Zechariah 3:1 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

As the first three visions dealt principally with the material side of Israel's tribulation and restoration, the remaining five dealt pre-eminently with her moral and spiritual influence.

In vision the prophet saw Joshua, who was then the actual high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord, but clothed in filthy garments, while at his right hand Satan stood at his adversary, that is, as one pleading against the cause which Joshua represented. The filthy garments were removed, and in their place a fair miter was set on his head, and he was clothed with rich apparel.

While this vision applied to one who in priestly function would wear the garments of the nation's pollution, and change them for the miter and the garments of access, it preeminently set forth that the nation which had failed through sin would be restored by moral cleansing to the priestly position and function of access to God and mediation. The accomplishment of this glorious restoration is associated with the bringing forth of the Branch, and the removal of iniquity.

Zechariah 3:1-10

1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satana standing at his right hand to resist him.

2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

5 And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

6 And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,

7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge,b then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

10 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.