Zechariah 3
DOYLYZechariah 3:8
- — thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee.] The Angel here directs his speech to Joshua and his assessors or assistants in council; bespeaking their attention to what follows, as matter of great importance. W. Lowth. The fellows of Joshua, that sat before him, may have been some of those called chief priests; who, though subordinate to the high priest, were entitled by their rank to assist in his councils. Dr. Blayney. — for they are men wondered at.] The margin reads, “men of wonder:” the original word signifies not only a wonder, but likewise “a sign,” or “a type;” and so it is to be here understood. Compare Isa. xx. 3; viii. 18; Ezek. xii. 6. 11, 12; xxiv. 24. They are men intended for signs or tokens, they are typical men, as Bp. Chandler very properly translates the phrase: men that foreshew something to come, according to the sense of the Latin Vulgate. They, with Joshua the high priest at the head of them, are a figure of the restarvation of the Church under the government of the Messiah. W. Lowth. — behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.] Behold, I will exhibit unto the world Christ the Saviour, whom I have ordained to work that great business of mediation for my Church; whose visible presence shall grace that temple, which ye are now to build. Bp. Hall. The same Person must needs be intended here, as is spoken of under the same title, Jer. xxiii. 5: nor can terms so magnificent as those used in the latter place more especially be applicable to any one of less consequence than the great Messiah Himself, through whom alone iniquity is put away, and the reign of perfect peace and righteousness is to be established. Dr. Blayney. The title of “the Branch” is often given to the Messiah as sprouting from the stock of David: He is elsewhere called “God’s servant” in an eminent sense, because He was “sanctified and sent into the world” upon a message of the highest importance. See Isa. xlii. 1; xlix. 3; lii. 13; liii. 11; Ezek. xxxiv. 23, 24. W. Lowth.
Zechariah 3:9
- For behold the stone &c.] In signification of which Saviour, I have laid before Joshua a stone, to resemble Him who is the chief corner stone of His Church, whereon it shall be firmly built. Bp. Hall. — upon one stone shall be seven eyes:] To shew my watchful providence over this and all other places devoted to my service; and withal the wisdom and other graces, which shall be eminent in the Messiah, the chief corner stone of all the mystical Churches of God. The eye is the emblem of Providence; the number seven denotes perfection. Dr. Stokes. — I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.] I will proclaim a free pardon of sins by the publishing of the Gospel; see Jer. xxxi. 34; or the words may relate to the pardoning of the Jews upon their general conversion: compare chap. xiii. 1; Jer. 1. 20; Mic. vii. 18, 19. W. Lowth. Or, we may understand by “one day,” that on which Christ died to put away sins by the offering of Himself. Dr. Blayney.
Zechariah 3:10
- — shall ye call every man his neighbour &c.] The meaning of this passage is to shew the peace and security that should prevail in those happy days. Mr. Harmer supposes an hospitable custom to be here alluded to, of people enjoying themselves in rural repasts in the open air, and inviting those that passed by to partake with them in their pleasures. Dr. Blayney. Chap. IV. In this chapter the Prophet is called upon to contemplate a fifth vision of the most sublime and mysterious import. He sees a candlestick of pure gold, with its seven lamps communicating by seven pipes with a bowl at the top, which serves for a reservoir, and is constantly supplied with oil from two olive trees, standing one on each side of the candlestick. He enquires into the meaning, and receives an answer, which, though it may in some sort apply to the circumstances of the temple then in building, yet from the solemnity of the manner, and the terms in use, must be concluded to point to something far higher, no less than the final and complete establishment of Christ’s holy catholick Church, not by human means, but by the power of the Holy Spirit; surmounting all obstacles thrown in its way. Annexed is a special prediction, that Zerubbabel, who had begun, should have the honour of finishing the material building of the temple; the accomplishment of which is made a sign or proof of the Divine mission. The meaning of the seven lamps is then explained, and also of the two overhanging branches of the olive trees on each side of the candlestick. Dr. Blayney. Ver. 1. — and waked me.] It should seem as if the Prophet was plunged into a deep reverie, musing on what he had already seen, when he was roused again by the angel to give his attention to what follows. Dr. Blayney.