Zechariah 4 - Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Bible Study & Commentary

Introduction

A.M. 3484. B.C. 520.

In this chapter the prophet is called to contemplate a fifth vision of the most sublime and mysterious import.

(1,) He sets a candlestick of pure gold, with its seven lamps, communicating, by seven pipes, with a bowl at the top, which serves for a reservoir, and is constantly supplied with oil from two olive-trees standing on each side of the candlestick, Zechariah 4:1-3 .

(2,) He inquires into the meaning of the vision, and receives an answer, which, though it might, in some sort, apply to the circumstances of the temple then building, yet, from the solemnity of the manner and terms used, must be considered as pointing to something far higher, even the final and complete establishment of Christ’s holy, catholic church, not by any human means, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, surmounting all obstacles thrown in the way, Zechariah 4:4-7 .

(3,) A special prediction is annexed, that Zerubbabel, who had begun, should have the honour of finishing the building of the temple; the accomplishment of which is made a sign, or proof, of Zechariah’s divine mission, Zechariah 4:8-10 .

(4,) The meaning of the seven lamps is explained, and of the two over-hanging branches of the olive-trees on each side of the candlestick, Zechariah 4:11-14 : see Blayney.

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments

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Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments

One of the most eminent of the early Methodist ministers in England, Joseph Benson was born at Melmerby, in Cumberland, Jan. 25, 1748. At sixteen he became a Methodist and was converted. In 1766 Mr. Wesley appointed him classical master at Kingswood School. He devoted himself closely to philosophy and theology, studying constantly and zealously.Joseph Benson became a Methodist circuit rider in 1771. A close associate of Wesley, he was chosen to be a member of the Legal One Hundred who governed the Conference at Wesley's death and he was president of the Conference two times. As one of post-Wesley Methodism's most popular preachers, he sometimes addressed crowds of over twenty thousand. Wesley established an extensive organization, including the circuit riding system and a media or press to showcase books, pamphlets, and a monthly magazine. After the death of John Wesley, Joseph Benson took over the Methodist/Wesleyan movement and the organization that Wesley created.During the Bristol dispute of 1794 he led the conservative Church Methodists and was against moves which suggested that the Methodists were breaking ties with the Church of England; he was one of the last leaders to contend for the methods and philosophy of eighteenth-century Wesleyan Methodism. The circulation of The Methodist Magazine rose from ten thousand to twenty-four thousand per issue on his watch, and it was one of the most widely read periodicals in pre-Victorian England. He was an able writer, serving as apologist against Joseph Priestley, as biographer of John Fletcher, and as author of a multi-volume commentary on the Bible.Benson was influential in Methodism, and through the press, especially the magazine, he was able to extend his influence to non-Methodists as well. He and other Methodist leaders, through preaching and publication, disseminated their conservative social and political credo and may be credited in part with creating a climate in which the seeds of Victorianism could thrive.... Show more

One of the most eminent of the early Methodist ministers in England, Joseph Benson was born at Melmerby, in Cumberland, Jan. 25, 1748. At sixteen he became a Methodist and was converted. In 1766 Mr. Wesley appointed him classical master at Kingswood School. He devoted himself closely to philosophy and theology, studying constantly and zealously.... Show more

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