p. 20 | A New Interpretation

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 10, 1912

A New Interpretation

THAT wisdom has not yet perished from the earth is evident from the latest interpretation of the two olive-trees mentioned by the prophet Zechariah. A writer who places “D. D.” (Delightful Dreamer?) after his name indulges his imagination after this manner:—

“What were the two olive-trees or two candlesticks standing before the Lord, in Zechariah? They are explained to be the two anointed ones of God; in other words, Zerubbabel, the representative of the civil power which God had appointed, and Joshua, the high priest, head of the ecclesiastical power, which was also of divine appointment. These two elements make up theocracy, through which God revealed himself and carried out his plans. Moses and Aaron together represented the same thing, both the civil and the ecclesiastical powers of God. Elijah was intimately and vitally concerned with affairs of both church and state in a crucial age, reproving and instructing both prophets and kings. Jesus represented every interest involved in affairs both civil and ecclesiastical. In him all godly interest headed up; in him was plenteous redemption for the perfect restoration of all involved in a perfect state and a perfect church. You remember that Jesus said: ‘I found my church.’ You will also remember that the powers of the church are ‘ordained of God.’”

“The church and the state! These are the two mediums through which God makes known his will; the two channels through which he communicates himself; the two agencies through which he executes his will. These are his two witnesses.”

This absolutely original exegesis is printed in the Golden Age (Atlanta, Ga.) of Sept. 26, 1912. It shows to what dire straits those are driven who wish to unite religion and the state.