Zechariah Chapter 3

Joshua the high priest stands accused by Satan, then is cleansed and clothed by the LORD.

Zechariah 3: Joshua's Filthy Garments Removed

After the vision of Jerusalem's protection in Zechariah 2, the scene shifts to Joshua the high priest standing in filthy garments before the angel of the LORD while Satan stands ready to accuse him.


And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of יהוה, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

And יהוה said unto Satan, יהוה rebuke thee, O Satan; even יהוה that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of יהוה stood by.

And the angel of יהוה protested unto Joshua, saying,

Thus saith יהוה of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith יהוה of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

In that day, saith יהוה of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

The LORD rebukes the accuser, calling Joshua 'a brand plucked out of the fire,' language also used of rescued survivors in <a href="/bible/rnkjv/amos/chapter-4/11">Amos 4:11</a>, then promises to bring forth His servant the BRANCH. The golden candlestick vision follows in <a href="/bible/rnkjv/zechariah/chapter-4">Zechariah 4</a>.