These Two Olive Trees

After their Babylonian captivity (Jer 25:12), Israel’s remnants were led by Zerubbabel (Ez 2:2), to begin the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem and God’s temple (v. 9). Zechariah reminded them that this project could not be accomplished by their own might or power, but by the Spirit of God almighty (v. 6)! The olive tree symbolizes the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Jdg 9:8), as the oil from the olives is used for the holy anointing (Ex 29:7). Zechariah’s vision of the “two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof” are seen as supplying the “pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually” (Lev 24:2).

 They also represent the governor Zerubbabel (v. 10), and “Joshua the high priest” (Zech 3:1). The process by which the olives are “beaten” (Ex 27:20), to extract the pure oil for the light, signify the suffering of our Saviour when “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted” (Isa 53:7); He was also “scourged” (Mt 27:26), and “the servants did strike Him with the palms of their hands” (Mk 14:65)! They did this prior to His crucifixion and death on the cross (Lk 23:33), so that the Comforter, “even the Spirit of truth” (Jn 14:17), can be poured out on the early church, 10 days after Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:11), on “the day of Pentecost” (Acts 2:1).

This is a wonderful picture of Jesus as the olive tree, and the Holy Spirit being poured out as the pure olive oil! It’s not a coincidence that Jesus agonized in prayer “unto a place called Gethsemane” (Mt 26:36). Because that name means olive press and a place surrounded by olive trees. As God’s children (Jn 1:12), His Spirit dwells in us (Rom 8:9). Let us allow the oil of His grace to fill us (Eph 5:18), so we can continually keep our lights (Mt 5:14), shining bright! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera