Zechariah 3 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

And he — The Lord represented to me in a vision. Standing — Ministering in his office. The angel — Christ.

The Lord — Christ, as a mediator, rather chuses to rebuke him in his father's name, than in his own. Is not this — Joshua.

With filthy garments — The emblem of a poor or sinful state. The angel — Christ.

And he — Christ. Unto those — Ministerial angels. I have caused — What angels could not take away, Christ did; he removed the filth of sin, the guilt and stain of it. With change of raiment — Clean and rich, the emblem of holiness.

I said — Zechariah takes the boldness to desire that for Joshua, which might add to his authority, and he asks the thing of Christ. A fair mitre — The proper ornament for the head of the high — priest. With garments — All the garments which appertained to the high priest. The angel — Christ.

Protested — Solemnly declared.

My charge — The special charge and office of the high — priest. Judge — Be ruler in the temple, and in the things that pertain to the worship of God there. Keep — Not as a servant, but as the chief, on whom others wait, and at last thou shalt have place among my angels.

Thy fellows — Thy associates in the priestly office. That sit — As assessors in a council. Wondered at — The unbelieving Jews wonder at them; at their labour and expense in attempting to build such a house. Bring forth — God the Father will bring forth a much more wonderful work. The Branch — The Messiah.

Behold — Behold (pointing to a particular stone) that stone which I have laid in the sight of Joshua. Upon one stone — On that stone are seven eyes, probably so placed, that they may look many ways; so it was a more exact emblem of Christ, and of his perfect knowledge and wisdom. I have removed — I have pardoned the iniquity of this land at once. The temple, founded on such a corner — stone, guarded and watched over by all — seeing Providence, is the blessing and honour of that people, whose sins are all forgiven.

In that day — Of removing the sins of my people. Shall ye call — Ye shall invite one another to refresh yourselves with the sweet fruit of the vine and fig — tree. When iniquity is taken away, we receive precious benefits from our justification, more precious than the fruits of the vine or fig — tree. And we repose ourselves in sweet tranquillity, being quiet from the fear of evil.