And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.
The verse records the angel asking whether the meaning of the symbols is known, and the prophet honestly confessing that he does not know what the olive trees, branches and pipes are. The symbols point to the two anointed ones who stand in God's presence as heavenly messengers keeping constant communication with earth and emptying golden oil through the pipes into the lamps. That golden oil is the Holy Spirit, the grace and love of God poured into cleansed human hearts to keep their light burning. The work therefore advances not by human might, talent or activity but by God's Spirit alone, received only in vessels emptied of self and purified for His use. Those who are thus filled must impart what they receive, seeking fresh supply by believing prayer and passing on light and blessing to others so the world is enlightened.
Vision's Words and Setting
The exchange records the angel asking whether the prophet knows what these things are, and the prophet answering that he does not know, calling him my lord. What he confesses he does not understand are the two olive trees, the two olive branches, the golden pipes, and the other figures and symbols of the vision. Their identity is given in what follows, where they are declared to be the two anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth. The candlestick setting makes the need for explanation plain, for the lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, while the golden oil supplying the sanctuary lamps is the Holy Spirit continually given so that ministers can serve the church in inner purity, clean heart, and holiness.
The meaning is not self-evident, so the prophet's admission leads him to ask the angel for explanation and to continue inquiring until it is given. Understanding must come by divine teaching received and acted upon, and not be hindered by selfishness, self-sufficiency, ambitious devising, or by confusing influences that put stumbling blocks before those who would come to understanding of the truth. When so understood, with workers emptied of self and controlled by the Holy Spirit in cooperation with heavenly angels, the messengers empty the golden oil through the tubes to fill the bowls and supply every church whose lamps are going out, so that bright light penetrates moral darkness and an advance work is done for those hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
The visions belong to the time when the returned exiles were anxious that permission to rebuild Jerusalem might be withdrawn, and they were given to encourage them with a revelation of God's compassion and love. The chapter continues the instruction of Zechariah 3 concerning Joshua the high priest, the bringing forth of the Servant the BRANCH, and the removal of iniquity in one day. That experience is acted over again when people who have transgressed greatly but have repented, humbled themselves before God, confessed to the sin-pardoning Saviour, and received pardon are reproached and accused by unpardoned people prompted by Satan to tantalize the truly repentant. Chapters 3 and 4 are therefore to be carefully studied as essential for the last days, because chapter 4 presents in figure the encouragement that strength not of one's own is available, since God's sacred work is accomplished not by human might nor by human power but by His Spirit. Chapter 4 stands with Habakkuk 2 and Zephaniah as a faint description of events that will become a living reality.
The question is addressed to God's commandment-keeping people, the church militant waiting and watching for the Son of Man to come in the clouds of heaven, whom God loves and keeps as precious as the apple of His eye. It asks whether they know their privileges, whether they have faith in God, and whether they have a living connection with God. It calls them to sense His love as morning light in their midst, feeding each lamp with the golden oil of His grace and His love. The ground of that call is that the Lord is their shield, strength, and sufficiency, so they shall not be moved.
Identity of Anointed Ones
The two olive branches and the two olive trees are the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth, standing before God in His presence. The prophet's confession that he does not know what they are when asked, Knowest thou not what these be, opens the revelation of their identity and office. The verse is to be studied verse by verse because it plainly sets forth the features of the work in which God's people are engaged, teaching that power and efficiency are not in men themselves but are received from a higher source. All brought into connection with God in this work will be pure and holy, receiving the holy oil from the heavenly messengers to impart to fellow men.
The anointed ones are heavenly messengers and holy ones surrounding God's throne and standing in God's presence, through whom holy grace is communicated to people consecrated to God's service. By them the Lord keeps up a constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth, pouring holy oil from heaven in the messages of His Spirit. They minister the heavenly supply to preachers so that preachers can minister it to others, and their words carry God's message to the people while the Spirit convicts unbelievers and meets the soul's needs. The golden oil they give is bestowed on those emptied of self who call on Jesus' name and accept Him as personal Saviour, whose blood cleanses from all sin and whose presence as Intercessor and Advocate makes the prayers of the penitent accepted with sins blotted out. Shepherds whose words are destitute of the dew and rain of heaven show that the anointed ones have not ministered to them.
They empty the golden oil out of themselves through the two golden pipes and tubes into the bowl of the golden candlestick, and from this the lamps of the sanctuary are fed to give a bright, continuous light. When they empty themselves through the golden pipes the oil flows into the golden bowls and then flows forth into the lamps, which are the churches, that the churches may let the light shine forth in glorious brightness. The lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, the churches are the golden lamps that hold the treasure of oil and disperse light, and the golden bowls represent the hearts of God's living messengers and His churches. The lamps and burning lights represent His churches, and no church or messenger can shine amid moral darkness until oil and fire, the grace and love and glory of God, are first received from Christ the Source of all light. This receiving from heaven and giving to others is the work of every true devoted servant, received through soul consecration purified from all selfishness, pride, and impurity.
From them the fullness of divine light and love and power is imparted to His people to keep the soul's lamp burning, that they may impart to others light and joy and refreshing. Those thus enriched are to enrich others with the treasure of God's love, receiving fresh supplies and passing them on in unity with Christ in serving and saving souls to bring joy and blessing. The trees before God pouring golden oil through tubes into the sanctuary bowl, where it feeds the lamps so they shine continually, picture anointed ones through whom divine light, love, and power are given to God's people, who in turn share light, joy, and refreshment with the world and enlighten it. The oil sustains the church's lamps for the work of bringing sinners to new birth.
Meaning of Golden Oil
The golden oil is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God flowing from the divine source into human vessels cleansed and prepared to receive it. The two olive branches and trees are the two anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth, holy ones in God's presence who empty that oil out of themselves through the golden pipes into the bowl and then into the sanctuary lamps. The lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, and ministers and churches shine only as they are continually supplied, their victories coming through inner purity, a clean heart and holiness rather than human might or power. Its work is the baptism of the Holy Spirit with fire, opening unbelievers to conviction and meeting the soul's deepest needs.
The oil is the oil of grace, the grace of Christ, God's love and heavenly grace poured into hearts to keep the lamps of believers supplied. By holy beings surrounding His throne constant communication is kept up with inhabitants of the earth, and the holy oil is poured from heaven in the messages of God's Spirit. Without it the agencies of evil would have entire control over men. Those so enriched become channels whose lives show Christ's character and love, imparting holy influence through kindness, tenderness, encouragement and love to bring joy and blessing and to enrich others.
The oil is also the sacred truth and message to be borne, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and gracious utterances and treasures of the Word of God. It is the light of present truth and untold resources of precious truth now in the possession of very few, gained only by careful thorough digging and conscientious practice under all circumstances and by willing reception, then poured out from person to person to enrich others. As the worker labors from house to house reasoning from the Word and explaining it with earnest travail of soul, repeated teaching and whole dependence upon God, he himself catches inspiration, sees wonderful things in the Word, and is constantly educated to clearer understanding as he communicates the light given him. No church or messenger can shine amid moral darkness until oil and fire, the grace and love and glory of God, are first received from Christ the Source of all light, and purified and prepared souls who receive the golden oil of truth then share it and present it with fervency and importance by the Spirit.
The oil is wisdom, spiritual influence and discernment, God's anointing to sustain and equip for useful service, giving spiritual sight to see and handle sacred things rightly. It must guide workers' words and writing with caution and care, so that truth is spoken in words that reform without exasperating or poisoning hearers and without provoking violence, hostility or obstruction that would block the truth. Poured into the heart as heavenly inspiration, it enables responsible laborers to speak and write under its influence.
The oil is the same oil the wise virgins had in their vessels with their lamps, taken into vessels prepared for it as the Holy Spirit in the heart working by love and purifying the soul. It cannot be given from one person to another, so each individual must prepare his own soul through humbleness of mind by taking Christ's yoke and learning of Him. Those who claim to know the truth but do not practice it have not received it, while where it is received God kindles a bright light in the chambers of the soul to give light to the world through good works.
The oil is the softness of the Spirit of God, more of Christ and much less of self, sent to drop right into the human vessel and heart. It clothes words with melody and softness and makes them smooth like oil, with no hardness, sharpness or cross words, smoothing words and tones of the voice. So received upon heart and mind it makes Jesus abide within, making a man a wise counsellor and correct adviser who represents Christ in all he says and does, opening his heart to encourage young workers with kind faithful instruction and training rather than expecting full-grown perfection or speaking unadvised words. This anointing is for those who speak from the desk and for fathers and mothers in the home and in business, especially in speaking to children without a loud harsh key, so that speech brings sunshine, happiness and joy.
Power by Spirit Alone
God's sacred work, church planning, and the purification of the soul advance not by human might nor by power, nor by talent, planning, personal ability, or hurried activity, but by God's Spirit, with man humbly cooperating while God works in him to will and to do, judged by faithfulness in following divine directions rather than by outward busyness. Victories in ministry come through inner purity, a clean heart, and holiness, for the lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, and no church or messenger can shine amid moral darkness until oil and fire — the grace and love and glory of God — are first received from Christ the Source of all light. The golden oil supplying the sanctuary lamps is the Holy Spirit and the sacred truth and message to be borne, and receiving it enables the truth to be presented with fervency and importance by the Spirit and not by human might or power. Strength not of one's own is available, and this is the lesson all connected with God's sacred work must learn, that power and efficiency are not in men themselves but are received from a higher source.
Receiving the oil requires vessels emptied of self and cleansed and prepared, pure and holy souls in living communication with God. It requires consecration purified from all selfishness, pride, and impurity, practicing the truth, with faith and patience and love constantly increasing. That reception produces conformity to God's image, the beauty of holiness, and a Christlike character fit to enter the city of God, and makes every worker a living channel of light in direct connection with the Lord's work, showing far greater consecration, active faith, and faithfulness as stewards of grace. The oil in the heart is the Holy Spirit working through love to purify the soul, and its light shines to the world through good works. It is the oil the wise virgins had, which cannot be given from one person to another, so each individual must prepare his own soul through humbleness of mind by taking Christ's yoke and learning of Him.
The chapter plainly sets forth the features of the work in which God's people are engaged and is to be studied verse by verse, teaching that all brought into connection with God will be pure and holy and will receive the holy oil from the heavenly messengers to impart to their fellow men. The vision of the two olive trees and the golden oil stands as the biblical representation of what it means to receive that oil.
The lamp represents the inner life, which must be supplied with oil flowing through the golden tubes from heaven's true messengers into the golden bowl, for outwardly correct conduct without that supply is not enough. The heart must be converted and consecrated, and service is acceptable only when its motives are right and self is wholly surrendered. The Lord's communication is never given in vain.
God's favored people are meant to be the channels through which the divine communication flows to keep the lamp burning to enlighten the world, the two olive trees being the heavenly source of supply. When those exalted by privilege and great light walk away into forbidden paths and separate themselves from God, He cannot use them as those channels. The lukewarm, the covetous, the self-righteous, and the impure then become the chief stumbling blocks to Christ's mission, and those who work with Him will meet the same discouragement and rejection, yet truth must triumph and Satan is not always to triumph.
Receiving to Impart Light
The question about what these are opens the pattern of the golden oil flowing from the anointed ones through the golden pipes into the bowls and then into the lamps, which are the churches, and this receiving from heaven and giving to others is the work of every true devoted servant of the living God. True servants and ministers must first receive heavenly spiritual life and truth before they can minister it to others and nourish the churches, for the oil must first be received before it can be imparted. Without that supply preaching leaves hearers spiritually unfed, and shepherds whose words are destitute of the dew and rain of heaven show that the anointed ones have not ministered to them. Those entrusted with eternal interests as depositaries of truth and keepers of light to illuminate the whole world are to be chosen vessels receiving that golden oil in partnership with Jesus Christ and then communicating light from the burning lamps so the regions of darkness hear the saving message. The oil is given to those who look to Jesus and follow His example, daily fit themselves for the great work of God, labor as toilers, work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, and mingle their work with earnest prayer and meditation, and that oil enables them to enlighten other minds.
From the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth, standing before God in His presence, the fullness of divine light and love and power is imparted to His people, that they may impart to others light and joy and refreshing, and those thus enriched are to enrich others with the treasure of God's love. The golden oil is the Holy Spirit, the oil of grace, the grace of Christ with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied, poured from heaven in the messages of God's Spirit and communicated by the holy beings surrounding His throne who keep up constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth, without which the agencies of evil would have entire control over men. Divine fullness flows through consecrated people who receive fresh supplies and pass them on in word and action to bring joy and blessing to others and to meet their needs, and receiving more is connected with imparting what has been received. The treasure cannot be diminished by sharing but grows brighter, with ministering angels longing for such channels through which to work.
The supply that keeps the lamps burning brightly and enables them to enlighten others comes through heavenly messengers and is sought through sincere, believing prayer and vital connection with the Light of the world. If God's Spirit is asked for, the love of God will be shed abroad in the heart and the golden oil will be given, with faith and patience and love constantly increasing as the communications God sends are received and passed to those in darkness. Those who keep their lamps filled are ready when the call comes, Behold, the bridegroom cometh, and enter in, while those without the holy oil, without the grace of Christ cherished in the heart, have no power to obtain it and are left out like the foolish virgins.
The emptying is a continual process of receiving the golden oil and communicating it to others by spoken words, by the unconscious influence surrounding the soul even when no words are meant, by a word spoken as seed sown, and by the presentation of a tract or paper that impresses hearts, so that hearers and readers thirst for the water of life and become fishers of men. The golden oil is the light of present truth, the treasures of truth and grace received into willing hearts and then communicated from person to person through carefully prepared methods, and given in this gentle way it enlightens those who misunderstand the law of God and sets their feet in the right path, creating working forces for the advancement of truth and righteousness without driving, warfare, or cutting every way.
The Lord has an appointed center on earth from which this supply flows to diffuse light, with the heavenly olive trees appointed to empty themselves into golden tubes to supply the golden bowls of the candlestick with oil so the light shines forth in distinct rays to the world, and failing to place a proper estimate on that center is mistake and unbelief. The oil is the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit needed in every institution, received by faith through abiding in Christ and opening the heart to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, so that God works through human laborers and they impart light and courage to others. God's servants are the channels by which light is conveyed to the world, the golden tubes receiving the holy oil as the Holy Spirit empties Himself through human instrumentalities who recognize and cooperate with Him, presenting Christ and ministering by precept and example to convey that oil to the world till all are tested and proved. The vessels prepared to receive it are those connected with God's institutions, Christ's workers, who must be clean bearers of the vessels of the Lord, with self-seeking replaced by unselfish love and labor. When this happens their lives are an exposition of the sacred truths of His Word, with the fear of God and the sense of His goodness and holiness circulating through every institution, an atmosphere of love and peace in every department, every word spoken and work performed carrying heaven's influence, Christ abiding in humanity and humanity abiding in Christ, revealing not the character of finite men but the character of the infinite God. Then the divine influence imparted by holy angels impresses minds brought in contact with the workers, a fragrant influence goes forth from them, character wrought through divine power receives light and glory from heaven to stand as a witness pointing to the throne of the living God, the work moves forward with solidity and double strength with new efficiency imparted in every line, men learn the reconciliation from iniquity the Messiah brought in through His sacrifice, the last message of warning and salvation is given with mighty power, the earth is lightened with the glory of God, and the soon coming in power and glory of the Lord and Saviour is witnessed.
Practical Life and Service
The vision of the candlestick with its bowl and seven lamps shows the prophet asked whether he knows what the two olive branches emptying golden oil through the golden pipes are, and answering that he does not, and the lamp is only the vessel with no light of its own while the churches are the golden lamps that hold the treasure of oil and disperse light. The golden oil is the sacred truth and message to be borne, with oil and fire as the grace and love and glory of God first received from Christ the Source of all light, and receiving it enables presentation of the truth with fervency and importance by the Spirit and not by human might or power. That holy oil is wisdom and spiritual influence that must guide workers' words and writing with caution and care, as heavenly inspiration applied to the heart. So guided, speech reforms without exasperating or poisoning hearers, and avoids careless provoking of violence or hostility that would obstruct the spread of truth.
The question about the two olive trees and branches is answered by identifying them as the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth, emptying the golden oil out of themselves as the Holy Spirit received into vessels prepared for it, the Holy Spirit in the heart working by love and purifying the soul. The oil must be emptied into the heart and saturate it every day, and those who claim to know the truth but do not practice it have not received it, for it is the same oil the wise virgins took in their vessels with their lamps. A heart so saturated makes a loving, lovable Christian who wears Christ's heavenly character in the home life, which is the most powerful argument for the truth. Looking unto Jesus and catching the light of His countenance, the light of His righteousness, kindles a bright light in the chambers of the soul to give light to the world through good works, causing the tongue to speak the praise of God, turning deformity and sullenness and many words of speech into sound words, and removing deformity of character. The supply requires a personal work and personal surrender of self and being controlled by the Holy Spirit, through sanctification by obedience to the truth and cleansing from all littleness and cheapness of self, producing conformity to the image of God, the beauty of holiness, and a Christlike character fit to enter the gates of the city of God.
The two send holy precious oil to drop right into the human vessel and heart, and that oil is the softness of the Spirit of God, more of Christ and much less of self. It clothes words with melody and softness and makes them smooth like oil, with no hardness, sharpness, or cross words, keeping the heart open and making workers meek, tender, and lowly so bitterness is avoided and the way is kept open for the truth. This anointing is for those who speak from the desk as if angels stood beside them, and for fathers and mothers in the home and in business, especially when speaking to children without a loud harsh key, so that speech brings sunshine, happiness, and joy. It makes a man a wise counsellor and correct adviser who represents Christ in all he says and does, smoothing his words and the tones of his voice. He therefore opens his heart to encourage young workers, not expecting from them the perfection of full-grown men and not speaking unadvised words, but giving kind, faithful instruction and training, remembering they are the Saviour's blood-bought heritage and that it means much to them whether he reveals the meekness of Christ in words and demeanor, so that his education of young men becomes a power for good.
The lamp must be kept burning, and the oil is effective as its light is reflected to guide others, joining devotional life with active, cheerful service to people seeking salvation. The golden oil communicated through the two golden pipes by the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth is God's anointing, which He supplies to sustain and equip people for useful service in the gospel and empower fruitful work by His Spirit. It is imparted to those who pledge themselves to God alone and press steadily forward in the way to heaven and press forward to the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, having been emptied of all self and supplied with that golden oil. It is given for the perfection of God's people, supplying the power to overcome and to advance, while holy angels watch over them.
The holy oil is what God longs to pour upon bereaved and sore and mourning hearts. A person converted through and through and molded by the Holy Spirit becomes a channel for its flowing.
The verse records the angel asking whether the meaning of the symbols is known, and the prophet honestly confessing that he does not know what the olive trees, branches and pipes are. The symbols point to the two anointed ones who stand in God's presence as heavenly messengers keeping constant communication with earth and emptying golden oil through the pipes into the lamps. That golden oil is the Holy Spirit, the grace and love of God poured into cleansed human hearts to keep their light burning. The work therefore advances not by human might, talent or activity but by God's Spirit alone, received only in vessels emptied of self and purified for His use. Those who are thus filled must impart what they receive, seeking fresh supply by believing prayer and passing on light and blessing to others so the world is enlightened.
Vision's Words and Setting
The exchange records the angel asking whether the prophet knows what these things are, and the prophet answering that he does not know, calling him my lord. What he confesses he does not understand are the two olive trees, the two olive branches, the golden pipes, and the other figures and symbols of the vision. Their identity is given in what follows, where they are declared to be the two anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth. The candlestick setting makes the need for explanation plain, for the lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, while the golden oil supplying the sanctuary lamps is the Holy Spirit continually given so that ministers can serve the church in inner purity, clean heart, and holiness.
The meaning is not self-evident, so the prophet's admission leads him to ask the angel for explanation and to continue inquiring until it is given. Understanding must come by divine teaching received and acted upon, and not be hindered by selfishness, self-sufficiency, ambitious devising, or by confusing influences that put stumbling blocks before those who would come to understanding of the truth. When so understood, with workers emptied of self and controlled by the Holy Spirit in cooperation with heavenly angels, the messengers empty the golden oil through the tubes to fill the bowls and supply every church whose lamps are going out, so that bright light penetrates moral darkness and an advance work is done for those hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
The visions belong to the time when the returned exiles were anxious that permission to rebuild Jerusalem might be withdrawn, and they were given to encourage them with a revelation of God's compassion and love. The chapter continues the instruction of Zechariah 3 concerning Joshua the high priest, the bringing forth of the Servant the BRANCH, and the removal of iniquity in one day. That experience is acted over again when people who have transgressed greatly but have repented, humbled themselves before God, confessed to the sin-pardoning Saviour, and received pardon are reproached and accused by unpardoned people prompted by Satan to tantalize the truly repentant. Chapters 3 and 4 are therefore to be carefully studied as essential for the last days, because chapter 4 presents in figure the encouragement that strength not of one's own is available, since God's sacred work is accomplished not by human might nor by human power but by His Spirit. Chapter 4 stands with Habakkuk 2 and Zephaniah as a faint description of events that will become a living reality.
The question is addressed to God's commandment-keeping people, the church militant waiting and watching for the Son of Man to come in the clouds of heaven, whom God loves and keeps as precious as the apple of His eye. It asks whether they know their privileges, whether they have faith in God, and whether they have a living connection with God. It calls them to sense His love as morning light in their midst, feeding each lamp with the golden oil of His grace and His love. The ground of that call is that the Lord is their shield, strength, and sufficiency, so they shall not be moved.
Identity of Anointed Ones
The two olive branches and the two olive trees are the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth, standing before God in His presence. The prophet's confession that he does not know what they are when asked, Knowest thou not what these be, opens the revelation of their identity and office. The verse is to be studied verse by verse because it plainly sets forth the features of the work in which God's people are engaged, teaching that power and efficiency are not in men themselves but are received from a higher source. All brought into connection with God in this work will be pure and holy, receiving the holy oil from the heavenly messengers to impart to fellow men.
The anointed ones are heavenly messengers and holy ones surrounding God's throne and standing in God's presence, through whom holy grace is communicated to people consecrated to God's service. By them the Lord keeps up a constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth, pouring holy oil from heaven in the messages of His Spirit. They minister the heavenly supply to preachers so that preachers can minister it to others, and their words carry God's message to the people while the Spirit convicts unbelievers and meets the soul's needs. The golden oil they give is bestowed on those emptied of self who call on Jesus' name and accept Him as personal Saviour, whose blood cleanses from all sin and whose presence as Intercessor and Advocate makes the prayers of the penitent accepted with sins blotted out. Shepherds whose words are destitute of the dew and rain of heaven show that the anointed ones have not ministered to them.
They empty the golden oil out of themselves through the two golden pipes and tubes into the bowl of the golden candlestick, and from this the lamps of the sanctuary are fed to give a bright, continuous light. When they empty themselves through the golden pipes the oil flows into the golden bowls and then flows forth into the lamps, which are the churches, that the churches may let the light shine forth in glorious brightness. The lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, the churches are the golden lamps that hold the treasure of oil and disperse light, and the golden bowls represent the hearts of God's living messengers and His churches. The lamps and burning lights represent His churches, and no church or messenger can shine amid moral darkness until oil and fire, the grace and love and glory of God, are first received from Christ the Source of all light. This receiving from heaven and giving to others is the work of every true devoted servant, received through soul consecration purified from all selfishness, pride, and impurity.
From them the fullness of divine light and love and power is imparted to His people to keep the soul's lamp burning, that they may impart to others light and joy and refreshing. Those thus enriched are to enrich others with the treasure of God's love, receiving fresh supplies and passing them on in unity with Christ in serving and saving souls to bring joy and blessing. The trees before God pouring golden oil through tubes into the sanctuary bowl, where it feeds the lamps so they shine continually, picture anointed ones through whom divine light, love, and power are given to God's people, who in turn share light, joy, and refreshment with the world and enlighten it. The oil sustains the church's lamps for the work of bringing sinners to new birth.
Meaning of Golden Oil
The golden oil is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God flowing from the divine source into human vessels cleansed and prepared to receive it. The two olive branches and trees are the two anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth, holy ones in God's presence who empty that oil out of themselves through the golden pipes into the bowl and then into the sanctuary lamps. The lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, and ministers and churches shine only as they are continually supplied, their victories coming through inner purity, a clean heart and holiness rather than human might or power. Its work is the baptism of the Holy Spirit with fire, opening unbelievers to conviction and meeting the soul's deepest needs.
The oil is the oil of grace, the grace of Christ, God's love and heavenly grace poured into hearts to keep the lamps of believers supplied. By holy beings surrounding His throne constant communication is kept up with inhabitants of the earth, and the holy oil is poured from heaven in the messages of God's Spirit. Without it the agencies of evil would have entire control over men. Those so enriched become channels whose lives show Christ's character and love, imparting holy influence through kindness, tenderness, encouragement and love to bring joy and blessing and to enrich others.
The oil is also the sacred truth and message to be borne, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and gracious utterances and treasures of the Word of God. It is the light of present truth and untold resources of precious truth now in the possession of very few, gained only by careful thorough digging and conscientious practice under all circumstances and by willing reception, then poured out from person to person to enrich others. As the worker labors from house to house reasoning from the Word and explaining it with earnest travail of soul, repeated teaching and whole dependence upon God, he himself catches inspiration, sees wonderful things in the Word, and is constantly educated to clearer understanding as he communicates the light given him. No church or messenger can shine amid moral darkness until oil and fire, the grace and love and glory of God, are first received from Christ the Source of all light, and purified and prepared souls who receive the golden oil of truth then share it and present it with fervency and importance by the Spirit.
The oil is wisdom, spiritual influence and discernment, God's anointing to sustain and equip for useful service, giving spiritual sight to see and handle sacred things rightly. It must guide workers' words and writing with caution and care, so that truth is spoken in words that reform without exasperating or poisoning hearers and without provoking violence, hostility or obstruction that would block the truth. Poured into the heart as heavenly inspiration, it enables responsible laborers to speak and write under its influence.
The oil is the same oil the wise virgins had in their vessels with their lamps, taken into vessels prepared for it as the Holy Spirit in the heart working by love and purifying the soul. It cannot be given from one person to another, so each individual must prepare his own soul through humbleness of mind by taking Christ's yoke and learning of Him. Those who claim to know the truth but do not practice it have not received it, while where it is received God kindles a bright light in the chambers of the soul to give light to the world through good works.
The oil is the softness of the Spirit of God, more of Christ and much less of self, sent to drop right into the human vessel and heart. It clothes words with melody and softness and makes them smooth like oil, with no hardness, sharpness or cross words, smoothing words and tones of the voice. So received upon heart and mind it makes Jesus abide within, making a man a wise counsellor and correct adviser who represents Christ in all he says and does, opening his heart to encourage young workers with kind faithful instruction and training rather than expecting full-grown perfection or speaking unadvised words. This anointing is for those who speak from the desk and for fathers and mothers in the home and in business, especially in speaking to children without a loud harsh key, so that speech brings sunshine, happiness and joy.
Power by Spirit Alone
God's sacred work, church planning, and the purification of the soul advance not by human might nor by power, nor by talent, planning, personal ability, or hurried activity, but by God's Spirit, with man humbly cooperating while God works in him to will and to do, judged by faithfulness in following divine directions rather than by outward busyness. Victories in ministry come through inner purity, a clean heart, and holiness, for the lamp is only the vessel and has no light of its own, and no church or messenger can shine amid moral darkness until oil and fire — the grace and love and glory of God — are first received from Christ the Source of all light. The golden oil supplying the sanctuary lamps is the Holy Spirit and the sacred truth and message to be borne, and receiving it enables the truth to be presented with fervency and importance by the Spirit and not by human might or power. Strength not of one's own is available, and this is the lesson all connected with God's sacred work must learn, that power and efficiency are not in men themselves but are received from a higher source.
Receiving the oil requires vessels emptied of self and cleansed and prepared, pure and holy souls in living communication with God. It requires consecration purified from all selfishness, pride, and impurity, practicing the truth, with faith and patience and love constantly increasing. That reception produces conformity to God's image, the beauty of holiness, and a Christlike character fit to enter the city of God, and makes every worker a living channel of light in direct connection with the Lord's work, showing far greater consecration, active faith, and faithfulness as stewards of grace. The oil in the heart is the Holy Spirit working through love to purify the soul, and its light shines to the world through good works. It is the oil the wise virgins had, which cannot be given from one person to another, so each individual must prepare his own soul through humbleness of mind by taking Christ's yoke and learning of Him.
The chapter plainly sets forth the features of the work in which God's people are engaged and is to be studied verse by verse, teaching that all brought into connection with God will be pure and holy and will receive the holy oil from the heavenly messengers to impart to their fellow men. The vision of the two olive trees and the golden oil stands as the biblical representation of what it means to receive that oil.
The lamp represents the inner life, which must be supplied with oil flowing through the golden tubes from heaven's true messengers into the golden bowl, for outwardly correct conduct without that supply is not enough. The heart must be converted and consecrated, and service is acceptable only when its motives are right and self is wholly surrendered. The Lord's communication is never given in vain.
God's favored people are meant to be the channels through which the divine communication flows to keep the lamp burning to enlighten the world, the two olive trees being the heavenly source of supply. When those exalted by privilege and great light walk away into forbidden paths and separate themselves from God, He cannot use them as those channels. The lukewarm, the covetous, the self-righteous, and the impure then become the chief stumbling blocks to Christ's mission, and those who work with Him will meet the same discouragement and rejection, yet truth must triumph and Satan is not always to triumph.
Receiving to Impart Light
The question about what these are opens the pattern of the golden oil flowing from the anointed ones through the golden pipes into the bowls and then into the lamps, which are the churches, and this receiving from heaven and giving to others is the work of every true devoted servant of the living God. True servants and ministers must first receive heavenly spiritual life and truth before they can minister it to others and nourish the churches, for the oil must first be received before it can be imparted. Without that supply preaching leaves hearers spiritually unfed, and shepherds whose words are destitute of the dew and rain of heaven show that the anointed ones have not ministered to them. Those entrusted with eternal interests as depositaries of truth and keepers of light to illuminate the whole world are to be chosen vessels receiving that golden oil in partnership with Jesus Christ and then communicating light from the burning lamps so the regions of darkness hear the saving message. The oil is given to those who look to Jesus and follow His example, daily fit themselves for the great work of God, labor as toilers, work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, and mingle their work with earnest prayer and meditation, and that oil enables them to enlighten other minds.
From the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth, standing before God in His presence, the fullness of divine light and love and power is imparted to His people, that they may impart to others light and joy and refreshing, and those thus enriched are to enrich others with the treasure of God's love. The golden oil is the Holy Spirit, the oil of grace, the grace of Christ with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied, poured from heaven in the messages of God's Spirit and communicated by the holy beings surrounding His throne who keep up constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth, without which the agencies of evil would have entire control over men. Divine fullness flows through consecrated people who receive fresh supplies and pass them on in word and action to bring joy and blessing to others and to meet their needs, and receiving more is connected with imparting what has been received. The treasure cannot be diminished by sharing but grows brighter, with ministering angels longing for such channels through which to work.
The supply that keeps the lamps burning brightly and enables them to enlighten others comes through heavenly messengers and is sought through sincere, believing prayer and vital connection with the Light of the world. If God's Spirit is asked for, the love of God will be shed abroad in the heart and the golden oil will be given, with faith and patience and love constantly increasing as the communications God sends are received and passed to those in darkness. Those who keep their lamps filled are ready when the call comes, Behold, the bridegroom cometh, and enter in, while those without the holy oil, without the grace of Christ cherished in the heart, have no power to obtain it and are left out like the foolish virgins.
The emptying is a continual process of receiving the golden oil and communicating it to others by spoken words, by the unconscious influence surrounding the soul even when no words are meant, by a word spoken as seed sown, and by the presentation of a tract or paper that impresses hearts, so that hearers and readers thirst for the water of life and become fishers of men. The golden oil is the light of present truth, the treasures of truth and grace received into willing hearts and then communicated from person to person through carefully prepared methods, and given in this gentle way it enlightens those who misunderstand the law of God and sets their feet in the right path, creating working forces for the advancement of truth and righteousness without driving, warfare, or cutting every way.
The Lord has an appointed center on earth from which this supply flows to diffuse light, with the heavenly olive trees appointed to empty themselves into golden tubes to supply the golden bowls of the candlestick with oil so the light shines forth in distinct rays to the world, and failing to place a proper estimate on that center is mistake and unbelief. The oil is the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit needed in every institution, received by faith through abiding in Christ and opening the heart to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, so that God works through human laborers and they impart light and courage to others. God's servants are the channels by which light is conveyed to the world, the golden tubes receiving the holy oil as the Holy Spirit empties Himself through human instrumentalities who recognize and cooperate with Him, presenting Christ and ministering by precept and example to convey that oil to the world till all are tested and proved. The vessels prepared to receive it are those connected with God's institutions, Christ's workers, who must be clean bearers of the vessels of the Lord, with self-seeking replaced by unselfish love and labor. When this happens their lives are an exposition of the sacred truths of His Word, with the fear of God and the sense of His goodness and holiness circulating through every institution, an atmosphere of love and peace in every department, every word spoken and work performed carrying heaven's influence, Christ abiding in humanity and humanity abiding in Christ, revealing not the character of finite men but the character of the infinite God. Then the divine influence imparted by holy angels impresses minds brought in contact with the workers, a fragrant influence goes forth from them, character wrought through divine power receives light and glory from heaven to stand as a witness pointing to the throne of the living God, the work moves forward with solidity and double strength with new efficiency imparted in every line, men learn the reconciliation from iniquity the Messiah brought in through His sacrifice, the last message of warning and salvation is given with mighty power, the earth is lightened with the glory of God, and the soon coming in power and glory of the Lord and Saviour is witnessed.
Practical Life and Service
The vision of the candlestick with its bowl and seven lamps shows the prophet asked whether he knows what the two olive branches emptying golden oil through the golden pipes are, and answering that he does not, and the lamp is only the vessel with no light of its own while the churches are the golden lamps that hold the treasure of oil and disperse light. The golden oil is the sacred truth and message to be borne, with oil and fire as the grace and love and glory of God first received from Christ the Source of all light, and receiving it enables presentation of the truth with fervency and importance by the Spirit and not by human might or power. That holy oil is wisdom and spiritual influence that must guide workers' words and writing with caution and care, as heavenly inspiration applied to the heart. So guided, speech reforms without exasperating or poisoning hearers, and avoids careless provoking of violence or hostility that would obstruct the spread of truth.
The question about the two olive trees and branches is answered by identifying them as the two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth, emptying the golden oil out of themselves as the Holy Spirit received into vessels prepared for it, the Holy Spirit in the heart working by love and purifying the soul. The oil must be emptied into the heart and saturate it every day, and those who claim to know the truth but do not practice it have not received it, for it is the same oil the wise virgins took in their vessels with their lamps. A heart so saturated makes a loving, lovable Christian who wears Christ's heavenly character in the home life, which is the most powerful argument for the truth. Looking unto Jesus and catching the light of His countenance, the light of His righteousness, kindles a bright light in the chambers of the soul to give light to the world through good works, causing the tongue to speak the praise of God, turning deformity and sullenness and many words of speech into sound words, and removing deformity of character. The supply requires a personal work and personal surrender of self and being controlled by the Holy Spirit, through sanctification by obedience to the truth and cleansing from all littleness and cheapness of self, producing conformity to the image of God, the beauty of holiness, and a Christlike character fit to enter the gates of the city of God.
The two send holy precious oil to drop right into the human vessel and heart, and that oil is the softness of the Spirit of God, more of Christ and much less of self. It clothes words with melody and softness and makes them smooth like oil, with no hardness, sharpness, or cross words, keeping the heart open and making workers meek, tender, and lowly so bitterness is avoided and the way is kept open for the truth. This anointing is for those who speak from the desk as if angels stood beside them, and for fathers and mothers in the home and in business, especially when speaking to children without a loud harsh key, so that speech brings sunshine, happiness, and joy. It makes a man a wise counsellor and correct adviser who represents Christ in all he says and does, smoothing his words and the tones of his voice. He therefore opens his heart to encourage young workers, not expecting from them the perfection of full-grown men and not speaking unadvised words, but giving kind, faithful instruction and training, remembering they are the Saviour's blood-bought heritage and that it means much to them whether he reveals the meekness of Christ in words and demeanor, so that his education of young men becomes a power for good.
The lamp must be kept burning, and the oil is effective as its light is reflected to guide others, joining devotional life with active, cheerful service to people seeking salvation. The golden oil communicated through the two golden pipes by the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth is God's anointing, which He supplies to sustain and equip people for useful service in the gospel and empower fruitful work by His Spirit. It is imparted to those who pledge themselves to God alone and press steadily forward in the way to heaven and press forward to the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, having been emptied of all self and supplied with that golden oil. It is given for the perfection of God's people, supplying the power to overcome and to advance, while holy angels watch over them.
The holy oil is what God longs to pour upon bereaved and sore and mourning hearts. A person converted through and through and molded by the Holy Spirit becomes a channel for its flowing.