CONTENTS
This blessed Chapter, like the former, contains much of Christ. Under the type of Joshua, the High Priest, the cleansing and glory of the Church are set forth.
(Zechariah 3:1) "And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him."
This is a most blessed and highly instructive vision, for the doctrine of it is very plain, and like the vision of another Prophet, he that runs may read it. Habakkuk 2:2. Joshua, the high priest, was probably one of the captives that returned with the Church from Babylon. Now there can be no doubt but that he was personally known to Zechariah; yet, to know him as he stood before the Lord, when ministering in his priestly office, he must be shown to him by the Lord himself. Hence we learn, that when the servants of the Lord stand before the Lord, and minister in his name, Satan wilt also come to resist their persons, and their services.
But we are not informed what the accusations of Satan were. Some have thought (but this can only be conjecture), that this Joshua is the same mentioned Ezra 10:18. whose sons had taken strange wives, and therefore the Father in permitting it, gave Satan an handle to accuse. But, I rather think, Joshua here is not to be considered in his person, but rather as a type of the whole Church.
Yet, by the way, we may draw a short improvement from hence. With what earnestness ought believers to pray for their ministers, who have such a law adversary as Satan always accusing them, and whose infirmities give but too much occasion for that cursed foe to raise but too just charges against them when considered as they are in themselves, Hebrews 7:28; James 5:17; Acts 14:14-15. Oh! precious, precious Lord Jesus! how truly blessed is it to recollect, that thou art the righteousness of thy people, and their sanctification is in thee. 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30
There is one thing more to be observed in this account, Satan stood at the right hand. It is the custom in all courts of justice, for the person accused to stand on the left hand of the advocate, and the accuser on the right. Hence it is so said of Satan. Psalms 140:6. Reader! think how Satan opposeth and resisteth the Church, and even before God. Hence he is properly styled the Accuser of the Brethren; and hence the joy in heaven when he was cast out. Revelation 12:10-11. Do not overlook the principal part in these sweet verses, how they overcame him.