Monday, March 24 – Zechariah 3, 4 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Kings chapters 47 and 48

1. What was Satan’s role in the vision? Zechariah 3:1

2. What is the meaning of the robe provided? Zechariah 3:4

3. What is the message in the vision of the lampstand and the olive tree? Zechariah 4:6

Zechariah 3 presents a powerful vision of the high priest, Joshua, standing before the Lord in what appears to be a heavenly courtroom.

He is clothed in filthy garments, an unacceptable way to appear in such a setting. Even in earthly courts today, how you present yourself matters. A disheveled appearance can reflect poorly on you, influencing how you are perceived and even affecting the outcome of your case.

But Joshua’s situation is even more serious. His filthy garments symbolize the sin of his people, which he carries as their high priest. He is guilty and has no defense. To make matters worse, Satan stands at his right hand as the accuser, ready to condemn him.

In this moment of crisis, Joshua does not attempt to defend himself. Instead, the angel of the Lord steps in on his behalf. Rather than engaging in an argument with Satan, the angel declares:

“The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” (Zechariah 3:2, ESV)

There is no debate, no justification— just the power of God’s rebuke. This is a reminder that God does not owe the accuser an explanation. If He did, Satan would only continue arguing his case endlessly. Instead, God’s authority alone is enough to silence him, and Satan is gone from the scene.

Then, a remarkable transformation takes place. Joshua’s filthy garments are removed, and clothed in clean robes. A turban is also placed on his head, an important symbol in Scripture of God’s favor and righteousness (see Job 29:14, Isaiah 3:23, Isaiah 62:3, and Zechariah 3:5).

This moment reflects the incredible truth of salvation: we do not cleanse ourselves—God removes our sins and clothes us in His righteousness.

The final verses of Zechariah 3 reveal a broader vision of God’s redemptive plan. Joshua is now justified, but the means of that justification is still to come. The passage points forward to:

• “My servant, the Branch” is a title for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.
• “The stone with seven eyes” symbolizes Christ’s perfect wisdom and authority.
• A future day when sin will be removed instantly points to Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
• A promise of peace and security when God’s people will dwell safely under His reign.

This vision in Zechariah 3 is a glimpse of what Christ would accomplish at the cross. Just as Joshua was rescued from condemnation and clothed in righteousness, so are we when we put our trust in Jesus.

This passage reminds us that we cannot defend ourselves before God. Like Joshua, we stand before God covered in the filth of our own sins.

The enemy seeks to condemn, but God declares us righteous through Christ. God alone provides the covering we need. Our filthy garments are removed, and we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. A day is coming when sin and evil will be removed forever. The promise of peace will be fulfilled in Christ’s kingdom.

This is the beauty of the gospel: we are plucked from the fire, redeemed, and restored, not by our efforts, but by God’s grace.

Let us live in gratitude, trusting fully in Christ’s righteousness, who defends us and secures our place in His kingdom.