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Zech. 3:1 The fourth vision (vv. 1–10) takes place in a heavenly courtroom, where the angel of the Lord sits as judge. Joshua the high priest, one of the leaders of the returned exiles (Hag. 1:1), is the defendant. Satan (that is, “the Accuser” or “the Adversary”) is the prosecutor.
Zech. 3:3 Satan has a very strong case. Joshua is clothed with filthy garments soiled with excrement, which defiles him. This poses a serious problem for the people, since it was through Joshua the high priest that their own impurity was to be removed on the Day of Atonement (see Lev. 16:1–34). But the Lord rejects Satan’s charges. The Lord’s election of Jerusalem, and Joshua’s position as one “plucked from the fire” (that is, brought safely back from the exile; Zech. 3:2), means that Joshua is not guilty.
Zech. 3:4 The Lord commands his servants to remove the filthy garments. This removes Joshua’s sin. God also orders that Joshua be clothed in pure vestments, garments suitable to wear in the presence of the King of kings. These garments represent a new righteousness given to Joshua.
Zech. 3:5 Zechariah also requests a clean turban for Joshua’s head, which symbolizes glory and royalty. Joshua’s reclothing in the presence of the angel of the Lord shows God’s gracious acceptance of him and the people he represents.
Zech. 3:7 The Lord commands Joshua to walk in my ways and keep my charge. If he does so, he will also rule my house and have charge of my courts. Thus, temple worship will not be corrupted by idolatry (compare Ezek. 44:23–24). The Lord will not be silent or distant from his people any longer.
Zech. 3:8–9 Joshua and his friends, the priestly class, were men who are a sign: their very existence after the exile showed God’s commitment to bless his people. Ultimately, God will bless them by sending my servant the Branch. This servant will remove the iniquity of this land. The stone was probably similar to the one on Aaron’s turban. It was engraved with the words “Holy to the Lord,” which enabled Aaron to bear the people’s sin before the Lord (Ex. 28:36–38).
Zech. 3:10 The coming Branch will remove the “iniquity of this land” (v. 9). Thus, he will restore fruitfulness and peace in the land. As during Solomon’s empire, each man will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree (compare 1 Kings 4:25; Mic. 4:4).
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