave is being too cautious during a pandemic. So what should we do if we think that the instructions we receive are impractical? Perhaps we should remember how the Jews benefited from following the instructions they received through Joshua and Zerubbabel. We could also think of other Bible stories we have read. How many times did God's servants receive instructions that seemed impractical from a human standpoint but ultimately saved their lives! (Judges 7:7; 8:10).
ILLUSTRATION:
A sister watches a JW Broadcasting program and imagines Zerubbabel and Joshua giving instructions to the Israelites to rebuild the temple.
Trust the instructions you receive from the "faithful and wise slave." (See paragraph 16).
SEE WHAT ZACARIAS SAW
17. What effect did the vision of the lampstand and the two olive trees have on the Jews?
Zechariah's fifth vision may have been brief, but it made the Jews take a fresh look at their work and their worship. And when they applied what they learned from what Zechariah saw, they felt that Jehovah lovingly supported and guided them. With his mighty holy spirit, Jehovah helped them to continue the works and regain their joy.—Ezra 6:16.
18. What effect will Zechariah's vision have on you?
The vision of the candlestick and the two olive trees can have a very positive influence on your life. As we have discussed, it will give you strength in the face of opposition, joy in facing changing circumstances, and confidence in obeying instructions you may not understand. And so what should you do when you have problems in life? First of all, look at what Zechariah saw, the evidence that Jehovah is taking care of his people. And then he acts according to what he sees: trust in Jehovah and continue to worship him with all his heart (Matt. 22:37). In this way, Jehovah will help you to serve him joyfully forever.—Col. 1:10, 11.
HOW DOES ZECHARIAH'S VISION HELP US IN THESE SITUATIONS?
When we are opposed
Many of Jehovah's servants today also experience opposition. Some live in places where our work is restricted. Other Witnesses face a different kind of opposition. They live in a country where there is freedom to worship Jehovah, but they have relatives who try in every way to stop them, do not give in to opposition. Be brave. You have Jehovah and his mighty holy spirit, so you have nothing to fear!
When we face some change.
One thing that will help us cope better with changes is to see things as Jehovah sees them. He is doing great things today, and we have the immense honor of collaborating with him. Our responsibilities may change, but Jehovah's love for us does not.
When we receive instructions.
Sometimes the slave may give us instructions that we don't fully understand. For example, we may receive very specific instructions for surviving a natural disaster that we think is unlikely to occur in our area. Perhaps we should remember how the Jews benefited from following the instructions they received through Joshua and Zerubbabel. We could also think of other Bible stories we have read.
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