What role do the "men of sign" play in God's redemptive plan? Key verse “ ‘Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your companions seated before you — indeed, they are men to be wondered at; for behold, I will bring forth My Servant, the Branch.’ ” (Zechariah 3:8) Historical backdrop • The scene is post-exile Jerusalem, as the remnant labors to rebuild the temple (Ezra 5–6). • Joshua (Heb. Yeshua) is the high priest; his “companions” are fellow priests set apart for temple service (Haggai 1:12-14). • In the same vision (Zechariah 3:1-7) Joshua’s filthy garments are removed and replaced with clean festive robes, underscoring God’s power to cleanse an unworthy priesthood. Defining “men of sign” • “Men to be wondered at” literally means “men of sign/omen” (’anshê môphēth). • Instead of performing a sign, they themselves embody one. • Their lives, offices, and restored garments function as living billboards pointing to something greater God is about to unveil. How they fit into the unfolding plan 1. Foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest • Joshua’s cleansing anticipates the sinless Priest-King who will never need purification (Hebrews 7:26-27). 2. Guaranteeing the arrival of “My Servant, the Branch” • “Branch” (tsemach) is a messianic title (Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5-6). • By linking Joshua’s reinstatement to the Branch’s coming, God ties restored worship to the Messiah’s redemptive work. 3. Signaling the once-for-all removal of iniquity • Immediately after verse 8, God promises: “I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day” (Zechariah 3:9). • Calvary fulfills that promise (Hebrews 10:10-14). 4. Reassuring the remnant that God’s covenant purposes stand • Just as Isaiah and his children were “signs and symbols in Israel” (Isaiah 8:18), so these priests assure the discouraged returnees that God’s plan has not been derailed. 5. Picturing the restored presence of God among His people • A functioning priesthood means open access to God, prefiguring the day when the Messiah becomes the living Temple (John 2:19-21) and indwells His people (1 Peter 2:5). What their role reveals about the Messiah • Priesthood — He will mediate between God and man (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Kingship — The Branch unites crown and mitre (Zechariah 6:12-13). • Cleansing — His blood removes sin in one decisive act (1 John 1:7). • Presence — Through Him, God dwells permanently with His redeemed (Revelation 21:3). Implications for believers today • Like Joshua’s companions, every redeemed believer becomes a “sign” pointing to the Branch (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:9). • We wear Christ’s righteousness, not our own efforts (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Our confidence rests on God’s unbreakable promise that the Branch has come and will come again (Acts 1:11). |
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