What happensPermalink
Zechariah sees Satan accusing Joshua the high priest before the angel of the Lord. The Lord rebukes Satan and calls Joshua a brand plucked from the fire. Joshua’s filthy garments are replaced with clean garments and a turban, symbolizing his cleansing. If Joshua faithfully serves God, he will govern His house and have access among those standing before Him. Joshua and the priests point toward God’s coming servant, the Branch. God will remove the land’s iniquity in a single day, bringing His people peace.
Why it mattersPermalink
Joshua represents a people rescued from judgment yet still needing cleansing. God Himself removes his guilt and restores him to priestly service. Yet Joshua’s restored priesthood points beyond itself to the promised Branch, the righteous Davidic ruler foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 23:5), and to a more complete removal of His people’s sin.
Key versePermalink
Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch.