Zechariah 3 Commentary

This chapter contains Zechariah's fourth vision followed by an explanation of the vision. The prophet sees a heavenly courtroom in which an adversary tries to accuse Joshua the high priest of being guilty and unworthy to exercise his function. The angel of the LORD rebukes the adversary, cleanses Joshua, and admonishes him to follow the LORD wholeheartedly to have free access to His presence. Zechariah informs Joshua that his fellow priests are a sign of the Messiah, through whom God will purify all His people, granting them security and peace. The chapter's outline is as follows:

1. Zechariah sees an adversary (Satan) desiring to accuse Joshua before the LORD. However, the angel of the LORD rebukes the adversary and cleanses Joshua, allowing him to continue to perform his priestly duties.
2. The angel of the LORD admonishes Joshua to follow the LORD wholeheartedly in order to have the reward of ruling over the temple, and ultimately in God's presence.
3. The prophet Zechariah tells Joshua that his associates are signs of the Messiah, the future great King, through whom God will cleanse His people and restore peace and security in their land.