Zechariah 4:14
Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While Zerubbabel and Joshua are often identified as these figures, the text emphasizes their role as "sons of oil." This phrase points not just to their official anointing, but to their function as conduits through whom God's abundant supply of the Spirit flows to His people, sustaining the spiritual light of His people.
The prophet Zechariah has just witnessed a vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps, continually supplied with oil from two olive trees. He asks for the meaning of these two olive trees, and the angel explains they represent two significant figures who stand in close service to the Lord of all the earth. While commonly understood to refer to Zerubbabel, the political leader, and Joshua, the high priest, the angel's answer suggests these are potent symbols representing divine agents through whom God's power and grace flow to His people.
The 'two anointed ones' in Zechariah's vision aren't just chosen for a role; they are conduits of God's own supply.
The phrase "two anointed ones" is a translation of a Hebrew term that literally means "sons of oil." This isn't just about being appointed or consecrated; it speaks to being incredibly fruitful and a source of divine supply. Think of an olive tree that generously produces oil – these figures are like that, constantly channeling God's life-giving Spirit.
These aren't distant figures; they are intimately present with God, actively serving His purposes on earth.
The phrase "stand by the Lord of the whole earth" paints a vivid picture of close proximity and constant readiness.
Understand the original words
yatsar · Hebrew Adjective
One set apart or designated by God for a specific holy purpose or office, typically through the act of applying oil, symbolizing the endowment of God's power and authority.
Adon · Hebrew Noun
The title of God emphasizing His universal sovereignty, authority, and ownership over all creation.
This verse identifies the 'two anointed ones' as agents standing before God, generally understood to represent the priestly (Joshua) and kingly (Zerubbabel) authorities. Their presence signifies God's ongoing enablement for the restoration and rebuilding efforts after the Babylonian exile, assuring the people that divine support would not cease.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Edict for Return
The Persian King Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
c. 537 BC— this verse
First Return of Exiles
The first wave of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel (a descendant of David) and Joshua the High Priest, returns to Jerusalem.
c. 536 BC
Temple Foundation Laid
The foundation of the Second Temple is laid, but progress is halted by opposition and discouragement.
c. 520 BC
Rebuilding Resumes
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people and leaders, leading to the resumption of Temple construction.
This passage directly alludes to Zechariah's vision, identifying the 'two olive trees' as 'the two lampstands standing before the Lord of the earth,' reinforcing the idea of divine witnesses and their ministry.
1 John 2:20This verse speaks of believers having an 'anointing from the Holy One,' which connects to the 'sons of oil' imagery, suggesting that God's anointed ones are filled with and empowered by His Spirit for service.
Ephesians 4:11-12This passage explains how Christ gave 'some as apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers' for the equipping of the saints, mirroring the function of the 'two anointed ones' as channels of God's grace and enablement for His people.
Matthew 5:14-15Jesus calls His followers 'the light of the world,' likening them to lamps that should shine, which directly relates to the imagery of the lampstand and the oil that fuels its light, symbolizing those who are divinely appointed to illuminate the world.
cambridgeZechariah 4:14: "Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
14 . the two anointed ones ] Rather, sons of oil (as in R. V.). “Probably not as themselves anointed (for another word is used for this, and the whole vision has turned on the use of oil as an instrument of light, not of anointing) but as themselves abundantly ministering the stream which is the source of light.” Pusey, who compares the expression “son of oil,” i.e. fertile in producing o…
barnesZechariah 4:14: "Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
These are the two sons of oil - Probably not as themselves anointed, (for another word is used for this. Which stand by the Lord of the whole earth, as His servants and ministers. The candlestick is almost authoritatively interpreted for us, by the adoption of the symbol in the Revelation, where our Lord is exhibited "as walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" Revelation 1:…
While Zerubbabel and Joshua are often identified as these figures, the text emphasizes their role as "sons of oil." This phrase points not just to their official anointing, but to their function as conduits through whom God's abundant supply of the Spirit flows to His people, sustaining the spiritual light of His people.
The prophet Zechariah has just witnessed a vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps, continually supplied with oil from two olive trees. He asks for the meaning of these two olive trees, and the angel explains they represent two significant figures who stand in close service to the Lord of all the earth. While commonly understood to refer to Zerubbabel, the political leader, and Joshua, the high priest, the angel's answer suggests these are potent symbols representing divine agents through whom God's power and grace flow to His people.
The prophet Zechariah has just witnessed a vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps, continually supplied with oil from two olive trees. He asks for the meaning of these two olive trees, and the angel explains they represent two significant figures who stand in close service to the Lord of all the earth. While commonly understood to refer to Zerubbabel, the political leader, and Joshua, the high priest, the angel's answer suggests these are potent symbols representing divine agents through whom God's power and grace flow to His people.
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c. 516 BC
Temple Completed
The Second Temple is finally completed, marking a significant spiritual and national restoration for the Jewish people.
"Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”" — While Zerubbabel and Joshua are often identified as these figures, the text emphasizes their role as "sons of oil." This phrase points not just to their official anointing, but to their function as c…
