Bible Commentaries
Zechariah 3

Verse 1

Zec 3:1. He means the angel who has been talking with Zechariah (Zec 2:3 Zec 4:1). This angel continues the vision for the information of the prophet, in which he sees a scene that pertains to the service of the Mosaic system, and in this scene is another angel of the Lord. Satan is from the Hebrew word SATAN and Strong defines it, “An opponent: especially (with the article prefixed) Satan, the archenemy of Good.” The first term of the definition is its general meaning, for the original word is used in a number o£ other places where it cannot mean the devil as that word Is commonly used. The thought of this verse, however, regardless of the personal identity of the Satan mentioned, is that some being stood there to oppose the services of the high priest. The vision represents conditions as they were to be just after the return from the captivity. The entire altar and other services of the Jewish church had been corrupted by the mixture with heathenism, and it could have been truly said that the priesthood was unfit to participate in that profession.

Verse 2

Zec 3:2. Even though the situation was as described in the preceding paragraph, it was not appropriate for this adversary to be criticizing it, for it was none of his business. Not with-standing, the Lord (in the person of the angel Michael, Jud 1:9) did not rail out against him. He merely appealed to a "higher court” by saying, "The Lord [in heaven] rebuke thee." A brand plucked out of the fire. The people of God had been salvaged from the captivity as a brand of a body that was burning but was snatched out before it was completely destroyed. This brand is the remnant that is revealed in Ezr 2:64 that came back from the captivity.

Verse 3

Zec 3:3. It was true that the service had been corrupted by the mixture with heathenism, and the priests had been guilty of the abomination.

Verse 4

Zec 3:4. The captivity, however, had cured the nation of idolatry and now the people are to be permitted to resume the former services. Hence this verse shows that the filthy garments of the priest were to be replaced with a change of raiment.

Verse 5

Zec 3:5. The mitre and garments represent the attire that was worn by the priests under the Mosaic system (Exodus 28). These were to be used again after the body of the service had been reconsecrated.

Verse 6

Zec 3:6. Protested unto Joshua means he admonished him.

Verse 7

Zec 3:7. The admonition was for the priest to walk in the ways of the Lord. On this condition he was given the promise that he would have the divine favor. Give thee places denotes that if the priest would walk consistently with his high office, then he would have a good standing among the people of the city and nation.

Verse 8

Zec 3:8. This and the following two verses evidently have a twofold bearing, first on the restored condition of fleshly Israel, then on the established system under Christ. Branch is from the same Hebrew word so rendered in Zec 6:12; Jer 23:5 Jer 23:33 Jeremiah 15, where the context shows beyond any doubt that it means Christ.

Verse 9

Zec 3:9. The rebuilding of the temple required the use of literal stones, likewise the temple of Christ used "lively stones” built upon the chief stone who was Christ. (See Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:5.) Seven eyes were upon one stone. Seven Is a complete number in figurative language and this denotes that the complete, all-seeing eyes of the Lord would be on the new building (1Pe 3:12). Remove the iniquity in one day was fulfilled first by causing Israel to be cured of idolatry in one period of captivity. It was fulfilled next by giving the Gospel on the day of Pentecost which is recorded in Acts 2.

Verse 10

Zec 3:10. Under the vine and under the fig tree is explained by the comments on Mic 4:4 and needs not be repeated here.