Eight Visions of Power: Understanding Zechariah

Chapter 5: Vision 4 - Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10)

As we continue through the remarkable visions of Zechariah, we arrive at the fourth vision, found in Zechariah 3:1-10. This vision centers on Joshua the high priest, and it holds critical significance for understanding God's covenant with His people, Israel. Here, we see themes of righteousness, restoration, and the promise of a new covenant that would echo throughout the prophecy program.

In verse 1, the vision begins: "And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him." Imagine Joshua, the high priest, representing the entire nation of Israel, standing in the presence of God. He bears the weight of his people's sins and failures. On the other hand, we see Satan, the accuser, standing next to him, ready to point out Joshua's unworthiness. This scenario is vital because it illustrates a spiritual courtroom where Joshua stands before God, vulnerable but hopeful for mercy. Satan did this to Job as well in Job Chapter 1.

In verse 2, we read the Lord's response: "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?" God defends Joshua, refusing to let Satan's accusations overwhelm him. The phrase "brand plucked out of the fire" suggests that God has rescued Joshua and the people of Jerusalem from destruction. Despite their unworthiness, God has chosen them for His purpose, demonstrating His grace and mercy in the prophetic program. He will supernaturally empower them.

In verse 3, we find a poignant description: "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." The "filthy garments" symbolize Joshua's sin and the defilement of the people of Israel. In the Old Testament, ceremonial cleanliness was essential for a priest; thus, his filthy garments represented the spiritual state of the nation. Here, we see that under the old covenant, righteousness rooted in the Law could not stand. No amount of attempts to follow the Law could cleanse them from sin entirely.

But then comes the resolution in verse 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." God takes away Joshua's filthy garments—an act of divine grace—and replaces them with clean clothes. This act signifies not just forgiveness but also restoration. The "change of raiment" points to being made righteous in God's sight. 

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;" (Revelation 3:5) "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment" (Revelation 3:18) "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment;" (Revelation 4:4)

In verse 5, Joshua is given a clean turban: "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." A turban represents authority and holiness as the high priest. This demonstrates that Joshua is not only forgiven but is also restored to his rightful place of authority and service.

As we venture further into this vision, verse 6 states, "And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts." God's expectations for Joshua are clear: he must walk in God's ways and keep His commandments to fulfill his role as high priest.

But what's remarkable about this vision is how it connects with the new covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which says, "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah." This new covenant speaks of a time when God would place His law in their hearts, empower them supernaturally, transforming them from the inside out. It emphasizes that, unlike the old covenant, which relied on human attempts of righteousness, this new covenant guarantees a deep, internal change where people would truly know the Lord.

Finally, in verse 10, we see the fulfillment of God's promise: "In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree." This signifies peace and security—a blooming community based on God's righteousness, not human efforts.

This vision of Joshua the high priest serves as a profound reminder of God's unchanging grace and a look forward to the righteousness that would come through Christ in his Millenial Kingdom.