Zechariah 3 Study Notes

3:1-10 The fourth vision signaled even more encouragement for the returnees to rebuild the temple. The priesthood, which did not operate during the exile, would be restored, and God would grant the chosen people the blessings of forgiveness, service, and peace. As the scene unfolds, the reader gradually discovers that the high priest is representative of the nation of Israel, an example of the literary device known as synecdoche, where one item is singled out to represent the whole. The vision ends with God removing the guilt of this land and everyone inviting friends to fellowship under his vine and fig tree.

3:1-2 Joshua is the name of four different people mentioned in the OT (in the NT the equivalent name was Jesus). Joshua was the first high priest after the exile. He is mentioned numerous times in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai. As in Jb 1:6-12; 2:1-6, Satan (or “the adversary”) had access to God’s courtroom and functioned as prosecutor. A burning stick snatched from the fire is the first clue that Joshua is symbolic for the chosen people, based on the prophet Amos using this same image for Israel (Am 4:11).

3:3-5 Patterned after the consecration of a high priest (Ex 29:1-9; cp. Lv 16:3-5), the forgiveness of sin is vividly portrayed by a change of apparel. The filthy clothes (lit “defiled by excrement”) underscores the gruesome guilt of the people, which had resulted in the severity of God’s judgment. In an unexpected reversal, which could only happen by divine decree, Joshua is vindicated and given clean clothes.

3:6-7 Lest the people become presumptuous on God’s gift of forgiveness, the angel of the Lord charged (or “admonished solemnly”) Joshua that obedience was a prerequisite if he were to enjoy God’s favor and perform his duties as high priest, including having access to God’s presence.

3:8-10 Not only was the priesthood restored and forgiveness granted, but a descendant of David would become their ruler, as indicated by my servant, the Branch, probably a reference to Zerubbabel (Hg 2:23; see notes at Zch 4:11-14; 6:12-13; cp. Jr 33:15). The same is true for the stone of Zch 3:9 (see Is 8:14; 28:16). Seven eyes probably evoked an image of a foundation stone for a sacred site.