What is the meaning of Zechariah 3:4? So the angel said to those standing before him • Zechariah sees a heavenly courtroom where the angel of the LORD speaks with authority (Zechariah 3:1–2). • “Those standing before him” are ministering angels ready to execute divine orders, illustrating that God’s servants are active on behalf of His people (Hebrews 1:14; Daniel 7:10). • The scene confirms that God Himself initiates Joshua’s cleansing, not Joshua, highlighting grace over human effort (Ephesians 2:8–9). Take off his filthy clothes! • The angel commands the attendants: “Take off his filthy clothes!” (Zechariah 3:4a). • Filthy garments picture sin and defilement; Joshua’s clothing mirrors the moral state of Israel he represents (Isaiah 64:6; Ezra 9:15). • Removing the garments shows God’s refusal to let sin define His people. He acts decisively, just as He will later cleanse the entire nation (Zechariah 13:1). • This visual act foreshadows the believer’s call to “put off the old self” (Ephesians 4:22) once God redeems. See, I have removed your iniquity • The angel then declares: “See, I have removed your iniquity” (Zechariah 3:4b). • God’s removal of sin is complete and immediate, echoing Psalm 103:12—He “removed our transgressions from us.” • Joshua contributes nothing; the cleansing is a sovereign act, pointing ahead to Christ’s atoning work (Hebrews 10:10,14; 1 John 1:7). • As Isaiah’s guilt was taken away by a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:7), so Joshua’s iniquity is lifted—both events anticipate the cross where sin is finally dealt with. I will clothe you with splendid robes • The promise continues: “and I will clothe you with splendid robes” (Zechariah 3:4c). • God doesn’t leave Joshua forgiven yet naked; He positively clothes him in “splendid” (festal, rich) attire, symbolizing righteousness and honor (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8). • In salvation, removal of sin is paired with the imputation of righteousness—pictured by the father dressing the prodigal in the best robe (Luke 15:22) and by believers “putting on Christ” (Romans 13:14). • The transformation equips Joshua for priestly service, just as believers are made “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). summary Zechariah 3:4 presents a vivid, literal vision of God’s gracious intervention. The angel commands the removal of Joshua’s filthy garments, declaring that his iniquity is gone, and promises new, splendid robes. The verse teaches that God Himself takes away sin and clothes His servants in righteousness, enabling restored, holy service. The cleansing of Joshua prefigures the complete salvation provided through Christ, where guilt is removed and believers are robed in His perfect righteousness. |
    |