ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 3:1 The fourth vision (vv. Zechariah
3:1) takes place in a heavenly courtroom, where the ANGEL OF THE LORD
sits as judge. JOSHUA THE HIGH PRIEST, one of the leaders of the
returned exiles (Haggai 1:1), is the defendant. SATAN (that is, “the
Accuser” or “the Adversary”) is... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 3:3 Satan has a very strong case. Joshua
is CLOTHED WITH FILTHY GARMENTS soiled with excrement, which defiles
him. This poses a serious problem for the people, since it was through
Joshua the high priest that their own impurity was to be removed on
the Day of Atonement (s... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 3:4 The Lord commands his servants to
REMOVE THE FILTHY GARMENTS. This removes Joshua’s sin. God also
orders that Joshua be clothed in PURE VESTMENTS, garments suitable to
wear in the presence of the King of kings. These garments represent a
new righteousness given to Jos... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 3:5 Zechariah also requests a CLEAN
TURBAN for Joshua’s HEAD, which symbolizes glory and royalty.
Joshua’s reclothing in the presence of the ANGEL OF THE LORD shows
God’s gracious acceptance of him and the people he represents.
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ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 3:7 The Lord commands Joshua to WALK IN
MY WAYS AND KEEP MY CHARGE. If he does so, he will also RULE MY HOUSE
AND HAVE CHARGE OF MY COURTS. Thus, temple worship will not be
corrupted by idolatry (compare Ezekiel 44:23). The Lord will not be
silent or distant from his peop... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 3:8 JOSHUA 1:1 and his FRIENDS, the
priestly class, were MEN WHO ARE A SIGN: their very existence after
the exile showed God’s commitment to bless his people. Ultimately,
God will bless them by sending MY SERVANT THE BRANCH. This servant
will remove the INIQUITY OF THIS L... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 3:10 The coming Branch will remove the
“iniquity of this land” (v. Zechariah 3:9). Thus, he will restore
fruitfulness and peace in the land. As during Solomon’s empire, each
man will INVITE HIS NEIGHBOR TO COME UNDER HIS VINE AND UNDER HIS FIG
TREE (compare 1 Kings 4:25;... [ Continue Reading ]