1The Messenger-Angel again called me to attention. It was like being wakened out of deep sleep.
2He said, "What do you see?" I answered, "I see a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top. Seven lamps, each with seven spouts, are set on the bowl.
3And there are two olive trees, one on either side of the bowl."
4Then I asked the Messenger-Angel, "What does this mean, sir?"
5The Messenger-Angel said, "Can't you tell?" "No, sir," I said. Then he said,
6"This is God's Message to Zerubbabel: 'You can't force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,' says God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
7'So, big mountain, who do you think you are? Next to Zerubbabel you're nothing but a molehill. He'll proceed to set the Cornerstone in place, accompanied by cheers: Yes! Yes! Do it!' "
8After that, the Word of God came to me:
9"Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you.
10Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They'll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place!" Going back to the vision, the Messenger-Angel said, "The seven lamps are the eyes of God probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights."
11"And the two olive trees on either side of the lampstand?" I asked. "What's the meaning of them?
12And while you're at it, the two branches of the olive trees that feed oil to the lamps—what do they mean?"
13He said, "You haven't figured that out?" I said, "No, sir."
14He said, "These are the two who stand beside the Master of the whole earth and supply golden lamp oil worldwide."