At the heavenly court

Before moving on, let us review the context. From the first vision to the third vision, eschatological blessings to be given to Israel were promised. Before these promises are fulfilled, Israel must be regenerated. In the fourth vision, two things are promised: (1) God will cleanse Israel. (2) Israel will restore its confidence as a priestly people. The scene of this vision is a heavenly court. (1) Satan is the accuser, Joshua the high priest (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7) is the defendant, and the angel of the Lord (the Messiah) is the advocate. Joshua is the representative of the people of Israel and a symbol of the priesthood. (2) Satan is accusing Joshua the high priest. He likely charged that the people of Israel are disqualified as the chosen people. (3) In response, the Lord rebukes Satan. The word “rebuke” means “to accuse” and carries a very strong sense. “Is this not a log snatched from the fire?” (v 2) means, “Is this not a people delivered from the Babylonian captivity who will still be useful?” In other words, the Lord will restore the people of Israel and use them again for His plan.

Festive robes

“And he responded and said to those who were standing before him, saying, ‘Remove the filthy garments from him.’ Again he said to him, ‘See, I have taken your guilt away from you and will clothe you with festive robes’” (v 4). (1) The fact that Joshua was wearing filthy garments indicates that the people of Israel were in sin. In this condition, they cannot receive God’s blessing (ref. Isa. 4:3-4; 64:6). (2) However, the angel of the Lord (the Messiah) promises to remove that iniquity and clothe him with festal robes (garments of righteousness) (ref. Isa. 61:10). This is the work of the Messiah. Israel, the priestly nation defiled by sin, will once again be clothed with garments of righteousness and will take up its holy service. (3) The clean headband placed on Joshua’s head signifies the restoration of the priesthood. This is the turban worn by the high priest. The angel of the Lord standing nearby indicates that the Messiah has approved this. We also are those who have received garments of righteousness by faith. We are “a log snatched from the fire,” yet there remains within us something that can be used for the Lord’s service. Let us walk the rest of our lives as faithful servants of Christ.