1. Poi mi fece vedere il sommo sacerdote Giosuè, ritto davanti all'angelo del Signore, e satana era alla sua destra per accusarlo.
2. L'angelo del Signore disse a satana: «Ti rimprovera il Signore, o satana! Ti rimprovera il Signore che si è eletto Gerusalemme! Non è forse costui un tizzone s costui un tizzone sottratto al fuoco?».
3. Giosuè infatti era rivestito di vesti immonde e stava in piedi davanti all'angelo,
4. il quale prese a dire a coloro che gli stavano intorno: «Toglietegli quelle vesti immonde». Poi disse a Giosuè: «Ecco, io ti tolgo di dosso il peccato; fatti rivestire di abiti da festa».
5. Poi soggiunse: «Mettetegli sul capo un diadema mondo». E gli misero un diadema mondo sul capo, lo rivestirono di candide vesti alla presenza dell'angelo del Signore.
6. Poi l'angelo del Signore dichiarò a Giosuè:
7. «Dice il Signore degli eserciti: Se camminerai nelle mie vie e osserverai le mie leggi, tu avrai il governo della mia casa, sarai il custode dei miei atri e ti darò accesso fra questi che stanno qui.
8. Ascolta dunque, Giosuè sommo sacerdote, tu e i tuoi compagni che siedono davanti a te, poiché essi servono da presagio: ecco, io manderò il mio servo Germoglio.
9. Ecco la pietra che io pongo davanti a Giosuè: sette occhi sono su quest'unica pietra; io stesso inciderò la sua iscrizione - oracolo del Signore degli eserciti - e rimuoverò in un sol giorno l'iniquità da questo paese.
10. In quel giorno - oracolo del Signore degli eserciti - ogni uomo inviterà il suo vicino sotto la sua vite e sotto il suo fico».
Footnotes:
3:1-2 - The vision of Joshua the high priest before the angel of the Lord reveals divine forgiveness and cleansing. Joshua, as the representative of the people, symbolically stands before God, his garments soiled, but he is cleansed and restored by God, indicating divine grace that purifies the sinner (see also Isaiah 1:18 and Revelation 7:14).
3:3-4 - Joshua's purification through the exchange of his filthy garments for clean ones is a symbol of the justification and renewal of God's people. This vision anticipates the redemptive work of Christ, who, through His death, offers purification for all (see also 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Revelation 19:8).
3:5-7 - The angel of the Lord promises Joshua and his fellow priests a complete restoration with a glorious future. This promise points to the Messiah, who would come to fully restore the priesthood and their relationship with God (see also 1 Peter 2:9 and Hebrews 7:24-25).
3:8-10 - The promise that the "Branch" would come to remove the iniquity of the people is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The "Branch" is a messianic reference, pointing to the Savior who would bring salvation and complete cleansing (see also Jeremiah 23:5-6 and Acts 13:23).
Verses related to Zaccaria, 3:
Zechariah chapter 3 depicts the purification of the high priest Joshua. How does God restore the priesthood? This symbolic text presents a heavenly scene where Satan accuses Joshua, but God defends and purifies him. The chapter introduces the “Branch,” a messianic figure, and promises the removal of iniquity. Zechariah 3 explores themes such as forgiveness, sanctification, and the coming of the Messiah. Analyze with us five biblical passages that deepen the understanding of this transformative chapter.
Revelation 12:10: "Then I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Now the salvation and power and kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God, has been cast out. day and night.'" - The accuser's defeat in Revelation echoes Satan's rebuke in Zechariah 3:2.
Isaiah 61:10: "I greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul exults in my God. For he has clothed me with the garments of salvation and placed upon me the robe of righteousness, like a bridegroom putting on a diadem, like a bride adorning herself with jewels." - This image of garments of salvation in Isaiah mirrors the exchange of dirty clothes for festive clothes in Zechariah 3:4-5.
Ephesians 5:27: "And to present her to himself as a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and without blemish." - The purification of the church described by Paul resembles the purification of Joshua, the high priest, in Zechariah 3.
Colossians 1:22: "But now he has reconciled them through the physical body of Christ, through death, to present them before him holy, blameless and free from any accusation." - The reconciliation and purification described by Paul echoes the purification scene in Zechariah 3.
Malachi 3:1: "Behold, I send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. And suddenly the Lord, whom you seek, the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come to your temple. He comes,' says the Lord of hosts." - This verse from Malachi relates to the promise of the "Branch Branch" in Zechariah 3:8, both pointing to the Messiah.
FAQ:
What does the vision of Joshua the high priest in Zechariah 3 mean?
Joshua's vision depicts the purification of Israel. Joshua, who was dressed in filthy clothes, is purified and given clean garments, symbolizing the forgiveness and spiritual restoration of the people. (Zechariah 3:1-5)
How does the vision of Zechariah 3 point to the Messiah?
The vision in Zechariah 3 points to the Messiah, who would be the Servant of the Lord, coming to purify the people and bring salvation. The "Branch" refers to Christ, who would come to establish righteousness. (Zechariah 3:8)
What does God's promise to remove Israel's iniquity in Zechariah 3 mean?
The promise is that God will purify His people, removing sin and restoring Israel. This act of purification is linked to the Messiah who would come to bring salvation. (Zechariah 3:9)
What does the seven-eyed stone represent in Zechariah 3?
The seven-eyed stone symbolizes God's perfect vision and His power to observe and act in every aspect of life. It is also associated with the coming of the Messiah. (Zechariah 3:9)
How does the vision of Zechariah 3 reflect Israel's hope?
The vision reflects the hope that, despite their past sins, Israel would be purified and restored, with God returning to dwell among them. (Zechariah 3:4-7)
