Zechariah 3

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:3

Clothed with filthy garments. The soiled, or dark mourning garments represent not so much the low estate to which the Aaronic priesthood had been reduced, as the defilements of sin with which Joshua was encompassed, especially, perhaps, his error in allowing his descendants to intermarry with heathens ( Ezra 10:18 ). But the sin was not only personal; he appeared laden with the guilt of the priesthood and his people. He is a type of Christ in this. Christ, indeed, was without sin; yet he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:4

He answered. The Angel of Jehovah answered the mute petition of Joshua. Those that stood before him. The attendant angels, who waited on the Angel of Jehovah to do his pleasure (see note on verse 1). Take away the filthy garments. This symbolized remission of sins and restoration to favour, as the following words explain, I will clothe thee with change of raiment; Revised Version, with rich apparel. The word machalatsoth occurs also in Isaiah 3:22 , and may mean either "change of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:5

I said. If this is the true reading (which Ewald doubts), we must consider that the prophet, excited by what has passed, cannot stand by as a mere spectator, but feels constrained to take part in the scene, and to request that the change of garments may be completed by the addition of the fair head dress. The LXX . omits the word, continuing the address to the attendant. The Vulgate has, et dixit. So the Syriac and the Targum and some few manuscripts. But the received reading is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:5

We may take this as A picture of Christ and the soul. "Stood by." I. TENDER CONCERN . The beginnings of life are full of interest. So it is with the budding of the flower; the lispings of infancy; the first tokens of love. How carefully the gardener watches the germinating of some rare seed! With what tender solicitude friends wait for the signs of returning health to the loved one brought low by disease! So in an infinitely higher way as to our Lord. Our souls are precious in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:6

Protested . Solemnly and earnestly admonished, adjured. διεμαρτίρατο ; Genesis 43:3 ; 2 Kings 17:13 . The Angel sets before Joshua his duties, and urges him to keep in the right way, promising to him and to the nation blessing and honour, and proceeding to prophesy of a great future. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:6-7

If and them; or, the great things of God's promises. I. THE GREAT IN CHARACTER . How described. 1 . Obedience. Life regulated by the Divine will. "Walk in my ways." 2 . Fidelity of service. Life devoted to God's glory. So Moses ( Hebrews 3:5 ). II. THE GREAT IN HONOUR . Not place, or outward distinction, or arbitrary rewards. "Knighthoods and honours borne without desert are titles but of scorn" (Shakespeare). Three things. 1 . " Judge my house ." ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:6-10

The priesthood eclipsed. "And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua," etc. The ancient Jewish priesthood, as we saw in our last, being fully restored, what was to become of it in process of time? The answer to this was partly conditional, partly not so. If faithfully discharged by Joshua and his fellows and successors, that priesthood would be for many generations a thing of honour and blessing. In any case, it would ultimately be altogether eclipsed by another priesthood of a far... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:7

Walk in my ways. God's ways are his commandments, as the next words explain. Keep my charge. The Vulgate retains the Hebraism, Custodiam meam custodieris (comp. Genesis 26:5 ; Malachi 3:14 ). The charge means the laws and ordinances of the Mosaic institution. Then . The apodosis rightly begins here, though Kimchi and others make it commence at "I will give thee," taking the following two clauses as denoting parts of his duties, the observance of which conditioned his acceptance. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:7

The Bible and true greatness. "Thus saith the Lard 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." The words direct us to the Bible and true greatness. I. THE BIBLE DIRECTS US TO THE SPHERE OF TRUE GREATNESS . The promise made to Joshua here is, "Thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 3:8

Hear now; ἄκουε δή . Joshua is called upon to give all his attention to the important announcement that follows, which promises a very great boon in the future. Thy fellows that sit before thee . His fellow priests, who took their orders from him and sat with him in council. These priests were not seen in the vision. Keil considers that the address, to which Joshua's attention is called, begins at "Thou and thy fellows." For (or, yea ) they are men wondered at; Septuagint, ... read more

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