How can we stand before a holy God when we are covered in sin?
Zechariah 3 presents a powerful vision of Joshua the high priest standing before the Lord, clothed in filthy garments, with Satan accusing him. Yet, instead of condemnation, God provides mercy—removing Joshua’s filthy garments and clothing him in pure vestments. This moment foreshadows the cleansing and righteousness we receive through Yeshua, our Messiah.
Key Verse:
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?'” – Zechariah 3:1-2 (NASB)
Background Context:
Zechariah, a prophet during the time of Israel’s return from exile, received a series of visions from the Lord. In Zechariah 3, he sees Joshua, the high priest, standing before the Lord in filthy garments, representing sin and impurity. Satan is present, accusing Joshua before God. However, instead of judgment, the Lord rebukes Satan and commands Joshua to be clothed in clean garments, symbolizing purification and restoration.
This passage is deeply prophetic, pointing to Yeshua, our true High Priest, who takes away our sin and clothes us in His righteousness. Just as Joshua was cleansed, we too can be purified and made new when we turn to God.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Joshua, the High Priest
1Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. 2The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” 3Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. 4He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.” 5Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the LORD was standing by.
6And the angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying, 7“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘If you will walk in My ways and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.
The Branch
8‘Now listen, Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who are sitting in front of you—indeed they are men who are a symbol, for behold, I am going to bring in My servant the Branch. 9‘For behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on 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 that land in one day. 10‘In that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘every one of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and under his fig tree.’”
Reflection on Zechariah 3
Satan, the Accuser
- Satan is seen accusing Joshua, highlighting his role as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).
- But the Lord rebukes Satan and defends Joshua, showing His power over the enemy.
- This reminds us that when we belong to God, Satan has no authority over our standing before Him.
Filthy Garments Replaced by Righteousness
- Joshua’s filthy garments symbolize sin and impurity, but God replaces them with clean clothes.
- This is a beautiful picture of how Yeshua removes our sins and clothes us with righteousness (Isaiah 61:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Our works cannot make us clean—only God’s grace can.
A Call to Faithfulness
- Joshua is given a charge: “If you will walk in My ways and perform My service, then you will also govern My house” (Zechariah 3:7).
- While salvation is a gift, we are still called to walk in obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.
The Messianic Promise
- Zechariah 3:8-9 speaks of “My servant, the Branch”—a direct reference to Yeshua as the Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5, Isaiah 11:1).
- The single stone with seven eyes represents God’s complete wisdom and authority, foreshadowing Yeshua as the cornerstone of our faith (Psalm 118:22, 1 Peter 2:6-7).
- “I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day” (Zechariah 3:9) ultimately points to the atonement made by Yeshua’s sacrifice on the cross.
Summary Key Points
- Satan seeks to accuse, but the Lord is our defender.
- Our righteousness is not our own—it is given to us by God.
- Yeshua is the promised Branch who cleanses us from sin.
- God calls us to walk in obedience after being made new.
Application
- If you struggle with guilt or condemnation, remember that Yeshua has clothed you in righteousness.
- Examine your heart—are you trying to earn your righteousness, or are you relying on God’s grace?
- Seek to walk in God’s ways as Joshua was instructed, living as one who has been redeemed.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for removing my filthy garments and clothing me in Your righteousness. When the enemy accuses, remind me that my standing before You is secure through Yeshua. Help me to walk in faithfulness, reflecting Your holiness in my life. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.