¹tn See the note on the expression “angelic messenger” in 1:9.
²tc The present translation follows the reading of the Qere and many versions, “I said,” as opposed to the MT Kethib “he said.”
³sn The vision apparently describes two olive trees providing olive oil by pipes to a large basin atop the menorah. From this basin two pipes extend to each of the seven lamps of the menorah, for a total of fourteen pipes in all. See vv. 11-12.
⁴sn Here these must refer to the lamps, since the identification of the olive trees is left to vv. 11-14.
⁵sn It is premature to understand the Spirit here as the Holy Spirit of the Trinity, though the OT prepares the way for that NT revelation (cf. Gen 1:2; Exod 23:3; 31:3; Num 11:17-29; Judg 3:10; 6:34; 2 Kgs 2:9, 15, 16; Ezek 2:2; 3:12; 11:1, 5).
⁶sn In context, the great mountain here must be viewed as a metaphor for the enormous task of rebuilding the temple and establishing the messianic kingdom.
⁷tn The word “temple” has been supplied in the translation to clarify the referent.
⁸sn Grace is a fitting response to the idea that it was “not by strength and not by power” but by God’s gracious Spirit that the work could be done (cf. v. 6).
⁹tn Heb “house.”
¹⁰tn Heb “these seven.” Eyes are clearly intended in the ellipsis as v. 10b shows. As in 3:9 the idea is God’s omniscience. He who knows the end from the beginning rejoices at the completion of his purposes.
¹¹tn This term is usually translated “plumb line” (so NASB, NIV, NLT), cf “plummet” (NRSV), but it is more likely that the Hebrew lyd]B= (b^edil) is to be derived not from ld~B* (badal), “to divide,” but from a root meaning “tin.” This finds support in the ancient Near Eastern custom of placing inscriptions on tin plates in dedicatory foundation deposits.
¹²tn The usual meaning of the Hebrew term tl#B)v= (sh^ebolet) is “ears” (as in ears of grain). Here it probably refers to the product of the olive trees, i.e., olives.
¹³tn The usual word for “anointed (one),” jy~v!m* (mashiakh), is not used here but, rather, rh*x=Y]h^-yn}b= (vene-hayyitshar), literally, “sons of fresh oil.” This is to stay in keeping with the imagery of olive trees. In the immediate context these two olive trees should be identified with Joshua and Zerubbabel, the priest and the governor. Only the high priest and king were anointed for office in the OT and these two were respectively the descendants of Aaron and David.