Zechariah 3

Chapter Summary

Zechariah chapter 3 begins with a vision of the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the Lord, with Satan accusing him. However, God rebukes Satan and commands the angels to remove Joshua's filthy garments, symbolizing his cleansing from sin. God then gives Joshua a new set of clothes and a turban, signifying his restoration to his priestly office. The chapter also mentions the stone with seven eyes, which represents the all-seeing God who will remove the iniquity of the land in one day. The chapter ends with a prophecy of the coming of the Branch, who will build the temple and bear the glory.

Context for the Chapter

Zechariah chapter 3 is part of a series of visions that the prophet Zechariah received from God. The chapter is set in the post-exilic period, when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian exile and seeking to rebuild the temple. The chapter provides a message of hope and restoration for God's people, emphasizing God's mercy, forgiveness, and redemption. It is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it points to the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate redemption of God's people.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's mercy and forgiveness, and to seek spiritual cleansing and restoration. It also highlights the importance of the priesthood and the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity. Believers can apply this chapter by seeking to deepen their understanding of God's character and by trusting in His mercy and forgiveness.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Zechariah chapter 3 is about the restoration of the priesthood and the cleansing of the high priest Joshua. It points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring about the restoration and redemption of Israel. The chapter emphasizes God's mercy, forgiveness, and redemption, and it encourages believers to trust in His mercy and forgiveness. As seen in Zechariah 3:8-10, the Branch will remove the iniquity of the land in one day, which is a reference to Christ's atoning work on the cross.

Voices from the Church

“The Branch is a most glorious title of our Lord Jesus Christ, and it is a title that is full of comfort and consolation to the people of God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The stone with seven eyes is a symbol of the all-seeing God, who knows all things and who will remove the iniquity of the land in one day.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Vision of the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-5) — The chapter begins with a vision of the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the Lord, with Satan accusing him. However, God rebukes Satan and commands the angels to remove Joshua's filthy garments, symbolizing his cleansing from sin.
2. The Cleansing of the High Priest (Zechariah 3:3-5) — The cleansing of Joshua's garments represents the spiritual cleansing that God provides for His people, and it is a type of the spiritual cleansing that Christ provides.
3. The Restoration of the High Priest (Zechariah 3:6-7) — God gives Joshua a new set of clothes and a turban, signifying his restoration to his priestly office. This highlights the importance of the priesthood and the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity.
4. The Prophecy of the Branch (Zechariah 3:8-10) — The chapter ends with a prophecy of the coming of the Branch, who will build the temple and bear the glory. The Branch is a messianic figure who represents the source of spiritual life and vitality for God's people.
5. The Stone with Seven Eyes (Zechariah 3:9) — The stone with seven eyes represents the all-seeing God who will remove the iniquity of the land in one day, symbolizing God's omniscience and His plan to redeem His people.

Core Doctrines

The Priesthood of Christ

This chapter teaches that Christ is the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity, and that He provides spiritual cleansing and restoration for His people.

The Importance of Spiritual Cleansing

The chapter emphasizes the need for spiritual cleansing and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness.

The All-Seeing God

The stone with seven eyes represents the all-seeing God who knows all things and who will remove the iniquity of the land in one day.

The Coming of the Messiah

The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring about the restoration and redemption of Israel.

Lessons from Zechariah 3

1. The Importance of Spiritual Cleansing — The chapter emphasizes the need for spiritual cleansing and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness.
2. The Role of the Priesthood — The chapter highlights the importance of the priesthood and the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity.
3. The Coming of the Messiah — The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring about the restoration and redemption of Israel.
4. The All-Seeing God — The stone with seven eyes represents the all-seeing God who knows all things and who will remove the iniquity of the land in one day.
5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Mercy and Forgiveness — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's mercy and forgiveness, and to seek spiritual cleansing and restoration.

Themes from Zechariah 3

1. Restoration and Redemption — The chapter emphasizes God's plan to restore and redeem His people, and to bring about the coming of the Messiah.
2. The Importance of Spiritual Cleansing — The chapter highlights the need for spiritual cleansing and the importance of trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness.
3. The Role of the Priesthood — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the priesthood and the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity.
4. The All-Seeing God — The stone with seven eyes represents the all-seeing God who knows all things and who will remove the iniquity of the land in one day.
5. The Coming of the Messiah — The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring about the restoration and redemption of Israel.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the vision of the high priest Joshua represent, and how does it relate to the coming of the Messiah?
2. What is the significance of the cleansing of Joshua's garments, and how does it relate to the spiritual cleansing that Christ provides?
3. How does the chapter highlight the importance of the priesthood, and what role does Christ play as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity?
4. What does the prophecy of the Branch represent, and how does it relate to the coming of the Messiah?
5. What does the stone with seven eyes represent, and how does it relate to God's omniscience and His plan to redeem His people?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Zechariah 3

	Sermon	Description
	Overcoming Satan by the Blood of Jesus by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the concern of how to maintain righteousness and be a shining light in a world that is becoming increasingly dark. The preacher emphasizes th
	Are You Holding Hands With Satan or Jesus by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that godly men are often targeted by Satan's attacks. He also highlights that the families of godly men, particularly their children, are al
	The Coming Revival of the Joshua Priesthood by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding rest in God. He highlights that effective evangelism is built on a foundation of rest, which may seem foolish to t
	(Through the Bible) Zechariah 1-5 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the second vision of the prophet Zachariah. The vision begins with Zachariah seeing a man with a measuring line in his hand, who is tasked wit
	Ezra #4: Reasons for an Incomplete Temple, Part 2 by Ed Miller	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not giving up and quitting in the face of challenges. He emphasizes that God's answer to difficulties is not through human
	A Merciful Attitude by Sandeep & Zac Poonen by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of mercy and being advocates for one another, highlighting the need to be honest about our struggles and to seek God's mercy in our lives. It
	Recovery Through the Prophets: Isaiah by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon on Zechariah chapter 4, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit rather than human might or power in building the house of God and maintai
	Reform or Revival, Which Shall It Be by Richard Sipley	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah, specifically chapter 4. He highlights three important questions asked in this chapter: "Who art thou a great mountain
	The Four Gospels by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose of the four Gospels in the Bible. He explains that the Holy Spirit selects incidents from the life of Jesus to weave a pattern and
	Mid South Conference 1978-10 Zechariah's Visions by Bob Clark	In this sermon, the speaker discusses a vision from the book of Zechariah. The vision is divided into three sections: the problem faced by Zechariah and the Lord, the purging that

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Zechariah 3

Matthew Henry's commentary on Zechariah 3 emphasizes the importance of the vision of the high priest Joshua, which represents the restoration of the priesthood and the cleansing of God's people from sin. Henry also highlights the significance of the prophecy of the Branch, which represents the coming of the Messiah and the restoration and redemption of Israel. Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness, and seeking spiritual cleansing and restoration. As seen in Zechariah 3:1-5, the vision of the high priest Joshua is a powerful reminder of God's plan to restore and redeem His people, and the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and humanity. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?