a3:1-10
b3:1
cEzra 2:2
dEzra 5:2
eHag 2:1-5
fJob 1:6
gNum 22:22
h1 Sam 29:4
i1 Chr 21:1
jMark 3:22
k2 Cor 4:4
lEph 6:11
mRev 20:2
n3:2-3
o3:4

‏ Zechariah 3:1-2

Summary for Zech 3:1-10: 3:1-10  a The prophet’s vision depicts a heavenly courtroom with the prosecuting attorney (Satan) accusing the defendant (Jeshua the high priest) of being unfit for his priestly duties. 3:1  b Jeshua was the high priest, the religious leader among those who returned to Judah from exile in Babylon (Ezra 2:2  c). Jeshua partnered with Zerubbabel, the governor of the restored community, in rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple (Ezra 5:2  d; Hag 2:1-5  e).

• The Accuser, Satan (literally The satan) designates a member of the heavenly court whose role is to accuse human beings of wrongdoing, to act as prosecuting attorney (see Job 1:6  f). The adversarial role may be performed by either human or divine beings (see Num 22:22  g; 1 Sam 29:4  h; 1 Chr 21:1  i). By New Testament times, Satan was a personal name for the prince of demons (Mark 3:22  j; 2 Cor 4:4  k; Eph 6:11  l; Rev 20:2  m).

• The Accuser’s position of authority in the heavenly court is shown by his standing at the angel’s right hand.
Summary for Zech 3:2-3: 3:2-3  n The Lord is both defense attorney and judge; he censures the prosecution’s arguments, dismisses the case, and declares Jeshua innocent because he has been chosen and cleansed by God.

• Like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire, Jeshua and other Hebrew exiles were plucked by God from near destruction in Babylon.

• Jeshua’s filthy clothes (3:4  o) symbolize the guilt and pollution of sin that prompted the divine judgment of exile. The accusations of Satan probably implied that just as a polluted priest was unfit for Temple service, the Hebrews were unfit to be God’s chosen people.
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