The Lord Defends His Servant

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. [1]

Joshua was doing priestly service. Satan stood at his right hand to oppose him. He hates it when God’s people stand with the Lord.

“The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebukes you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’” [2]

“The name Satan literally means adversary or opponent. He stands against us in spiritual battle. Satan wanted to destroy Simon Peter, sifting him like wheat but Jesus prayed for Peter and stood beside him and did not allow Satan to carry out every evil intention. The Lord rebukes Satan. When Satan accuses, Christ pleads. The Lord is a very present help in time of trouble.

“Michael the archangel said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’ The example here shows us a model for spiritual warfare. We should battle Satan with the Lord’s authority. In His authority we fight from a place of victory, more than fighting for victory.” [3]

“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.’” [4]

Satan was pointing to Joshua’s filthy clothes and declaring him unfit to serve the Lord. No problem, “Joshua’s ministry was not based on his own goodness or merit. He had been rescued as a brand plucked from the fire. Indeed, Satan had a lot to accuse Joshua of, but Joshua had an even greater advocate, namely the Lord.

Joshua not only enjoyed having his iniquity removed, he also was given a positive righteousness – clothed with rich robes. The thought of being clothed by God in righteousness runs from Genesis to Revelation.” [5]

“I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.” [6]

“The turban was part of the High Priest’s garments and on the front, it had a gold plate inscribed with the phrase HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” [7] In God’s eyes Joshua was holy. He had been declared useful by the Lord for His service.

How should we respond to the Lord’s help? By praising Him: “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” [8]

[1] Zachariah 3:1
[2] Zachariah 3:2
[3] Enduring Word Commentary with references to Ephesians 6:10-18; Luke 22:31-32; Jude 1:9
[4] Zachariah 3:3-4
[5] Enduring Word Commentary with references to Genesis 3:7, 21; Revelation 7:13-14
[6] Zachariah 3:5
[7] Enduring Word Commentary with reference to Exodus 28:36-38
[8] Psalm 47:6-8