Zechariah 3

Zechariah 3:1

SHowed me] in a vision. The end whereof is to shew, that in the restauration of the Temple, & of Gods service, it was first of all necessary to have those persons, which were to be imployed therein, reconciled to God, and cleansed from the pollution which they had gotten in Babylon. And that likewise the Church, represented here by Jehoshua, a chiefe Officer of it, should be re-admitted into Gods favour: to the end, that the service which she should yeeld unto him, might be accepted: which is figured by a forme of judgement, wherein Jehoshua is by the Lord absolved, and afterwards sanctified Standing] like unto a man accused before a Judge Before the Angell] namely; before the Sonne of God, who is both Judge and Advocate, and Defendor of those that beleeve in him in this judgement, 1 John 2:1 Satan] the adversary; the malicious accuser of the Faithfull to 〈◊〉 against whom he complaines, pretending to be zealous of having justice done, though he be onely moved through an envious and malignant rage. Revelation 12:10. See Psalms 109:6.

Zechariah 3:2

The Lord] namely; the Sonne of God, who was before called Angell Rebuke thee.] may mine everlasting Father rebuke and confound thee; in this malitious instance which thou makest against my Church. See Jude 1:9. the same words spoken upon another occasion That hath chosen] hereby is intimated and shewne the chiefe foundation and ground of the Churches absolution, here represented by Jehoshua; which is, that God from all eternity, hath out of his own meere grace chosen his elect to salvation. Romans 8:33 Is 〈◊〉 this] namely; this small company which Jehoshua represents a reservation of my grace, which I have reserved out of my people, whom I have caused to passe thorow the fire of my judgements? Amos 4:11. See Romans 11:5. And therefore towards them my decree of grace shall stand firme and invariable.

Zechariah 3:3

Filthy garments] an ordinary signe of sinne, as a white and cleane garmentis a signe of Christs righteousnesse put on by faith, and of the regeneration of the Spirit to the newnesse of life, See Ezek. 16. 8. 10. Rev. 3. 4, 18. & 7. 14.

Zechariah 3:4

Unto those] namely; to the created Angels his Ministers; to shew, that Christ who only hath power to forgive sinnes, doth therein imploy the holy Ministery for an instrument. See 2 Corinthians 5:18 I have caused] this hath a relation to two spirituall effects. The one is; that by Christs satisfaction sinne is taken away from before the eyes of God, and is not imputed to condemnation: though the corruption be not altogether blotted out in man during this life. See Psal. 32. 1, 2. The other is; that Christs merit and righteousnesse is applyed to the beleever to life; and that by his Spirit he puts on the new man in righteousnesse and holinesse, Galatians 3:27. Colossians 3:10.

Zechariah 3:5

Mitre] a Priestly ornament for the head, Exodus 28:4. to shew, that God besides his grace, which was common to all the members of his Church, did also adorne him with the gifts of his Spirit, befitting his priestly charge Stood by] as it were to have this his sentence put in execution. Whereby is signified Christs assistance to the worke of the ministery in power and Spirit. As to that also seemes to be referred his speaking alone in this place, to shew that he alone doth all this worke, and doth all things in all men; and that he can alone pronounce the sentence, and comfort the soule by his Spirit.

Zechariah 3:7

Judge] I will keepe thee in the Priestly degree; of which the two chiefe parts were: the government in Ecclesiasticall businesses; and concerning the worship of God, according as it is set downe in the Law: Deuteronomy 17:12. 2 Chronicles 19:11. And the chiefe and continuall Ministery of holy things I will give thee] After all this I will gather thee up into my heavenly glory, with mine Angels; the likenesse of which, thou beholdest here in this vision.

Zechariah 3:8

Thy fellowes] namely; The inferiour Priests For they are] the Italian, For you are] I have appointed you to be in your own persons and actions a signe and representation of my Churches re-establishment by the Messias: of which I will give you a particular instruction For behold] He gives a reason, why he had termed them signes and figures: namely; Because that in Christ was the accomplishment I will bring] I will shortly send my sonne into the world; who shall take upon him the forme of a servant, to accomplish the worke of redemption: Philippians 2:7 The branch] A frequent name of the Messias: See upon Isaiah 4:2.

Zechariah 3:9

For behold] The end of the sending of my Sonne shal be to lay the foundation of my Church upon him, who was the fundamentall and corner stone: Psalms 118:22. Isaiah 28:16. figured by some especiall stone which was solemnlie put into the fabrick of Temple, and in the presence of the Priests when it begun to be built up ugaine: See Zech. 4. 7. 10 Upon one] the Italian Upon that one] As that materiall stone hath been set in the sight of Joshua, and of other Priests: So shall the eyes of my providence: 2 Chro: 16. 9. which is infinite, and universall here signified by the number of seven: Zech. 4. 10. and 5. 6. and 9. 1. be alwayes fixed upon Christ, to maintaine, favour, and cause him to prosper in his Kingdome: See Isa. 24. 6. and 49. 8. and 51. 16 I will engrave] Words of God the Father; who hath appointed his Sonne to be Mediator; and hath confirmed upon his humane nature all the gifts of his Spirit, for to performe it: See Dan. 2. 34. 44. Hebrews 9:11 I will remove] As in Joshua: namely; made fitting to undertake the Priesthood againe. I have sanctified all my Church: so by one onely oblation of my Sonne, who was eternally consecrated high Priest: I will purge all the sinnes of my Church: See Heb. 9. 12. and 10. 12, 24 In one day] This is opposite to your figurative sacrifices which were: namely; times reiterated: see Heb. 7. 27. and 9. 26, 28. and 10. 10.

Zechariah 3:10

Shall yee call] A figure of the spirituall peace and rest of the Church, redeemed and reconciled to God by Christ: Mich. 4. 4.