Zechariah 3:6
“And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.”
Context:Understanding the historical and biblical context is essential to grasp the full meaning of a verse. Zechariah was a prophet who ministered during the post-exilic period when the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. Zechariah’s prophecies aimed to encourage the people to rebuild the temple and renew their commitment to God.
The angel of the LORD:In this verse, an angel of the LORD is speaking to Joshua, who was the high priest at that time. The angel serves as a messenger of God, relaying His instructions to Joshua.
Joshua’s role:Joshua, as the high priest, represented the spiritual leadership of the people. The mention of Joshua being “clothed with filthy garments” earlier in the chapter symbolizes the sin and impurity of the people he represented.
God’s message:The angel of the LORD conveys God’s message to Joshua, emphasizing that if Joshua walks in God’s ways and keeps His charge, he will be entrusted with greater responsibilities and privileges. The specific responsibilities mentioned are judging God’s house and keeping His courts. This refers to overseeing and maintaining the temple, which was a central place of worship for the Israelites.
Promise and blessing:God promises Joshua that if he fulfills his role faithfully, God will give him places to walk among those who stand by. This promise likely implies a position of honor and authority, suggesting that Joshua would have the privilege of standing among God’s heavenly council or angelic beings.
Application:While Zechariah 3:6 was originally directed towards Joshua, we can draw some broader principles from this verse. It highlights the importance of walking in God’s ways and faithfully carrying out the responsibilities He has entrusted to us. When we are obedient and faithful in our service to God, He blesses us and grants us greater opportunities to serve Him and experience His presence.
In conclusion, Zechariah 3:6 encourages Joshua to remain faithful in his role as high priest, promising him authority and honor if he walks in God’s ways and keeps His charge. This verse reminds us of the rewards that come from faithfully serving God and the importance of obedience in our spiritual walk.
