„Hvad betyder stenen og øjnene?” spurgte jeg englen, der forklarede tingene for mig. „Ved du ikke det?” spurgte han. „Nej,” svarede jeg. Så forklarede englen det: „De syv øjne på stenen er Herrens øjne, som ser alt, hvad der sker på jorden. Det er et budskab fra Herren til Zerubbabel: ‚Ikke ved magt og ikke ved styrke, men ved min Ånd!’ siger Herren, den Mægtige. Det bjerg af modstand, som ligger foran Zerubbabel, skal blive jævnet med jorden. Og når han sætter den sidste sten på plads i det nye tempel, vil folket råbe af glæde: ‚Herren har vist sin nåde imod os!’ Det var Zerubbabel, der lagde fundamentet til det nye tempel, og han vil også komme til at fuldføre det, siger Herren. Når det sker, vil folket indse, at det er Herren, den Mægtige, der har sendt mig. De, som ringeagtede den spæde begyndelse, vil glæde sig, når de ser det færdige tempel.” Så var det, som om jeg faldt i søvn, og jeg så et nyt syn. Englen, som før havde talt til mig, kom hen og vækkede mig. „Hvad ser du nu?” spurgte han. „Jeg ser en lysestage af rent guld,” svarede jeg. „Den har syv olielamper og en beholder foroven, hvorfra olien løber ned til lamperne gennem syv dobbeltrør. Jeg ser også to oliventræer, et på hver side af oliebeholderen.”
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes an angel waking the prophet Zechariah from a dream-like state, much like someone being awakened from sleep. The message suggests a transition from a spiritual vision to reality.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're dreaming about something exciting and then your mom or dad wakes you up gently. That's what happened here - an angel woke Zechariah from his special dream so he could understand its meaning better.
Historical Background
Zechariah, a prophet during the time of the Babylonian exile return, wrote this around 520 BC. The verse is part of his vision and prophecy meant to encourage and instruct the returned exiles as they rebuilt Jerusalem.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, we can relate this to moments when we're distracted or daydreaming about problems and suddenly a friend or colleague brings us back to focus on what's important now. It’s a reminder to stay present and engaged with reality.
What was Zechariah dreaming about before being woken up?
The text doesn’t specify exactly, but it likely refers to a vision or prophecy he had been given. This waking is part of the process where God communicates with Zechariah.
Who was the angel in this verse?
While not explicitly named, angels were often messengers from God who delivered important messages and interpretations to prophets like Zechariah.
Why is it significant that he was woken up 'as a man out of sleep'?
This phrase emphasizes the clarity and vividness of the experience, highlighting how crucial it was for him to fully understand what he had seen or been told in his vision.
Can this verse be applied to our daily lives today?
Yes, it can remind us to stay attentive and focused on God's guidance when we're distracted by dreams or visions of the future. It encourages a return to reality with clarity.