What does "engrave an inscription" symbolize in the context of God's covenant? Verse in Focus “See the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave an inscription on it,” declares the LORD of Hosts, “and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.” (Zechariah 3:9) Snapshot of the Scene • Joshua the high priest stands clothed in cleansed garments after Satan’s accusation (vv. 1-5). • A single stone is placed before him, “with seven eyes” (complete, all-seeing insight). • The LORD Himself promises to “engrave an inscription,” immediately tied to the sweeping removal of Israel’s sin. Why a Stone, and Why an Inscription? • Stone pictures durability; God’s covenant foundation cannot crumble (Isaiah 28:16). • In the ancient Near East, covenants and royal decrees were chiseled into stone to make them public, permanent, and unalterable (cf. Exodus 32:16). • God, not man, does the engraving—highlighting divine initiative and authority. Layers of Meaning Behind “Engrave an Inscription” • Permanence—once cut, the words cannot be erased; God’s covenant of forgiveness is irrevocable (Romans 11:29). • Ownership—the engraved stone bears Heaven’s signature, proclaiming Israel and ultimately the Church as God’s cherished possession (Exodus 28:9-12). • Revelation—the etched message discloses God’s plan to remove iniquity “in a single day,” fulfilled at the cross (Hebrews 10:10-14). • Identification—the priestly mediator stands next to a stone marked forever; Christ, the greater High Priest, bears permanent scars as proof of completed atonement (John 20:27). • Assurance—engraving assures covenant participants that the promise will not fade, mirroring believers’ names “engraved on the palms” of God’s hands (Isaiah 49:16). How This Fits God’s Covenant Pattern 1. Promise stated (forgiveness). 2. Visible sign given (engraved stone). 3. Divine performance guaranteed (God Himself engraves). 4. Mediator present (Joshua foreshadows Jesus). Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • Exodus 28:9-12 – names of Israel’s tribes engraved on onyx stones over the high priest’s heart. • Exodus 32:16 – tablets “God’s writing, engraved on the tablets.” • Jeremiah 31:33 – new covenant law “written on their hearts.” • 2 Corinthians 3:3 – the Spirit writes “not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” • Revelation 5:6 – the Lamb with “seven eyes,” linking to Zechariah’s stone. • Revelation 2:17 – believers receive a white stone with a new name “written” on it, sign of personal covenant fellowship. Living Out the Truth • Rest in the permanence of grace; the same God who engraved the covenant secures your salvation. • Revere the Scriptures; the Author who carved words in stone still speaks with unchanging authority. • Reflect covenant faithfulness; engraved promises call believers to steadfast obedience and gratitude. |
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