Zechariah 4:14
Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Original Language Analysis
בְנֵֽי
ones
H1121
בְנֵֽי
ones
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַיִּצְהָ֑ר
anointed
H3323
הַיִּצְהָ֑ר
anointed
Strong's:
H3323
Word #:
5 of 10
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
הָעֹמְדִ֖ים
that stand
H5975
הָעֹמְדִ֖ים
that stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
6 of 10
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Revelation 11:4These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.Exodus 40:15And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
Historical Context
In 520 BC, Joshua and Zerubbabel jointly led the restoration—Joshua rebuilding worship, Zerubbabel rebuilding infrastructure. Neither alone could accomplish God's purposes; both together, anointed and empowered by the Spirit, supplied what Israel needed. This dual leadership foreshadowed Christ who unites both offices—our great High Priest and King of Kings—and who anoints us as 'a royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the dual anointing (priestly and royal) in Joshua and Zerubbabel preview Christ's unique office?
- What does 'standing by the Lord of the whole earth' teach about the source and accountability of spiritual authority?
- In what ways do Spirit-anointed leaders today serve as 'golden pipes' dispensing oil to God's lampstand church?
Analysis & Commentary
Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth—The angel's answer identifies the olive trees as shənē bənē-hayyitshar (שְׁנֵי בְנֵי־הַיִּצְהָר, 'two sons of fresh/new oil'), literally 'sons of the oil/anointing'—those who continuously receive and dispense anointing. The term points to Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, both anointed for their respective offices (priests were anointed, Exodus 29:7; Davidic kings were anointed, 1 Samuel 16:13). Together they represent the dual messianic offices—priest and king—united perfectly in Christ.
That stand by the Lord of the whole earth—Hā'ōməḏīm 'al-'ădōn kol-hā'āretz (הָעֹמְדִים עַל־אֲדוֹן כָּל־הָאָרֶץ) depicts them standing in service before 'the Lord of the whole earth'—not just Israel's God but sovereign over all nations. The 'standing' ('ōməḏīm) posture indicates readiness for service, like ministers awaiting commands (compare the angels standing before God, 3:7). This previews Messiah who 'stands at God's right hand' (Psalm 110:1; Acts 7:55-56) having accomplished redemption, now exercising priestly intercession (Hebrews 7:25) and royal rule. Revelation 11:4 applies this imagery to the 'two witnesses' martyred then resurrected, testifying during tribulation. The principle: God empowers anointed servants who stand before Him to supply life-giving oil to His lampstand people.