Bible Discussion Thread

Ze.3:1

Joshua the High Priest(1 of 2)

"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of theLord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him."

This vision is revealed by the 'a man with a measuring line in his hand' who figures in the preceding chapter, so we may assume the line is introduced in connection with a latter temple which is in the pipeline as the expression is, since there is nothing of the former extant. Haggai's prophecy now comes in focus, "For thus saith theLordof hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;/And I will shake all nations," (Hag.2:6-7). As with visions we are looking at the Now in the determined will of God.

What is a temple without the High Priest? Here the angel of the Lord points out to Zechariah Joshua the high priest. The same time we come across in the Book of Haggai, "Came the word of theLordby the prophet Haggai, saying,/Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest,"(Hag.2:1-2)" With regards to the accuracy of names no one shall dispute.

Instead we shall consider the circumstances in which Joshua is placed. Satan is contending with the Lord with regards to the person, "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel." The Lord asks Satan, 'is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?'. God is referring to the great tribulation and Joshua is brought in as representing Jesus Christ. ("consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus" -He.3:1) The Hebrew name Joshua means 'God is our salvation' hellenized name for Jesus. In short the vision as presented before the prophet speaks of the authority of God to choose and people Jerusalem according to His own will and pleasure.

So what we have God's reproof of Satan's audacity to murmur. "And theLordsaid unto Satan, TheLordrebuke thee, O Satan