Biblical Reference:
The account of the cleansing of Joshua the High Priest is found in the book of Zechariah, specifically in Zechariah 3:1-10. This passage is a vision given to the prophet Zechariah, depicting a significant moment of spiritual renewal and divine intervention.

Context and Background:
The events described in Zechariah 3 occur during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, served as the High Priest during this critical period of restoration. The vision of Joshua's cleansing is part of a series of visions given to Zechariah to encourage the people and their leaders in the daunting task of rebuilding and spiritual reformation.

The Vision:
In Zechariah 3:1-2, the prophet sees Joshua standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The LORD rebukes Satan, emphasizing His choice of Jerusalem and His intention to rescue His people: "The LORD said to Satan: '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).

Joshua is described as wearing filthy garments, symbolizing the sin and impurity of the priesthood and the nation. The Angel of the LORD commands those standing before Him to remove Joshua's filthy garments, signifying the removal of iniquity. The Angel then declares, "See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes" (Zechariah 3:4).

Symbolism and Significance:
The cleansing of Joshua represents God's gracious act of forgiveness and purification. The filthy garments symbolize the sin and defilement of the people, while the splendid robes represent righteousness and divine approval. This transformation underscores the theme of God's mercy and the renewal of the priesthood, which is essential for the spiritual restoration of the nation.

The vision also includes the placing of a clean turban on Joshua's head, further signifying his restored status and readiness to serve as High Priest. This act is a powerful image of God's provision and the reinstatement of proper worship and leadership in Israel.

Messianic Foreshadowing:
Zechariah 3:8 introduces a messianic element, referring to "My Servant, the Branch." This title is understood to point to the coming Messiah, who would ultimately fulfill the roles of both priest and king. The cleansing of Joshua prefigures the ultimate cleansing and redemption brought by Jesus Christ, who, as the sinless High Priest, offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

The Stone with Seven Eyes:
In Zechariah 3:9, the LORD speaks of a stone set before Joshua, engraved with an inscription, and declares, "I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day." The stone with seven eyes symbolizes divine omniscience and the comprehensive nature of God's plan for redemption. This prophecy points to the decisive act of atonement accomplished through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection.

Application and Theological Insights:
The cleansing of Joshua the High Priest serves as a profound reminder of God's grace and the transformative power of His forgiveness. It highlights the necessity of purity and holiness in those who serve Him and underscores the importance of divine intervention in the process of spiritual renewal. This vision encourages believers to trust in God's provision for cleansing and to live in the righteousness provided through faith in Jesus Christ.