Zechariah 3

Ver. 1, 2. Satan laboured, by accusations and other means, to render Joshua’s ministrations for himself and his people unsuccessful. But Christ, in his Father’s name, rebuked the devil, and defended Joshua and the returned remnant of Jews, as persons graciously preserved under, and delivered from, manifold dangers and trials of affliction

Zechariah 3:3-5

Joshua’s filthy garments represented the sinfulness and miseries of himself and his people; and his change of raiment, the pardon of, and reformation from, their sins, and their advancement to glory and honour

Zechariah 3:7

If Joshua conducts himself well, the high priesthood shall be continued with him and his descendants, and he shall be highly respected by his fellow ministers, and at last admitted to the blessed fellowship of angels and glorified saints

Zechariah 3:8

Joshua and his fellow priests were monuments of God’s marvellous deliverance from captivity, and were typical of Christ, who, as man, growing up amidst weakness, and bringing forth glory to God, and happiness to men, is called the BRANCH

Zechariah 3:9

This stone represents Christ as the only foundation laid in Zion, regarded by beholders unnumbered, endowed by God with all eminent gifts and graces, and made perfect by sufferings and glory, that he may be the source of the justification and sanctification of the whole church, and of all the happiness and safety of his people

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—Satan never fails to resist and discourage as far as he can the faithful ministers and worshippers of God. But Christ is our present helper in time of need. And he will be graciously pitiful to our infirmities, and ready to relieve. With him narrow escapes from imminent danger are preludes of, and may be pleas for further favours. No sinful or distressing pollutions can break his covenant with us. And, if our hearts be upright with him, he will bear with our infirmities, and reward our services done in faith. There is sufficient virtue in him to change both our state and nature: and great and lasting will be the honours of his faithful servants.—But how infinitely marvellous are the incarnation, person, and office, of our Redeemer! Infinitely marvellous were God’s preparations of him for his debased and honorary work, as the only Saviour of men. And infinitely delightful are the pardons, sanctification, peace, rest, and holy fellowship, which his people enjoy through him. 109 21*