The Chief Priest

Zechariah 3:1–10
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In the fourth vision Zechariah sees Joshua the high priest standing before God. Joshua’s filthy garments are exchanged for clean robes; Satan’s accusations against him are rejected by God.  This vision can be divided as follows: (1) The details of the vision (vv. 1-5); and (2) the explanation of the vision (vv. 6-10).

We find Joshua standing before the angel of the Lord (v. 1) and Satan is there accusing Joshua of many things. Then the Lord says to Satan, “I reject your accusations and I rebuke you” (v. 2). I extend my mercy to Joshua and his nation. They are like a burning stick pulled out of the fire.

Joshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood before the angel of the Lord (v. 3). God sees the condition of His minister and takes the incentive of cleansing him. The angel asked those standing near him to remove his filthy garments and replace them with new clothes (v. 4,5). It is only the clean clothes of Christ’s righteousness that makes me worthy to draw near to God.

Then the angel of the Lord lays down two requirement for Joshua to follow (v. 6): (1) To walk in God’s ways; (2) to keep God’s requirements. Then he says if you will meet these conditions I will allow you to enjoy three things: (1) You can be in charge of my house; (2) You can be in charge of my courts and (3) You can have free access to God like the angels have (v. 7). The angel then tells the people that Joshua is an example of one who is to come who he refers to as “the Foundation Stone.” Most Bible scholars say this is Jesus Christ. Furthermore he says, “I will remove the sins of this land in one day (vv. 8-9).” In that day, the Lord of Hosts declares that you will all live in peace and prosperity in your own homes and with your neighbors (v. 10).

Application

Zechariah’s vision shows how I can receive God’s mercy. There is nothing I can do myself. God removes my filthy garments (sins) and provides me with the robes of His righteousness.