A Vision of Joshua the High Priest. Zechariah 3:1-10
INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH
The prophet Zechariah lived at the same time as Haggai and was interested in the same effort to induce the Jews to carry on the rebuilding of their neglected Temple. The prophecies are dated a few years later than those of Haggai. In contrast to the direct and simple language of Haggai, Zechariah employs many figures and symbols to enforce his message. He especially wished to give encouragement and help to the leader and governor of the people, Zerubbabel, and the priest Joshua.
In the latter part of the book there are many pictures of the glorious and happy future, which God had in store for His people and of the Deliverer, who was to come to rule over them. There will come a great day “when the Lord shall be King over all the earth.”
The Oracle of the Lord of Hosts
INTRODUCTION, Zec_1:1-6
I.EIGHT VISIONS CONCERNING ISRAEL, JUDAH, AND JERUSALEM, Zechariah 1:7-6:15
2. The Four Horns and Four Smiths, Zec_1:18-21
3. The Man with a Measuring Line, Zec_2:1-13
4. The High Priest and the Adversary, Zec_3:1-10
A VISION OF JOSHUA THE HIGH PRIEST
Then the guiding angel showed me Joshua the high priest [representing disobedient, sinful Israel] standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at Joshua’s right hand to be his adversary and to accuse him.
And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Even the LORD, who [now and ever] has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is this not a log snatched and rescued from the fire?” [Jud_1:9]
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy (nauseatingly vile) garments and was standing before the Angel [of the LORD].
He spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And He said to Joshua, “See, I have caused your wickedness to be taken away from you, and I will clothe and beautify you with rich robes [of forgiveness].”
And I (Zechariah) said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with [rich] garments. And the Angel of the LORD stood by.
And the Angel of the LORD [solemnly and earnestly] admonished Joshua, saying,
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘If you will walk in My ways [that is, remain faithful] and perform My service, then you will also govern My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you free access [to My presence] among these who are standing here.
Now listen, Joshua, the high priest, you and your colleagues who are sitting in front of you–indeed they are men who are a symbol [of what is to come]–for behold, I am going to bring in My servant the Branch [in Messianic glory]. [Isa_4:2; Jer_23:5; Jer_33:15; Zec_6:12]
For behold, the stone which I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes (symbolizing infinite intelligence, omniscience). Behold, I will engrave an inscription on it,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘and I will remove the wickedness and guilt of this land in a single day. [2Ch_16:9; Jer_50:20; Zec_4:10]
In that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘every one of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and his fig tree [enjoying peace and prosperity in the kingdom].'” [Mic_4:1-4]
F. B.Meyer
on
Zechariah 3:1-10
PURIFIED FOR GOD’S SERVICE
The regulation for the maintenance of the priesthood had fallen into disuse, and they had neither robes, vessels, nor proper provision of offerings. Probably also the spiritual life of the priests was at a very low ebb, Mal_1:1-14; Mal_2:1-17. Satan is always discovering the weak spots in character and thrusting at them. He is keen as steel and cruel as hell. But we have One who pleads. As the priest Melchizedek, He ever lives to make intercession for us. “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan.”
We are as brands scorched and charred with the burning. But we have been plucked out of the consuming flame. Surely then we are being kept for some high and useful purpose. All the past is an argument for faith. That God has done so much is a pledge that He will perfect that which concerneth us, because His mercy endureth forever. It is not enough to be cleansed from sin, we need the miter of the divine anointing that we may have a place of access among the saints. Whom He justifies, He also glorifies. Let us be content with nothing short of God’s best.
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