Joshua and the Angel
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he pleads for the fulfillment of God’s promises, Satan stands up boldly
to resist him. He points to the transgressions of Israel as a reason why
they should not be restored to the favor of God. He claims them as his
prey, and demands that they be given into his hands.
The high priest cannot defend himself or his people from Satan’s
accusations. He does not claim that Israel is free from fault. In filthy
garments, symbolizing the sins of the people, which he bears as their
representative, he stands before the Angel, confessing their guilt, yet
pointing to their repentance and humiliation, and relying upon the
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mercy of a sin-pardoning Redeemer. In faith he claims the promises
of God.
Then the Angel, who is Christ Himself, the Saviour of sinners,
puts to silence the accuser of His people, declaring, “The Lord rebuke
thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee:
is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?”
Verse 2
. Long had Israel
remained in the furnace of affliction. Because of their sins they had
been well-nigh consumed in the flame kindled by Satan and his agents
for their destruction, but God had now set His hand to bring them forth.
As the intercession of Joshua is accepted, the command is given,
“Take away the filthy garments from him;” and to Joshua the Angel
says, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will
clothe thee with change of raiment.” “So they set a fair miter upon his
head, and clothed him with garments.”
Verses 4, 5
. His own sins and
those of his people were pardoned. Israel was clothed with “change
of raiment”—the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. The miter
placed upon Joshua’s head was such as was worn by the priests, and
bore the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord” (
Exodus 28:36
), signifying
that notwithstanding his former transgressions, he was now qualified
to minister before God in His sanctuary.
The Angel now declared to Joshua: “Thus saith the Lord 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.”
Zechariah
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3:7
. If obedient, he should be honored as the judge, or ruler, over the
temple and all its services; he should walk among attending angels,
even in this life; and at last he should join the glorified throng around
the throne of God.