Then the angel showed meThis phrase indicates a vision being revealed to Zechariah, a prophet during the post-exilic period. The "angel" is often understood as a divine messenger, possibly the Angel of the LORD, who frequently appears in the Old Testament to deliver God's messages. This vision is part of a series given to Zechariah to encourage the Jewish people rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile.
Joshua the high priest
Joshua, also known as Jeshua, was the high priest during the time of the return from Babylonian captivity. He played a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of the Jewish community. As high priest, Joshua represented the people before God, and his presence in this vision underscores the importance of spiritual purity and leadership in the restoration of Israel.
standing before the angel of the LORD
The phrase "standing before" suggests a position of service or judgment. The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often considered a theophany, or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This encounter highlights the divine authority and the mediating role of the angel in the heavenly court.
with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him
Satan, whose name means "adversary" or "accuser," is depicted here as the prosecutor in a heavenly courtroom setting. His role is to bring accusations against Joshua, symbolizing the opposition and challenges faced by the people of Israel. This scene echoes the role of Satan inJob 1:6-12, where he also acts as an accuser. The presence of Satan highlights the spiritual warfare and the need for divine intervention and advocacy, pointing to the ultimate advocacy of Christ for believers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joshua the High PriestJoshua is the high priest representing the people of Israel. His role is significant as he stands before God, symbolizing the spiritual state of the nation.
2.
The Angel of the LORDThis figure often represents God's presence and authority. In many instances, the Angel of the LORD is seen as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, acting as an advocate for God's people.
3.
SatanThe adversary, whose name means "accuser" in Hebrew. He stands at Joshua's right hand to accuse him, representing opposition and condemnation.
4.
The Heavenly CourtroomThe setting is a divine courtroom where spiritual matters are judged. This scene reflects the judicial aspect of God's dealings with humanity.
5.
ZechariahThe prophet who receives this vision. His role is to convey God's messages to the people of Israel, encouraging them to return to God and rebuild the temple.
Teaching Points
The Role of the High PriestJoshua's position as high priest underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and intercession for God's people. As believers, we are called to be a "royal priesthood" (
1 Peter 2:9), interceding for others and living lives that reflect God's holiness.
The Accusation of SatanSatan's role as the accuser reminds us of the spiritual warfare we face. We must be vigilant and rely on Christ's righteousness, not our own, to stand against accusations.
Christ as Our AdvocateThe Angel of the LORD's presence signifies Christ's advocacy for us. Just as Joshua was defended, we have an advocate in Jesus who intercedes on our behalf, ensuring our justification before God.
The Importance of Repentance and CleansingJoshua's filthy garments (later in the chapter) symbolize sin, and their removal signifies cleansing. This highlights the need for repentance and the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.
Victory Over AccusationThe scene assures us of victory over Satan's accusations through Christ. We are reminded of the assurance of salvation and the power of Christ's atoning work.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Zechariah 3:1?
2.How does Zechariah 3:1 illustrate God's authority over Satan's accusations against believers?
3.What role does Joshua play in representing Israel's spiritual condition in Zechariah 3:1?
4.How does Zechariah 3:1 connect with Ephesians 6:12 about spiritual warfare?
5.How can we apply the concept of divine advocacy in our daily spiritual battles?
6.What does Zechariah 3:1 teach about God's protection over His chosen people?
7.What is the significance of Joshua standing before the angel in Zechariah 3:1?
8.How does Satan's role as an accuser in Zechariah 3:1 affect our understanding of spiritual warfare?
9.Why is Joshua, the high priest, chosen to stand before the angel in Zechariah 3:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 3?
11.If Joshua’s filthy garments symbolize sin, how does this literal exchange of clothes in Zechariah 3 align with other biblical texts about atonement practices?
12.In Zechariah 3, how do we reconcile the supernatural scene of a heavenly court with historical or archaeological evidence about Israel’s priesthood?
13.What does "Deal with the Devil" mean?
14.What is The Satanic Temple's purpose and mission?What Does Zechariah 3:1 Mean
Then he showed me“Then he showed me…” (Zechariah 3:1a)
• Zechariah records a fourth night vision (Zechariah 1:8; 2:1; 4:1), underscoring the continuity of God’s revelation.
• The “he” is the interpreting angel (Zechariah 1:9), guiding Zechariah step-by-step, reminding us that God graciously explains His purposes to His people (Amos 3:7).
• Because the text is historical prophecy, we read it as a literal event God allowed Zechariah to witness.
Joshua the high priest“…Joshua the high priest…” (3:1b)
• Joshua son of Jehozadak was the actual post-exilic high priest (Haggai 1:1).
• As high priest he represented the entire nation before God (Exodus 28:29).
• His presence highlights the spiritual condition of the remnant: they needed cleansing before the rebuilding could truly honor the LORD (Ezra 3:2;Haggai 2:14).
• By focusing on a real person in a real office, God shows His concern for both corporate and individual holiness (Leviticus 16:32-34).
standing before the Angel of the LORD“…standing before the Angel of the LORD…” (3:1c)
• “Standing before” pictures a priestly posture of service and intercession (Deuteronomy 10:8).
• The Angel of the LORD consistently speaks as God yet is distinct from the Father (Genesis 22:11-12;Exodus 3:2-6), foreshadowing the pre-incarnate Christ who mediates for His people (1 Timothy 2:5).
• Joshua’s position before this Angel assures us that true mediation is anchored in God Himself, not human merit (Isaiah 63:9).
and Satan standing at his right hand“…with Satan standing at his right hand…” (3:1d)
• “Satan” means adversary; here he appears as a literal personal being (Job 1:6-12;Revelation 12:9).
• The right hand was the traditional place of legal accusation in ancient courts (Psalm 109:6).
• This reveals that spiritual warfare surrounds God’s redemptive plans (Ephesians 6:12), and the accuser seeks any legal ground to hinder them.
to accuse him“…to accuse him.” (3:1e)
• Satan’s aim is condemnation (Revelation 12:10). He points to Joshua’s—and by extension Israel’s—sin-stained garments (v. 3) to nullify their service.
• Yet the coming verses show the LORD’s rebuke (v. 2) and provision of clean garments (v. 4), illustratingRomans 8:33-34: “Who will bring any charge against God’s elect?”
• This sets the stage for the branching promise of Messiah (v. 8;Isaiah 11:1) who removes iniquity in a single day (v. 9).
summaryZechariah 3:1 pulls back the curtain on a heavenly courtroom where the high priest represents the people, the Angel of the LORD presides, and Satan prosecutes. The scene is literal, historical, and deeply theological: it affirms that God’s people face real accusation, but their standing is secured by a divine Mediator who silences every charge.
Verses 1-10. - § 6.
The fourth vision: Joshua the high priest before the angel.Verse 1. -
He showed me. The Septuagint and Vulgate give, "The Lord showed me." Some suppose that it was the interpreting angel who showed this vision; but his duty was to explain, not to present, the visions. So in
Zechariah 1:20 it is the Lord who shows the "four craftsmen." This vision is closely connected with the last. In that it was declared that the Lord would again dwell in Jerusalem, and visit his people with blessings. But to fit them for the presence and favour of Jehovah they must be pure. To this end they must have a holy priesthood to train them in righteous ways, to oppose the attacks of the adversary, and to intercede for them effectually. The removal of their impurity is represented in the fourth vision.
Joshua the high priest (see note on Haggai 1:1). The name is written Joshua in
Ezra 2:2, etc. He was the first of the high priests after the Captivity, succeeding, as by hereditary right, his father Josedech, who died in Babylon. For his services in restoring the temple he is praised among great men in Ecclus. 49:12.
Standing before the angel of the Lord. Joshua is the representative of the priesthoood, and through that also of the whole people. The angel of Jehovah (see notes on Zechariah 1:11, 13) is the representative of and endowed with attributes of Jehovah, the Friend and Leader of Israel. The phrase, "standing before," is used in a ministerial sense, as of a servant rendering service to a superior (
Genesis 41:46;
1 Kings 12:6, 8), and a priest or Levite performing his official duties (
Deuteronomy 10:8;
Ezekiel 44:15) : also, in a judicial sense, of a person appearing before a judge, either as plaintiff (
Numbers 27:2;
1 Kings 3:16) or defendant (
Numbers 35:12). Many commentators find in this scene a judicial process, Joshua appearing before the angel as before his judge; and Ewald supposes that it adumbrates his actual accusation at the Persian court, The mention of the adversary at the right hand (
Psalm 109:6) is supposed to confirm this interpretation. But it is obvious that the adversary might stand at the right hand, not as a formal accuser in a trial, but in order to resist and hinder Joshua's proceedings; the angel, too, is not represented as sitting on a throne of judgment, but standing by (ver. 5), and there is no further intimation of any judicial process in the vision. It is therefore best to conceive that Joshua is interceding for the people in his official capacity in the presence of the representative of Jehovah. The locality is not specified; it may have been before the altar, which, we know, was built and used at this time. The special mention of his garments implies that he was engaged in official duties in a consecrated spot; but the place is immaterial.
Satan;
the adversary, or
accuser. The personality of Satan is here plainly recognized, as in
Job 1:6, etc.; Job 2:1, etc., rendered by the LXX. in all these places,
ὁ διάβολος (see Appendix B, in Archdeacon Perowne's 'Commentary on Zechariah').
At his (Joshua's)
right hand. Not as a judicial accuser, but as an enemy to resist his efforts for the good of the people, and to thwart his interests with the angel of the Lord.
To resist him;to act the adversary to him. The verb is cognate to, the noun above. From what follows we must suppose that Satan objects against Joshua both his own personal sin and the transgressions of the people whose burden he bore (comp. ver. 9, where his sin is called "the iniquity of the land," which would include the guilt which had led to the Captivity, their dilatoriness in building the temple, and all their backslidings since the return).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then [the angel] showed meוַיַּרְאֵ֗נִי(way·yar·’ê·nî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To seeJoshuaיְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙(yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091:Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelitesthe highהַגָּד֔וֹל(hag·gā·ḏō·wl)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentpriestהַכֹּהֵ֣ן(hak·kō·hên)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Prieststandingעֹמֵ֕ד(‘ō·mêḏ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsbeforeלִפְנֵ֖י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe Angelמַלְאַ֣ךְ(mal·’aḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4397:A messenger, of God, an angelof the LORD,יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwith Satanוְהַשָּׂטָ֛ן(wə·haś·śā·ṭān)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7854:An opponent -- Satan, the arch-enemy of goodstandingעֹמֵ֥ד(‘ō·mêḏ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsatעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis right handיְמִינ֖וֹ(yə·mî·nōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3225:The right hand, side, the southto accuse him.לְשִׂטְנֽוֹ׃(lə·śiṭ·nōw)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7853:To be or act as adversary
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OT Prophets: Zechariah 3:1 He showed me Joshua the high priest (Zech. Zec Zc) 
