(Reflections from Richard D Phillips’s commentary on the OT Prophet Zechariah’s book, Chapter 4, Reformed Expository Commentary, P&R Publishing, New Jersey, 2007)

I have been gripped by Phillips’s commentary on chapter 4 of Zechariah. He outlines how chapter 4 has a chiastic structure (a, b, b, a, (after the Greek alphabet, “chi” or “x”)) brings out the meaning emphasized by the Divine Script. Chapter 4 begins with the vision of the two olive trees pouring out their olive oil, symbolizing the giving of the Holy Spirit through the gospel of Christ, into the lampstands, which in turn signifies God’s abiding presence in His people, the church.

The emphasis on this message is brought out by the prophet asking twice, the second question in more detail clarifying the first, about the identity of the two olive trees. And God expected the prophet to know the identity of these two olive trees by the angel’s almost amusingly asked question, “Do you not know what these are?” (v 13).

I love how Phillips exposits this message, patiently, and thoroughly. He brings out the twin blessings of the gospel through his exposition. It is especially pertinent to me that Phillips pointedly demonstrates how “context is king!” Again and again, the main point in any Scripture text is already there for the knowing, if only God’s people would firstly ask the Divine Author for His help to understand the said passage, before they attempt to make sense of God’s sense in His word. Secondly, after having asked for the Spirit’s assistance, we need to read through the chapter, and if needed, the prior chapters and passages, to determine the context.

Phillips does this admirably. He points out how Joshua the High Priest in chapter three needed to be rid of his filthy garments symbolizing the sin of the high priest, and of the nation of Israel thus represented. And Zerubbabel in turn was going to accomplish his leadership role in completing the building of the second temple. He then brings together both the roles of the High Priest and the Governor and shows how they are fulfilled in the coming shoot and branch of Jesse, the Anointed One, the Christ.

He says, “When we turn to the ministry of Jesus Christ, these two offices come to their fullest realization.” (p 116) It is worth letting Phillips say it. “As the lampstand represents the presence of God in Christ, so the two live trees signify the union of these two offices in His one ministry. In verse 14 the angel describes Joshua and Zerubbabel as “sons of oil”, signifying their anointed offices. Jesus Christ is the true “Son of Oil”. This is what the term “Messiah” or “Christ” means-Anointed One, He is the Anointed One who truly mediates the Holy Spirit, through whom come blessing and power for salvation.” (mike drop!)

There is so much packed in the following passages of Phillips’s commentary. So much! I am going to have to meditate with prayer for the Holy Spirit to bring out, and bring into my heart, the glory of Christ in His union with the Spirit in union with me. And I in turn am in my union with Christ, united with His people as one in the Body, the church.

It is fitting that Phillips quotes John Calvin (ICR, ed., McNeill (Phil: Westminster, 1960), II.xv.5), the 16th century Reformer from Geneva as encapsulating the glory of our riches in Christ, “From Him abundantly flow the heavenly riches of which we are in such need. The believers stand unconquered through the strength of their King and His spiritual riches abound in them.“

The practical outworking of this glorious riches that I have in my Savior and King Jesus is that by His grace upon grace given to me in my union with Him and mediated by His mighty Spirit dwelling in me by faith, I can “absorb” stuff thrown at me through careless words and actions of others (be they believers or otherwise) and still love them. I can continue to move forward “doing all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:17). Knowing that it is “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.” When once upon a time, it was ironically, and paradoxically my vain attempt to “hype up” the gift in me, through fleshly and selfish motivations, today, with the realization and awareness that it is His gift of faith in union with Christ that I am surrendered and yielded to His Spirit, in order that He will work His will and pleasure in me for His glory in every aspect of life.