Zechariah 3:5

5. And I said If the present Hebrew text is original, the prophet must be the speaker. He has been an interested bystander; now he can contain himself no longer, and he prays that the diadem be restored to the high priest. LXX. omits these words and continues with the imperative, “set,” which is co-ordinated to “take away” and “clothe” in Zechariah 3:4. LXX. presents the smoother reading and may be original.

Set a fair [“clean”] miter upon his head The miter completes the high-priestly dress; its restoration will prepare Joshua to act again as the mediator between God and the people; therefore the placing of the miter upon the head completes the transaction begun by the removing of the filthy garments. The people are not only cleansed, but fellowship and communion with Jehovah is re-established. The word translated “miter” is not identical with the one used in Exodus 28:4; Exodus 28:36-38, but it undoubtedly refers to the same thing.

The command of the angel was executed, Joshua was clothed with clean garments, and the miter was placed upon his head.

The angel of Jehovah stood by Superintending the proceedings and by his presence giving to them his approval. Some commentators combine the last clause of Zechariah 3:5 with Zechariah 3:6 and read the two, “And the angel of Jehovah rose and protested unto Joshua,” which is smoother; but is there sufficient justification for the change?