[1] The angel who explained the visions woke me from what seemed like sleep. [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. [3] One olive tree is on the right side and another on the left of the oil container. [4] But, sir, what do these mean?" [5] Then he asked, "Don't you know?" "No sir," I replied. [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. [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." [8] The LORD spoke to me again and said: [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. [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. [11] Then I asked the angel, "What about the olive trees on each side of the lampstand? What do they represent? [12] And what is the meaning of the two branches from which golden olive oil flows through the two gold pipes?" [13] "Don't you know?" he asked. "No sir, I don't," was my answer. [14] Then he told me, "These branches are the two chosen leaders who stand beside the Lord of all the earth."
