Topical Bible: Vision of Zechariah of the High Priest

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The Vision of Zechariah concerning the High Priest is a significant prophetic revelation found in the Book of Zechariah, specifically in Zechariah 3:1-10. This vision is one of a series of eight night visions given to the prophet Zechariah, a post-exilic prophet who ministered to the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian captivity. The vision centers on Joshua the High Priest and serves as a profound illustration of God's redemptive work and the restoration of His people.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs during a time when the Jewish people were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the High Priest. The community faced opposition and discouragement, and the spiritual condition of the people was in need of renewal. Zechariah's visions were intended to encourage and motivate the people to complete the temple and to assure them of God's presence and favor.

The Vision

In Zechariah 3:1-10, the prophet sees Joshua the High Priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The scene is reminiscent of a courtroom, where Joshua is the defendant, Satan the accuser, and the Angel of the LORD the judge and advocate.

1. Accusation and Rebuke: Satan's role as the accuser is evident as he stands ready to condemn Joshua. However, the LORD rebukes Satan, saying, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?" (Zechariah 3:2). This rebuke highlights God's sovereign choice and His intention to save and restore His people.

2. Joshua's Condition: Joshua is described as wearing filthy garments, symbolizing the sin and impurity of the priesthood and the nation. The filthy garments represent the iniquity that has defiled the people, making them unworthy to stand before God.

3. Cleansing and Restoration: The Angel of the LORD commands those standing before Him to remove Joshua's filthy garments, declaring, "See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes" (Zechariah 3:4). This act signifies the removal of sin and the imputation of righteousness, a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ.

4. The Turban and Charge: Joshua is then given a clean turban, symbolizing his restored status and authority as High Priest. The Angel of the LORD charges Joshua to walk in God's ways and keep His requirements, promising him authority and access among those standing there (Zechariah 3:5-7).

5. The Branch and the Stone: The vision concludes with a prophetic promise of the coming "Branch," a Messianic title referring to the future King and Priest, Jesus Christ. The LORD declares, "I am going to bring My servant, the Branch" (Zechariah 3:8). Additionally, a stone with seven eyes is set before Joshua, symbolizing God's omniscience and the removal of the iniquity of the land in a single day (Zechariah 3:9).

6. Peace and Prosperity: The vision ends with a promise of peace and prosperity, where each man will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree (Zechariah 3:10), signifying the blessings of God's kingdom and the restoration of His people.

Theological Significance

The Vision of Zechariah of the High Priest is rich in theological meaning. It underscores the themes of divine election, justification, and sanctification. The vision portrays God's initiative in cleansing and restoring His people, prefiguring the atoning work of Christ, who is both the High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb. The rebuke of Satan and the removal of iniquity highlight God's grace and mercy, offering hope and assurance to the faithful. The promise of the Branch points to the Messianic hope fulfilled in Jesus, who brings ultimate redemption and peace.

Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 3:1-5
And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
... 8. Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and ... Zechariah worked side by side with
Haggai to quicken ... This vision followed Haggai's prophecy at the interval of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a vision of judgement and.htm

The Right of Entry
... this vision taught Zechariah: 'Having, therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into
the holiest of all, by the blood of Jesus, ... and having a High Priest over ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the right of entry.htm

Prediction About the Christians in Zechariah the Malignant Way ...
... And He showed me Jesus (Joshua) the high priest standing before the angel [of ... [2383]
Zechariah 2:10-13, Zechariah 3:1 ... 2385] [Noteworthy as to prophetic vision.]. ...
/.../chapter cxv prediction about the christians.htm

Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
... For John in his closing vision gives emphasis to the ... The old official dress of the
high priest comes into ... he paints the future, just as Zechariah did, under ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture k/three inscriptions with one meaning.htm

Joshua and the Angel
... In vision the prophet beholds "Joshua the high priest," "clothed with filthy garments"
(Zechariah 3:1, 3), standing before the Angel of the Lord, entreating ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 47 joshua and the.htm

Zechariah
... the most part in terms of vision and apocalyptic ... of Israel"Zechariah, Shallum and
some unknown pretender (about ... to the rapid succession of high priests before ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/zechariah.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... and sorrow was reflected in Isaiah's vision of the ... these truths not less than
Zechariah's contemporaries did ... who is 'a merciful and faithful High Priest to make ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

Gifts to the Prodigal
... its true meaning. Zechariah saw in vision the high priest standing at the
heavenly tribunal, clad in filthy garments. A voice said ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gifts to the prodigal.htm

Entire Sanctification in Prophecy.
... But the record of the glorious vision is still ... The prophecy of Zechariah contains
a number of ... we are introduced to Joshua, the high priest, representing the ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter v entire sanctification in.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... The Fourth Vision "in Heaven." A Great Sign. ... 3:8 (signifying the "Servant," of Mark);
in Zechariah 6:12 ... While Jehosheba, the wife of the high priest, was hidden ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm