CHAP. III.
||The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even A vision of Joshua standing before the Angel in filthy garments, the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem reand resisted by Satan: bat the Angel orders him change of raiment and a fair mitre, and gives him encouraging promises, 1-7. A prophecy of the Branch, and the Stone on which were seven eyes; with further promises, 8-10.
NDhe shewed me Joshua
high
buke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
3 Now Joshua k
was clothed with filthy
A priest standing before the Angel of garments, and stood before the Angel.
the LORD, and * Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
2 And the Lord said unto Satan,
A1:9,13,19, 2:3. b 8. 6:11. Ezra 5:2, Hag 1: 1,12. 2:4.
c Deut. 10:8. 18:5. 1 Sam. 6: 20. 2 Chr. 29:11. Ps. 106:23. Jer. 15:19. Ez. 44:11,15. Luke 21:36.
d Gen. 48:16. Ex. 3:2-6.23: 20,21. Hos. 12:4,5. Mal. 3:1. Acts 7:30-38.
e Job 1:6-12. 2:1-8. 22:31. Rev. 12:9,10.
Luke
* That is, an adversary. Job 1:6. Ps. 109.6. margins. 1 Pet. 5:8.
Heb. be his adversary. Gen. 3:15.
f Ps. 109:31. Luke 22:32. Rom. 16:20. 1 John 3:8.
him to them.-Let the reader attentively mark | the language; "Many nations shall be joined to JEHOVAH; and they shall be my people; and I will dwell, &c."-It is evident that JEHOVAH here speaks; yet he adds, " Thou shalt know that JEHOVAH of hosts hath sent me unto thee." (11)-It is the singular number. The prophet "should know, that JEHOVAH of hosts had sent" that person to him , who spake in the name of the LORD; not the people that JEHOVAH had sent the prophet to them. It seems impossible, that this language should be mistaken, except it be disregarded.
Few passages, even in the New Testament, more clearly speak of distinct persons, in the unity of the Godhead, than this does. (See on Note , 1:8-11.- Note , 6 -9.)-The day intended may either mean the time, when the gospel was first preached to the Gentiles; or that which will soon arrive, when "the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in." But the next verse evidently looks forward to the latter days; for then "the LORD will inherit Judah, in his holy land, and " again choose Jerusalem:" when Israel shall be turned to the Lord their Messiah, and restored to their own land. ( Marg .
Ref . f, g. -Notes , 1:14-17.) However, at both these times, he would evidently be raised up out of his holy habitation, to plead the cause of his people against their enemies: and it would behove all the fallen, frail race of men to fear before him, and to adore these displays of his power, justice, truth, and love, with silence and submission, and without murmurs, objections, or opposition. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref . h, i.- Notes , Ps . 46:10. Hab . 2:20.) -'Many were made proselytes to Judaism: the 'Edomites were converted in the time of John 'Hyrcanus.' Bp.
Newcombe. (11)-The vanquished Edomites were indeed then compelled to be circumcised, and to profess themselves Jews. But can any man of reflection be satisfied with such an interpretation? Have not whole nations, and powerful nations, at least in as unexceptionable a way, embraced Christianity? ( Marg . Ref . d. - Notes , 8:20-23. Ps . 22:27,28. 68:29,31-33.72:8-11. Is . 60:1-14. Rev. 11:15-18.) And are not far more glorious times foretold? And does not this confirm, beyond reasonable doubt, that exposition, which explains the prophecy of our Lord's coming and kingdom?
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. The great Builder of the church, whatever instruments he employs, always works by line and rule; and he knows the dimensions of his holy city, and all those who truly belong to it. But we may humbly, yet boldly, apply to him for information, about all interesting matters
4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have g Dan. 12:1. 4:35. 9:42. h 1:17. 2:12.
Mark 1:25. Luke Jude 9.
2 Chr. 6:6. John 13:18. Rem. 8:33. Rev. 17: 14.
i Am. 4:11. Rom. 11:4,5. Jude 23.
k 2 Chr. 30:18-20. Ezra 9:15. Is. 64:6. Dan. 9:18. Matt. 22:
11-13.
11,7. 1 Kings 22:19. Is. 6:2,3. Luke 1:19. Rev. 5:11.
m Is. 43:25. Ez. 36:25. Gal, 3:27,28. Phil. 3:7-9. Rev. 7:14.
n Ps. 32:1,2. 51:9. Is. 6:5-7. John 1:29. Heb. 8:12.
which perplex us: and by his gracious instruction, even the young and inexperienced will be made so wise, in the most important concerns, that no man can without great sin despise their youth. The church of God is so admirably constructed, that, after all the millions which have already entered it, "there is yet room" for innumerable millions more: none shall be refused who trust in Christ; and he never excludes from the church in heaven, one of the true members of the church on earth.
Our desire, prayer, and endeavor then ought to be, that Jerusalem may be replenished with converts, so numerous that her present limits may be far too narrow, and that the suburbs of this holy city may become very much larger, than all her present dimensions are.
The inhabitants of Zion need fear no danger or disgrace, however exposed and despised they may be; seeing the LORD will be "a wall of fire around them, and a glory in the midst of them." We should therefore, in our several places, circulate his proclamation far and near: that sinners, who are scattered in all parts of the globe, may be brought to separate from their wicked companions; to renounce idolatry, superstition, and iniquity; and join themselves to the "God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," as his worshippers and servants.
When he has displayed his glory in purifying his church, he will proceed to punish those who have spoiled her.
Let all men therefore fear to harm his worshippers; for the least injurious touch will provoke his indignation: "if his wrath be kindled, yea but a little," and he do but shake his hand over his enemies, misery and contempt will seize upon them; and all the world shall know that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of his people, and the terrible Judge and Avenger of all "who will not have him to reign over them." Let us then rejoice in his salvation, who now dwells in our nature, and abides with his people perpetually; and to whom many nations have already been joined, and all the rest in due time will join themselves.
May we be found a part of his chosen inheritance, and yield him a large revenue of praise, honor, and worship: and then he will own us for his portion, and be our Portion in his holy land above.
And let all flesh tremble and adore before him: for though he now has taken up his residence in his holy habitation in heaven, and many are ready to inquire, "Where is the promise of his coming?" yet he will soon arise, and make his cause triumphant, and punish his enemies: and he will ere long come to judgment, to complete the salvation of his people, and to "punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity"
CHAP. III. V. 1-4. The prophet next saw "Joshua the high priest standing anding before the Angel of the LORD," (or "the Angel JEHOVAH,") as a criminal upon his trial; or rather as Israel's representative, off officiating in his ministry, and seeking a blessing upon his afflicted people. While he thus stood before Christ, Satan appeared to "stand at his right hand," as his adversary and accuser, "to resist him," and to shew cause why he should not be accepted in his services, or why he should be condemned; by which the subtle and malicious endeavors of the devil, to discourage the servants of God from their work, or to defeat the success of it, were meant. ( Marg . and Marg . urg . Ref . c-e.- be put away. -"The Logos , or Son God, said behold, I will bring forth my servant, || graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, The BRANCH.
Notes, Job 1:8-11. 2:1-5. Ps . 109:6-20, vv . 6, 7. Luke 22:31-34. Rev. 12:7-12, υυ . 9,10.) But "the LORD," the "Angel JEHOVAH," Christ, before whom Joshua stood, said to Satan, "JEHOVAH rebuke thee, even the LORD who hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee," &c. or, "will rebuke thee, or does rebuke thee." It could not be denied, that Joshua, and the other priests, and the people, were in many things very faulty: but Satan's accusations arose from enmity to God and his cause, and not from any dislike to their unworthiness; and therefore he ought to be, and certainly would be, rebuked and silenced.
They had just been marvellously delivered from idolatrous Babylon, as "brands plucked out of the burning;" and no wonder if they carried about with them the marks of the fire , in which they had been nearly consumed: yet this was a reason, not why they should be thrown again into it; but why they should be pardoned, and "redeemed from all iniquity, and purified a peculiar people zealous of good works." ( Marg . Ref.g -i.Notes, Is . 54:15-17. Rom . 8:32-34. 11:1-6.
Jude 9,10,22-25, v. 23.) While the Advocate of the church thus stood up in her behalf against her accuser; the prophet observed, that Joshua was clothed in filthy garments as he stood before him. This was an emblem of his sinfulness, and that of the people whom he represented: and as he was not properly habited to appear before the Lord, this seemed to give the enemy an advantage. ( Marg . Ref . k.Notes, 2 Chr . 30:16-20. Is . 64:6.
Dan . 9:18.) Various conjectures have been formed concerning the sins of which Joshua had been guilty: but his connivance at the neglect of the people respecting the temple, seems the most probable, as far as any particular crime was referred to. (Note, Hag . 1:4.) The vision, however, rather related to the manifold sins and defilements of Joshua, of the priests, and of the people, which the legal sacrifices could not take away. In this situation Joshua had
nothing to say in his own behalf; till Christ ordered the attendant angels to remove his filthy garments, assuring him that his sins were pardoned, and "that he would clothe him with change of raiment." ( Marg . Ref . 1-o.- Notes , Ps . 32:1,2. Is . 6:5-7. 61:1-3, v . 3,10,11. Luke 15:22–24. John 1:29. Rom . 3:21-26, νν . 22– 24. 13:11-14, v . 14. 2 Cor . 5:18-21, v . 21. Gal . 3:26-29, υυ . 27,28. Eph . 4:20-24. Phil . 3:811, v . 9.
Heb . 7:26-28.) Thus he was prepared for ministering with with acceptance in his sacred office: office: and the people were reminded, that the Aaronic priesthood could not profit them, except by the intervention of a better priesthood, by which iniquity might actually 'unto Satan, "The LORD," even God the Father, "rebuke thee," and not suffer thy mischievous 'imagination against Jerusalem and the temple 'to prosper.
This text seems parallel with ' Gen. 19:24. where it is said, "The LORD rained 'fire from the LORD out of heaven," a text alleged both by ancient and modern writers, 'to prove that a distinction of persons in the 'blessed Trinity was a doctrine delivered in the 'Old Testament, though but imperfectly. The 'words may be rendered, "The LORD hath re'buked thee," or rejected thy plea, having long 'ago chosen Jerusalem.' Lowth .
V. 5. The prophet would doubtless rejoice to see Joshua rescued, and arrayed in clean garments: but he observed that he yet had not the mitre inscribed with "Holiness to the LORD," which was the peculiar mark of his appointment to the high priesthood. ( Marg . Ref. Note , Ex . 28:36-38.) But he was encouraged to entreat that this also might be put upon his head: and, his request being granted, Joshua was invested with that, as well as the other garments of his office.-Many, however, suppose the first clause to be a continuation of the orders given by the Angel of the LORD:-'And 'accordingly I command you to set a fair mitre 'on his head.' Bp . Hall .-'I, the LORD, further 'commanded, and said. ... The Angel, "that talk'ed with me," (6. 2:3.) still stood by, and made that solemn protestation which follows.' Lowth .
V. 6, 7. When this was done, and Joshua was solemnly admitted to his high office, notwithstanding all former sins; ( Notes , Is . 6:1-8.) the Angel protested to him, or solemnly assured him with the authority of the LORD of hosts, that if he conscientiously walked in his ways and faithfully continued to execute the important trust and charge committed to him, he should be honored as the judge or ruler over the temple and all its services, whilst he lived; and should at length have admission to the company of those attendant spirits, which were around the throne. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . Notes , Gen. 26:2-5. Lev . 10:3. 1 Sam . 2: 27-30. Mal . 2:4-9. Matt . 19:27,28. Luke 22:28 -30. Heb . 12:22-25, v . 22. Rev. 5:8-14.)
V. 8. Joshua and the other priests, with Zerubbabel and his assistants, had been men greatly wondered at. Their marvellous deliverance from Babylon; their resolution in coming up to Jerusalem when it lay in ruins; their perseverance in the midst of many and great hardships and perils; and their preservation among inveterate and potent enemies, caused numbers to think of them with astonishment. ( Marg . -Notes , Ps . 71:7.
Is . 8:18. 1 Cor. 4:9-13.) But they would surely be preserved: because One was in due time to arise from the remnant of Judah, of whom Joshua was a type, and who was called by the same name; "Joshua" being the Hebrew, and "Jesus" the Greek, termination. ( Notes , Num . 13: 16. Matt . 1:20,21.) In due time the Lord would bring forth "his Servant the BRANCH;" namely, at his incarnation, when he would spring forth as a small branch from a decaying root, and yet grow up to supereminent dignity and glory. ( Marg . Ref . y, z.- Notes , 6:12,13. Is . 4:2. 11:1. 53:2,3. Jer . 23:5,6.
Ez . 17:22-24.34: 23-31, v. 29.) - 'The word Mophet signifies not 'only a wonder , but likewise a sign , or a type . ... "They are men intended for signs and tokens, 'they are typical men ; "men that foreshew 'something to come." They, with Joshua the 'high priest at the head of them, are a figure of 'the restoration of the church under the gov'ernment of the Messias.... I will point out, or 'foretel, the coming of the Messiah into the 'world, as a person altogether distinct from 'Joshua, or any other present among you; and 'I will make him known to you under the name 'of the BRANCH....
The word Tsemach , " "Branch," the LXX render ... Ανατολη, the east , 'or sun - rising , from whence it is applied to 'Christ, ( Luke 1:78.) and rendered the day'spring.' Lowth. How any man can suppose, as several have done, that Zerubbabel was exclusively meant, (when he was already "brought forth," and placed as high in authority, as at any future period,) would be astonishing; did not multiplied instances prove the extreme difficulty, with which some very learned men discern the Savior, in the clearest predictions and testimonies of Scripture.
V. 9, 10. An allusion might here be made to some corner-stone, or oundation-stone, of the temple, which had been laid, under the inspection of Joshua, and in the presence of many of the people; and on which the names of the tribes of Israel perhaps were engraven. But the Lord called their attention to the true Foundation and Corner-stone of the spiritual temple, which he had laid in his purposes and prophecies, and which he would openly lay be"ore the people, in his incarnation and by the Gospel, even Christ, as Immanuel, “God manifest in the flesh." ( Marg . Ref . a.-- Notes , Ps . 118:19-24, υυ . 22,23. Is . 28:16. Matt . 21:40--44. Acts 4:5-12, v . 11. 1 Cor . 3:10--15. 1 Pet . 2:4 --8.)--The "seven eyes" upon this stone are interpreted by many to signify the manifold
and I will dremove the iniquity of that land in one day.
10 In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbor, under the vine and under the fig-tree.
and abundant wisdom and knowledge of Christ,
as the Counsellor and ever-watchful Protector of his church; or the manifold gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit; and some explain it of certain superior ministering angels, ls, so called. ( Notes , ( Notes , 4:8--10. 2 Chr . 16:7-10, v. 9.
Rev. 5:57, v . 6.) But others suppose that they denote the attention, which would be paid to this precious Corner-stone: and doubtless the eyes of all believers from the beginning had looked forward to it, through types and predictions; those of all believers, both of the Jews and Gentiles, after Christ's coming to the end of the world, would be fixed upon it, in faith, hope, and love; wicked men would behold it with contempt, abhorrence, or dismay; and evil spirits would eye it with malignity and despair.
In short, the eyes of all in heaven, earth, or hell, would, in one way or other, or at one time of other, be fixed upon it.--The Lord of hosts would "engrave the graving" of this Stone, as the Corner-stone of the temple had been engraven: this seems especially to refer to the sufferings of Christ, through which he was prepared to be the Foundation and Salvation of the whole church. ( Marg . Ref . c.) On that "one day," on which Christ was crucified for his people, a complete atonement was made for all their sins, and the way opened for their pardon, acceptance, and sanctification. ( Marg .
Ref . d.-- Notes , 13:1. Dan . 9:24. John 1:29. 1 Tim . 2:5--7. Heb . 7:26-28.9:2426. 10:5--10. 1 John 2:1,2.) And in that day, when sinners come to him, the tried Cornerstone, and obtain pardon, and spiritual life and grace from him; they begin to enjoy peace and to live in harmony; calling upon one another to associate in religious exercises, and in holy fellowship: while they rest under his protection and live upon his consolations; as men used to feast together upon the fruit and under the shade of their vines and fig-trees.
This may perhaps have a special reference to that day, when the eyes of restored Israel shall be fixed upon Christ, the precious Corner-stone which they have hitherto rejected. Then their load of national guilt shall at once be removed; and they shall enjoy spiritual peace and temporal security in their own land, as in the days of Solomon. ( Marg . Ref . e.- Notes , Jer . 50:20. Hos . 2:18-20. 14:4--8. Mic . 4:4.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS
V. 1--7.
If we could behold what goes forward in the world of spirits, we should see very much to alarm, to humble, and to encourage us.-The most honored, eminent, and excellent of men, when viewed as "standing before the LORD," would appear to be sinners deserving of condemnation; not only for their actual sins, but for the defilement of their best services: and Satan would be seen employing a variety of subtle and malevolent machinations, to defeat all our pious designs, and even, if possible, to procure our condemnation. But, though we cannot answer the charges brought against us; our heavenly Advocate never