Zechariah 3:1-10
Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. – Zechariah 3:7
Click to read the passage
The primary duty of a priest was to offer sacrifices to God in the temple and to oversee the sacred vessels used in rituals. This holy calling required the priest to walk in close fellowship with God, serving with reverence and purity. However, over time, priestly ministry became hollow. It became just rituals without relationship, as the priest’s heart drifted far from God. The corruption and downfall of Israel’s priests eventually led to God’s judgment upon them. Along with the rest of the nation, they were exiled and stripped of the privilege of ministering in God’s temple.
In today’s devotional passage, we meet Joshua the high priest (verse 1). He is the son of Jehozadak and grandson of Seraiah (see 1 Chronicles 6:14), and the nephew of Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:1). Seraiah was the high priest when the Jerusalem temple was destroyed, and he was executed by the king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:18–21). Joshua, inheriting his grandfather’s sacred office, became the first high priest after the exiles returned from Babylon. He stood as a representative of a people rescued from judgment, “a brand plucked from the fire”, as the old Hebrew expression puts it, an image of mercy shown to God’s faithful remnant.
As high priest, Joshua stood before God on behalf of a sinful nation, yet Satan appeared to accuse him, attempting to disqualify and hinder his ministry. No sinner, even a priest, can stand against Satan’s accusations apart from God’s intervening grace. But the LORD, who has chosen His holy people, holds the authority to rebuke Satan and purify His servants.
Joshua’s filthy garments were a serious offense, representing the sin and defilement of both himself and the people. Yet in verse 4, we read of God’s incredible mercy:
“Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” (verse 4)
At this moment, the prophet Zechariah moves from being a passive observer to an intercessor. He speaks up:
“Put a clean turban on his head.” (verse 5)
This act completes the restoration. Joshua is now clothed in purity, crowned with a clean turban, and reinstated as high priest. He has received the grace of forgiveness and cleansing, and his position and authority as high priest have been restored. The high priest’s robes and turban are deeply symbolic. They foreshadow Christ Himself. When a sinner is redeemed and “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27), they are no longer defined by shame or sin. They stand before God, not by their own merit, but by grace alone. This is the amazing grace of the gospel! God not only forgives, he restores. The vision ends with a promise:
” I will bring my servant the Branch.”
This is a clear messianic prophecy: the Messiah will come, and through Him, God’s people will find rest. The once-accused high priest becomes a picture of every believer cleansed, clothed, and restored in Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, who rules over all of history, You judge and discipline Your people, yet You never abandon them. Though they were exiled, You brought them back. Though they were defiled, You made them clean. You have promised rest through the coming of the Messiah. Father, please help me to trust in Your authority, to experience Your cleansing grace, and to live in the hope of Your coming kingdom. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Click to read the passage
The primary duty of a priest was to offer sacrifices to God in the temple and to oversee the sacred vessels used in rituals. This holy calling required the priest to walk in close fellowship with God, serving with reverence and purity. However, over time, priestly ministry became hollow. It became just rituals without relationship, as the priest’s heart drifted far from God. The corruption and downfall of Israel’s priests eventually led to God’s judgment upon them. Along with the rest of the nation, they were exiled and stripped of the privilege of ministering in God’s temple.
In today’s devotional passage, we meet Joshua the high priest (verse 1). He is the son of Jehozadak and grandson of Seraiah (see 1 Chronicles 6:14), and the nephew of Ezra the scribe (Ezra 7:1). Seraiah was the high priest when the Jerusalem temple was destroyed, and he was executed by the king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:18–21). Joshua, inheriting his grandfather’s sacred office, became the first high priest after the exiles returned from Babylon. He stood as a representative of a people rescued from judgment, “a brand plucked from the fire”, as the old Hebrew expression puts it, an image of mercy shown to God’s faithful remnant.
As high priest, Joshua stood before God on behalf of a sinful nation, yet Satan appeared to accuse him, attempting to disqualify and hinder his ministry. No sinner, even a priest, can stand against Satan’s accusations apart from God’s intervening grace. But the LORD, who has chosen His holy people, holds the authority to rebuke Satan and purify His servants.
Joshua’s filthy garments were a serious offense, representing the sin and defilement of both himself and the people. Yet in verse 4, we read of God’s incredible mercy:
“Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” (verse 4)
At this moment, the prophet Zechariah moves from being a passive observer to an intercessor. He speaks up:
“Put a clean turban on his head.” (verse 5)
This act completes the restoration. Joshua is now clothed in purity, crowned with a clean turban, and reinstated as high priest. He has received the grace of forgiveness and cleansing, and his position and authority as high priest have been restored. The high priest’s robes and turban are deeply symbolic. They foreshadow Christ Himself. When a sinner is redeemed and “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27), they are no longer defined by shame or sin. They stand before God, not by their own merit, but by grace alone. This is the amazing grace of the gospel! God not only forgives, he restores. The vision ends with a promise:
” I will bring my servant the Branch.”
This is a clear messianic prophecy: the Messiah will come, and through Him, God’s people will find rest. The once-accused high priest becomes a picture of every believer cleansed, clothed, and restored in Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, who rules over all of history, You judge and discipline Your people, yet You never abandon them. Though they were exiled, You brought them back. Though they were defiled, You made them clean. You have promised rest through the coming of the Messiah. Father, please help me to trust in Your authority, to experience Your cleansing grace, and to live in the hope of Your coming kingdom. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.