Zechariah 4:14

So he said, "These are the two anointed ones who are standing beside the Lord of all the earth."

Study Bible

So he said
This phrase indicates a direct response from the angelic messenger to Zechariah's inquiry. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the Old Testament to denote a declaration or proclamation from God or His messengers. This emphasizes the authoritative nature of the message being delivered, underscoring that what follows is a divine revelation.

These are the two anointed ones
The term "anointed ones" is translated from the Hebrew "בְּנֵי הַיִּצְהָר" (benei ha-yitzhar), literally "sons of oil." In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a symbolic act of consecration, setting individuals apart for a holy purpose, often associated with kings and priests. The "two anointed ones" here are traditionally understood to represent Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, who were instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple. This dual anointing signifies the unity of priestly and kingly roles, foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who embodies both offices.

who are standing
The Hebrew word "עֹמְדִים" (omdim) conveys a sense of readiness and service. In the context of the temple, standing often implies a position of honor and duty. This imagery suggests that these anointed ones are in a perpetual state of readiness to serve God, highlighting their dedication and the importance of their roles in God's plan.

beside the Lord
The phrase "beside the Lord" indicates proximity to divine presence and authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, standing beside a king or deity was a position of privilege and power. This suggests that the anointed ones have a special relationship with God, entrusted with significant responsibilities in His divine order.

of all the earth
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and dominion over the entire world. The Hebrew "כָּל הָאָרֶץ" (kol ha-aretz) reinforces the universal scope of God's authority. In the context of Zechariah's vision, it serves as a reminder that the work of the anointed ones, though focused on the restoration of the temple, has implications for all creation. It points to the ultimate reign of God over all nations, a theme that resonates throughout the prophetic literature and finds its culmination in the eschatological hope of the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet who received visions from God during the post-exilic period, encouraging the rebuilding of the temple and the spiritual renewal of Israel.

2. The Two Anointed Ones
Often interpreted as Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, who were instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.

3. The Lord of all the Earth
Refers to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation.

4. The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
This vision in Zechariah 4 symbolizes God's provision and the empowering of His leaders through the Holy Spirit.

5. Post-Exilic Jerusalem
The historical context in which the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian exile to rebuild the temple and restore their community.

Teaching Points

God's Empowerment for Service
Just as Zerubbabel and Joshua were anointed for their roles, God empowers His people today through the Holy Spirit to fulfill their callings.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Spiritual leaders, like the two anointed ones, play a crucial role in guiding and rebuilding the community of faith.

Dependence on God's Spirit
The vision emphasizes that success in God's work is not by human might or power but by His Spirit, reminding us to rely on divine strength.

God's Sovereignty and Authority
Recognizing God as the "Lord of all the earth" encourages believers to trust in His ultimate control and plan.

Faithfulness in Times of Rebuilding
The post-exilic context teaches us the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in times of restoration and renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the roles of Zerubbabel and Joshua as the two anointed ones inspire us in our own spiritual leadership and service today?

2. In what ways can we rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment in our daily lives, as illustrated by the vision of the lampstand and olive trees?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty as the "Lord of all the earth" impact our trust in His plans and purposes?

4. What parallels can we draw between the rebuilding efforts in post-exilic Jerusalem and the spiritual rebuilding needed in our own communities?

5. How can we apply the principle of "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6) to challenges we face in our personal and communal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 11
The two witnesses in Revelation are often linked to the two anointed ones in Zechariah, symbolizing God's empowered servants who testify to His truth.

1 Samuel 16
The anointing of David as king illustrates the concept of being chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose, similar to the anointed ones in Zechariah.

Isaiah 61
The anointing of the Messiah to bring good news and freedom reflects the broader theme of God's anointing for service and mission.