CRITICAL NOTES.] He] The interpreting angel. Standing] As before a judge (Numbers 35:12; Deuteronomy 19:17; 1 Kings 3:16). A judicial transaction represented, say some. But the high priest is described as having entered the new temple, taken his position before the altar, and was about to offer sacrifice for the people, when he was opposed by Satan [Henderson]. Satan] No human adversary; lit. the adversary. Right] The side of the accuser (Psalms 109:6; Job 30:12). Resist] Impede or oppose, by dwelling upon the sins of high priest and people (cf. Zechariah 3:3).
Zechariah 3:2. Jehovah] i.e. the angel of, said. Rebuke] Twice repeated, “for the sake of emphasis, and with the repetition the motive which led Jehovah to reject the accuser is added” [Keil]. God will not only nonsuit, but reprove by act, and overcome the accuser (Psalms 9:5; Psalms 119:21). Plucked] Delivered from Babylon. God will not desert them; though defiled by sin, he will cleanse them.
Zechariah 3:3. Filthy] garments worn generally by those on trial among the Romans, but here represent the guilt and punishment of the Jews, as removal, and investment of splendid attire, indicate restoration to enjoyment and privileges.
Zechariah 3:4. Stood] Ministering angels, honoured with standing continually before the great King (cf. 1 Kings 10:8; Daniel 1:5). To pass] i.e. removed its guilt; remit, forgive, and justify (2 Samuel 12:13; 2 Samuel 24:10).
Zechariah 3:5.] The nation not only to be forgiven but glorified. Let] The prophet asks help. Mitre] The priesthood restored; and its fair colour symbolizes its official purity and order—so the wish complied with.
HOMILETICS
JOSHUA RESISTED AND ESTABLISHED IN HIS WORK.—Zechariah 3:1-5
This fourth vision is an encouragement to the people in their work. In the person of the high priest they stand before Jehovah opposed by Satan, assisted by Christ, and restored to covenant blessings.
I. Joshua resisted in his work. The condition was critical, but God made it known to the prophet. “He showed me Joshua.”
1. Joshua resisted in his service. “The high priest standing,” not as a criminal, but officiating as priest, and ministering to Jehovah (Deuteronomy 10:8). He is engaged in prayer, anxious for the people; but opposed in his work. Honourable duty and nearness to God will not exempt from opposition and temptation. Satan presented himself with the sons of God (Job 1:6).
2. Joshua resisted in his filthy garments. Filth is caused by sin. The soiled robes were emblematic of his own and the sins of the people—of their unworthy and abject state before God. The nation had been chastised, but its guilt was not cleansed. Gross wickedness may be forsaken, but the power of sin, self-righteousness, and refined idolatry remain. The garments of all Christians should be clean, “for glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2). If stained with filth they taint the dignity of office, and bring accusation against it. How God bears with our manifold infirmities! “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”
3. Joshua resisted by Satan. “And Satan standing at his (Joshua’s) right hand.” Satan, one of the highest created spirits, has become the tempter and accuser of men—the most finished example of perverted will and unsanctified power in the universe. He would probably be mortified at the return of Divine favour to the Jews—plead their sinfulness and unfitness for the work, and desire that God would cast them off and recall his grace. This was a vital issue for that day, and for the history of redemption in all ages. It touched the existence of God’s kingdom and the coming of the Messiah on earth.
(1) He resisted with energy. He is strong and experienced in his work, diligent in mischief, and ever seeking opportunities to do it (1 Peter 5:8).
(2) He resisted in the fittest place. The right hand is advantageous ground for one who impedes or opposes another. When the enemy can choose his position in fight, it is of great service to him. The subtlety and power of the adversary, the guilt and weakness of men, give every opportunity for success. Satan often gets the advantage, and seems likely to triumph over us. “Let Satan stand at his right hand” (Psalms 109:6).
(3) He resisted at the fittest time. The Jews had only just returned from captivity, were few and weak, and not very earnest in their work. God’s people are attacked, like Christ, when weakened by nature (Matthew 4:2), when resistance seems impossible. When a man is down, little will crush or overcome him. Occasions of trial are chosen that the fall may be more disgraceful (Isaiah 21:4). “In the greatest calm provide for a storm,” said Elizabeth. “A day may have a fair beginning and a foul ending.”
II. Joshua established in his work. He had a defender who confounded and rebuked the adversary in his evil design. “The Lord said unto Satan,” &c.
1. His adversary is defeated. (a) Defeated by the Lord. “The Lord rebuke thee.” Satan was checked by one who silenced him without arguments. Christ himself gave him into the hand of God, and effectually withered him with rebuke (Mark 1:25-26; Luke 4:35). “We have an Advocate with the Father.” (b) Defeated by the Lord in love to his people. They had no merit in themselves. It was enough that he had chosen them. “The Lord hath chosen Jerusalem,” and maintained his choice in all its integrity. The nation is acquitted, not because the charges of Satan were false, but out of God’s free love to them. “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth?”
2. His sins are forgiven. “I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee.” The filthy garments were taken away, and sin completely and freely forgiven. In Christ Divine wrath is appeased, polluted nature cleansed, and guilty man justified before a holy God. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.”
3. His privileges are restored. God not only acquits but restores to all the honours and duties of office, justifies and sanctifies.
(1) The priesthood was restored. He was clothed with change of raiment. The robes of the high priest were put upon him, and he ministered for the people.
(2) Its official qualification was given. Priestly vestments did not complete the attire. The “mitre,” the turban of pure white linen, with its holy crown, was wanting. “Set a fair mitre upon his head.” Men are washed and decorated to be qualified for work. Ministers and teachers must be holy and adorned with the crown. Engraven on their breast-plate must be the title of their office, and the aim of their life, “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36). “Thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.”
We may take Joshua as a type of all the people of God, as they stand in their sense of sin and natural faultiness, subject to the accusation of Satan, but delivered by their gracious Lord; and the change of raiment as setting forth the forgiveness of sin and the imputation of the Saviour’s righteousness, which is the joy of all believers. Let us take each particular separately. I. To begin where the vision begins—with the believer himself, represented by Joshua. He is described as a priest, standing before the angel of the Lord. Mark this. He is a priest. Certain sons of Korah claim to be legitimate descendants of apostles, and pretend to be priests in a special sense. But the apostles claimed no priority beyond others (1 Peter 2:5). Every humble man and woman that knows Christ’s power in the soul—that has been cleansed from dead works—is appointed to serve as a priest unto God. But observe, the high priest is “standing before the angel of the Lord—” standing to minister. This should be the perpetual position of the believer; not in a bed of sloth, or wandering about for private business. He is appointed priest for ever; should always be offering sacrifice, and attending to the duties of his high calling. He ministers before the angel of Jehovah. He can never stand to minister before Moses, the mediator under the law; much less before Jehovah himself, for our God is a consuming fire. It is only through a Mediator that we poor defiled ones can ever become priests unto God. Read the next word in the light of your own experience. “Clothed with filthy garments.” Did you ever feel this in coming to God? Perhaps at evening prayer, unable as the head of the household to pray—in your business kept up late, and distracted in the house of God. How can we hope for a blessing on anything we do, with a heart of unbelief! But do not let a sense of unfitness keep you from service—lead you to renounce your priesthood. Stand where you are, and remember it is the only place where sin can be washed and prayer accepted. II. Let us turn to another individual. An adversary. Satan stood before the angel to resist Joshua. Observe the name, Satan, which signifies an adversary. An adversary by nature, who is so vile that he cannot help being the adversary of everything good. This adversary selected a most fitting place. He accused him before the angel—before God’s own Son. He does not attack Joshua first, but seeks to prevent his acceptance. If once persuaded that you are not God’s children and not accepted before him, he knows that serious injury is done us. He selected a fit opportunity—when Joshua had his filthy garments on. Expect, when you have lost your sense of justification, when conscious of sin, and you feel unfit to minister before God, that he will come to accuse you. III. Here is a very gloomy picture—the believer willing, but quite unable, to minister unto the Lord; but the Angel speaks. He has been silent till now. This rebuke comes at the right season. When Satan accuses, Christ pleads. He does not wait until the case has gone against us—then express regret; but is always a present help. He knows the heart, of Satan, being omniscient; and long before he can accuse, puts in the plea on our behalf, and stays the action till he gives the answer to silence every accusation. This rebuke came from the very highest authority. “Jehovah rebuke thee, O Satan.” If God hath chosen his people, it is no use for Satan to attempt their overthrow. The rebuke is forcibly applicable to the case in hand. Satan says, “The man’s garments are filthy.” “Well,” says Jesus, “how do you expect them to be otherwise? When you pull a brand out of the fire, do you expect it milk-white or polished?” This plea did not require a single word to be added to it from Joshua. This so silenced the devil that he was speechless. He has often made out a case against us, but been nonplussed! “I will sift him like wheat in my sieve.” His plans would succeed, but there is a “but” in the way (unfortunate for him, fortunate for us). “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.”
IV. A matchless deed of grace, is the soul of the text. Sin is removed. “Take away the filthy garments from him.” The order is given to clothe him. “I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” The righteousness of Christ is given to the believer. One thing more. The prophet was so astonished to see the change that he broke out and spake himself. “And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head.” Some of God’s people get as far as imputed righteousness, believe themselves to be accepted in the Beloved, but tarry there. Put on your mitre, and praise the covenant angel, who in Jehovah’s name has taken away your filthy garments. Notice the closing sentence. “The angel of the Lord stood by.” We want him always to stand by, though clothed with new garments, and crowned with the mitre. We want his strength, comfort, and the light of his countenance. “Abide with us,” must be our daily prayer [From Spurgeon].
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Zechariah 3:2. There are two grounds on which the rebuke of Satan proceeds.
1. Jehovah’s choice of, or delight in, Jerusalem. “The Lord that hath chosen (or that delighteth in Jerusalem) rebuke thee.” Satan knew full well that in his opposition to Joshua, to prevent his officiating as priest, he was opposing Jehovah, who had returned in loving-kindness to Jerusalem. He would have that loving-kindness kept back and turned away, and the punishment of their sins continued; and would thus have interdicted the blessing of Jehovah. Since it was the pleasure of Jehovah he was seeking to hinder, it was appropriate that the rebuke should come from him.
2. The malice—the envious and deadly spite of the devil, stands here in contrast with the benevolence—the relenting forbearance and love of Jehovah. “Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” The question must be understood, not of Joshua considered only personally, but representatively—as relating to the rescue of the people as well as himself from oppression and wrong, and, if their enemies had had their will, extinction; and the deliverance and restoration of the very office of Joshua—the priestly office—which, without such Divine interposition, might have been lost. Satan would have had the brand kept in the fire till it was consumed. But Jehovah’s power, and goodness, and faithfulness, had plucked it out of the flames—rescued it from such consumption. The rebuke is evidently that of indignant supremacy and offended benevolence, directed at once against malignity and presumption [Wardlaw].
Is not this a brand? &c.
1. If delivered once, is it reasonable to cast them into the furnace again? Persecutors in the days of Queen Mary were cruel enough for this; but we must have compassion upon men, “pulling them out of the fire” (Jude 1:22). How much more will God have pity!
2. If God loves his people, shall he change? Never! Though stained with dirt and scorched with fire, he will never cast them off. Like the three worthies (Daniel 3:20), they will be delivered from fire and promoted to honour The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Rebuke thee.
1. This a warning against the sarcastic, bitter, and virulent spirit which so often shows itself in speaking and writing against others [Wordsworth].
2. A lesson not to argue with the tempter, but refer him to the Saviour, whose rebuke is powerful and successful (Psalms 80:6; Matthew 4:10).
Zechariah 3:3-5. Two things are here said to belong to free acceptance with God.
(1) The taking away of the guilt of our sin, our filthy robes; this is done by the death of Christ, the proper fruit of which is the remission of sin.
(2) But more is required; even a collation of righteousness, and thereby a right to eternal life. This is called a change of raiment, or, as in Isaiah 61:10, the garments of salvation, the robe of righteousness. This is made ours only by the obedience of Christ, as the other is by his death [Owen].
We may learn from the whole—
1. That those whom God redeems he will cause to serve him.
2. That though sin may pollute, God freely forgives them.
3. That God’s deliverance and forgiveness, cleansing and love, should be a reason for confidence in prayer, a support in temptation, and a motive to activity in service.
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 3
Zechariah 3:1-5. Satan, “the accuser of our brethren,” (Revelation 12:10). Accusation is the element of his being. He accuses God to men (cf. Genesis 3:4-5), and he accuses men to God (as in Job and in this passage). Hence his name in the N. T., Diabolus, from diaballein = to set at variance, namely, by slander,—a descriptive title quite as strong as the Hebrew term, Satan = opposer, the inherent and everlasting adversary of God and man, and of all that is good. In the end, the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ will be too much for the craft and malice of Satan. Still that malignant being opposes the truth, and leaves no stone unturned to turn away God’s favour from his people, and thus overthrow the entire redemptive economy [Lange]. Resist. Against whom does Satan multiply his malicious assaults? Against those in whom God has multiplied his graces. He is too crafty a pirate to attack an empty vessel; he seeks to rob those vessels which are richly laden [Wilson].
Zechariah 3:2. Brand. A poor Hindoo convert was once taunted by a European infidel, who asked him What Jesus had done for him. The Hindoo took a worm, put it inside a circle of dried leaves and grass, and set fire to them. When the fire approached the worm, he snatched it up and put it into his bosom, exclaiming, “That is what Jesus has done for me.” I was once exposed to eternal fire. The flames had even touched me, and I was a scorched and blackened brand; when God in his matchless grace plucked me forth! [Sacred Garland].
Zechariah 3:5. Mitre. Some act with their mitres as our kings and queens do with their crowns; they only put them on upon state occasions—do not wear them always, because they are too heavy. Christians, your state occasion should be always: you are always dear to Christ, and always near the Father’s heart [Spurgeon].