Zec 3:4 | JFB | STEP | 4. those that stood before him —the ministering angels (compare the phrase in ). Take away the filthy garments —In it is "remove the iniquity of that land "; therefore Joshua represents the land. from him —literally, "from upon him"; pressing upon him as an overwhelming burden. change of raiment —festal robes of the high priest, most costly and gorgeous; symbol of Messiah's imputed righteousness ( ). The restoration of the glory of the priesthood is implied: first, partially, at the completion of the second temple; fully realized in the great High Priest Jesus, whose name is identical with Joshua ( ), the Representative of Israel, the "kingdom of priests" ( ); once clad in the filthy garments of our vileness, but being the chosen of the Father ( ), He hath by death ceased from sin, and in garments of glory entered the heavenly holy place as our High Priest ( ). Then, as the consequence ( ), realized in the Church generally ( ), and in Israel in particular ( ; compare ).

Zechariah 3:4

4. those that stood before him—the ministering angels (compare the phrase in 1Ki 10:8; Da 1:5).

Take away the filthy garments—In Zec 3:9 it is "remove the iniquity of that land"; therefore Joshua represents the land.

from him—literally, "from upon him"; pressing upon him as an overwhelming burden.

change of raiment—festal robes of the high priest, most costly and gorgeous; symbol of Messiah's imputed righteousness (Mt 22:11). The restoration of the glory of the priesthood is implied: first, partially, at the completion of the second temple; fully realized in the great High Priest Jesus, whose name is identical with Joshua (Heb 4:8), the Representative of Israel, the "kingdom of priests" (Ex 19:6); once clad in the filthy garments of our vileness, but being the chosen of the Father (Isa 42:1; 44:1; 49:1-3), He hath by death ceased from sin, and in garments of glory entered the heavenly holy place as our High Priest (Heb 8:1; 9:24). Then, as the consequence (1Pe 2:5), realized in the Church generally (Lu 15:22; Re 19:8), and in Israel in particular (Isa 61:10; compare Isa 3:6; 66:21).