Zechariah: The Incredible Ways Of God (IV)

A HIGH PRIEST MADE CLEAN AND A HIGH PRIEST TO MAKE CLEAN (3:1-10)

Neal Pollard

The fourth vision is recorded in chapter three. Each point to spiritual blessings, restoration and relationship with God. The focus turns in this chapter to the cleansing that would come through atonement. The focus will shift from the current High Priest, Joshua, to another High Priest who the New Testament reveals has the same name (Joshua/Jesus).

An Appearance (1). As with previous visions, the angel of the Lord (most likely the Preincarnate Christ) appears. Joshua is before Him and Satan is on the right side of the high priest. The Lord (as He is called in verse two) advocates on Joshua’s behalf. 

An Accusation (1-2). Satan is called “the accuser” elsewhere in Scripture (cf. 1 Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6ff; Rev. 12:10). The vision does not indicate that Joshua or the people are innocent of the accusation, but the Angel (called Lord) says that the Lord rebukes him for his efforts (this text reminds me of the words of David in Psalm 110:1). Satan’s consistent effort is to discredit and malign God’s people.

An Alteration (3-5). The rebuke is made effective by the transformation brought by God Himself. Joshua stands before the Angel in filthy garments (3) which the vision equates to iniquities (4). By God’s power, Joshua is made clean and is clothed in festal garments and a clean turban in the presence of the Angel of the Lord (5). The unclean is made clean by God. 

An Admonition (6-7). Joshua is admonished to obey God. If he does, then he will serve, govern, and have free access to the very presence of God. The cleansing is for a purpose, to walk in God’s ways and do His will. 

An Announcement (8-10). The climax of this vision is what will occur in the wake of this cleansing. Here, Zechariah uses an important phrase he has already used once (2:10) and will use a total of 20 times in the book–“in that day.” The vast majority of occurrences are in chapters 12-14, but each and every one refer to the Messianic day when Christ appears. He is the Branch mentioned in verse eight (Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; 33:15). 

What is promised here looks ahead to the day when purification would be made in Jerusalem at the cross. Filthiness would be cleansed in one day! Restoration and relationship would be restored. God is a God of hope!