Zec 4:13 | KingComments | STEP | The Lord answers the questions of Zechariah first with a counter-question ( ). In the counter-question the assumption sounds again that he might know the meaning of these things ( ). Again he has to acknowledge that he does not know the meaning and again he does so with great respect and reverence for the LORD, whom he addresses again with “Lord”, Adonai , that is the sovereign Lord. Then he gets the explanation ( ). The two olive trees “are the two anointed ones” (literally “sons of oil”). They are standing “by the Lord [ Adonai ] of the whole earth”. They are standing in a position where servants wait for orders from their Lord. They represent Joshua and Zerubbabel, the two anointed ones. In the Old Testament we see that kings – Zerubbabel stands in the royal line – and priests – Joshua is high priest – are anointed in view of their service. The two olive trees, a picture of the King and the Priest, Christ, provide the oil for the LORD’s testimony concerning the Messiah. The Lord Jesus always does everything through the Holy Spirit. We see that during His life on earth before the cross, His work on the cross and His life after the cross in the resurrection. Also later in the realm of peace He will do everything in the power of the Holy Spirit, as shown in this vision (cf. ). In Revelation 11 we also read about two witnesses called “the two olive trees and the two lampstands” and that they “stand before the Lord of the earth” ( ). Their testimony has the character of Moses and Elijah. Moses was king and Elijah sacrificed for Israel as a priest. The Lord Jesus is the King-Priest. The two witnesses bear witness to this. In those difficult times they do so by the power of the Holy Spirit.

‏ Zechariah 4:13

What the Olive Trees Represent

The Lord answers the questions of Zechariah first with a counter-question (Zec 4:13). In the counter-question the assumption sounds again that he might know the meaning of these things (Zec 4:5). Again he has to acknowledge that he does not know the meaning and again he does so with great respect and reverence for the LORD, whom he addresses again with “Lord”, Adonai, that is the sovereign Lord.

Then he gets the explanation (Zec 4:14). The two olive trees “are the two anointed ones” (literally “sons of oil”). They are standing “by the Lord [Adonai] of the whole earth”. They are standing in a position where servants wait for orders from their Lord. They represent Joshua and Zerubbabel, the two anointed ones. In the Old Testament we see that kings – Zerubbabel stands in the royal line – and priests – Joshua is high priest – are anointed in view of their service.

The two olive trees, a picture of the King and the Priest, Christ, provide the oil for the LORD’s testimony concerning the Messiah. The Lord Jesus always does everything through the Holy Spirit. We see that during His life on earth before the cross, His work on the cross and His life after the cross in the resurrection. Also later in the realm of peace He will do everything in the power of the Holy Spirit, as shown in this vision (cf. Isa 11:2).

In Revelation 11 we also read about two witnesses called “the two olive trees and the two lampstands” and that they “stand before the Lord of the earth” (Rev 11:4). Their testimony has the character of Moses and Elijah. Moses was king and Elijah sacrificed for Israel as a priest. The Lord Jesus is the King-Priest. The two witnesses bear witness to this. In those difficult times they do so by the power of the Holy Spirit.