4:1   The angel who explained the visions woke me from what seemed like sleep.

4:2   Then 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.

4:3   One olive tree is on the right side and another on the left of the oil container.

4:4   But, sir, what do these mean?"

4:5   Then he asked, "Don't you know?" "No sir," I replied.

4:6   So the angel explained that it was the following message of the LORD to Zerubbabel: I am the LORD All-Powerful. So don't depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit.

4:7   Zerubbabel, that mountain in front of you will be leveled to the ground. Then you will bring out the temple's most important stone and shout, "God has been very kind."

4:8   The LORD spoke to me again and said:

4:9   Zerubbabel 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.

4:10   Those who have made fun of this day of small beginnings will celebrate when they see Zerubbabel holding this important stone. Those seven lamps represent my eyes--the eyes of the LORD--and they see everything on this earth.

4:11   Then I asked the angel, "What about the olive trees on each side of the lampstand? What do they represent?

4:12   And what is the meaning of the two branches from which golden olive oil flows through the two gold pipes?"

4:13   "Don't you know?" he asked. "No sir, I don't," was my answer.

4:14   Then he told me, "These branches are the two chosen leaders who stand beside the Lord of all the earth."