And he] the interpreting angel. Satan] The word in the original Hebrew has the definite article, and is thus correctly rendered by RM 'The Adversary.' In OT. it is used first of a human adversary: see 1 Samuel 29:4; 1 Kings 11:14. Compare also the angel who appears 'as an adversary' to Balaam (Numbers 22:32). Then, in Zechariah and Job, it is used presumably of an angel, who is permitted to accuse men in God's presence. How far this 'adversary' is sanctioned by God, or works in God's service as one jealous for the right, it is difficult to say. In this chapter he is reproved by God Himself for showing himself too eager to emphasise the sinful nature of Joshua, the high priest and representative of the nation. In 1 Chronicles 21:1 the word 'Satan' appears as a proper name, and he is represented as the Tempter, cunning, malicious, and opposed to God.
In this passage of Zechariah the motive we assign to Satan is not of much importance. This is a vision. Its purpose is to encourage the desponding Jews. How could they build and consecrate the Temple of God? So feeble and sinful they seemed to themselves; even their best men were polluted: cp. Ezekiel 22:26. By this vision the prophet assures them that their sin is removed, and that Joshua's priesthood is recognised.
At his right hand] the position of a plaintiff in Jewish law courts: see Psalms 109:6. To resist him] RV 'to be his adversary,' or accuser—the same word as in Hebrew expresses the noun 'Satan.'