God Removes Sin

¹ Then the (interpreting or guiding) angel showed me Jeshua (Joshua) the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD. The Accuser (Attacker, Adversary) Satan was there at the Angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua (Joshua). ² And the LORD said to Satan, “I, the LORD, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” ³ Jeshua’s clothing was filthy (sins) as he stood there before the Angel. ⁴ So the Angel said to the others (angels) standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua (Joshua) He said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” …  ⁶ Then the Angel of the LORD spoke very solemnly to Jeshua (Joshua) and said, ⁷ “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: If you follow My ways and carefully serve Me, then you will be given authority over My Temple and its courtyards. I will let you walk among these others (angels) standing here ….” Zechariah 3:1-4, 6-7, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

There is an old saying, “No one is perfect, and we are all sinners.” That is so true as EVERYONE has sinned and fallen short of the high holy standards set by the true and living LORD God (e.g., see Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9, 23; Romans 5:12). Even God’s chosen people (the Jews) and their leader and high priest Joshua (Jeshua) sinned before the holy LORD God and stand condemned (Zechariah 3:1; see also Zechariah 2:8). Sadly, the Attacker and Accuser, the Satan, stands ready to bring our many sins before the living and holy LORD God (Zechariah 3:1; see also 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12:10). However, there is GOOD NEWS for our sins and condemnation (e.g., see Romans 8:1, 33-34, 39)!

In the opening verses of chapter 3, Zechariah is once again accompanied by a guiding or interpreting angel (see Zechariah 3:1). Throughout Zechariah’s prophecy, a guiding or interpreting angel reviewed Zechariah’s understanding and explained his many night visions from the LORD (e.g., see Zechariah 1:9, 13-14, 19, 21; Zechariah 2:2-3; Zechariah 4:1, 4-5, 10-13; Zechariah 5:5, 10; Zechariah 6:4-6). Now in chapter 3, the interpreting angel showed the prophet Zechariah the high priest Joshua (Jeshua)[1] as Joshua stood before the Angel of the LORD while the Accuser and Attacker, the Satan, was accusing and attacking him (see Zechariah 3:1). Joshua stood before the LORD as a representative of Israel. The living LORD God treasured and called Israel a be His Kingdom of priests and a holy nation serve Him for His glory and honor (Exodus 19:5-6; see also Deuteronomy 7:6; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:10). Some biblical scholars describe this scene in Zechariah 3 as a heavenly courtroom with the Attacker (the Satan) as the prosecuting attorney accusing Joshua and his people for their many wrongdoings and demanding the LORD God’s punishment (see Zechariah 3:1).

In Zechariah’s prophecy, Zechariah sees once again the “Angel of the LORD” (Zechariah 1:7-8, 10-12; see also Genesis 16:7-13; Genesis 21:17; Exodus 14:19-20; Exodus 23:20-26). Beginning with chapter 1, Zechariah had a vision of the Angel of the LORD leading a heavenly army or cavalry astride red, brown, and white horses, and this heavenly army patrols the earth for the LORD God (Zechariah 1:8, 10; see also Zechariah 6:2-7). Amazingly, the book of Revelation also references these heavenly horsemen (see Revelation 6:2-8).

For centuries, biblical scholars have debated the identity of “Angel of the LORD.” Many biblical scholars believe this Angel of the LORD is the Second Person of the Godhead (Trinity) – Jesus Christ (Messiah). Biblical scholars refer to the Jesus’ appearance during Old Testament times as a Christophany where Jesus appeared as a Revealer or Messenger of the living LORD God. Other scholars believe the Angel of the LORD is a Theophany or a self-manifestation of the living LORD God. However, other scholars believe the Angel of the LORD is a spokesman or messenger for the living LORD God. In Hebrew, “malʾach” or “mal’ak” means “messenger.” The Hebrew word “malʾach” or “mal’ak” in the Old Testament is equivalent to the New Testament Greek word “angelos.” The words “malʾach” or “mal’ak” and “angelos” mean “messenger.”

Amazingly in Zechariah’s prophecy, the Angel of the LORD reports directly to the living LORD God Almighty as He pleads for compassion, forgiveness, and mercy upon Jerusalem (see Zechariah 1:11-13; Zechariah 3:1; Zechariah 12:8). Importantly, the Holy Scriptures teach that the Angel of the LORD encamps and positions around those who fear, honor, and obey the living LORD God to deliver, protect, and rescue them from harm (e.g., see Exodus 23:20-26; Psalm 34:7; 2 Kings 6:16-17; Daniel 3:28; Daniel 6:22; Acts 12:11). The living LORD God sends His holy messengers to rescues and saves those who love and trust in Him (e.g., see Psalm 34:8; Daniel 3:28-29; Daniel 6:22, 27). Even more, for the eyes of the living LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen, favor, and support those whose hearts are FULLY depended and committed to Him (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 16:8-9; Psalm 33:17-19; Psalm 34:15-16; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Peter 3:12).

Zechariah’s prophecy is filled with angelic beings. Angels are created beings whose primary function is to serve and worship the living LORD God, who is the glorious King and Judge of all the universe (e.g., see Isaiah 6:1-5; Matthew 18:10; Revelation 4:1-2, 9-11; Revelation 5:11-14; Revelation 7:11-12). Some Hebrew biblical translations refer to angels as “sons of God” (e.g., see Genesis 6:2; Job 1:6). Moreover, angels stand in the very Presence of the living LORD God Almighty (Yahweh also known as Jehovah) to be used for His sovereign and divine purposes (e.g., see Zechariah 6:5; Luke 1:19). Essentially, angels are messengers or servants of the living LORD God and must NEVER be worshipped (e.g., Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9). Furthermore, angelic beings are part of the living LORD God’s heavenly court or heavenly army; therefore, the Holy Scriptures sometimes refers to the living LORD God as the LORD of Hosts or the GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies (e.g., see Genesis 6:2-4; 1 Samuel 1:3; Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Psalm 29:1-4; Psalm 82:1, 8; Psalm 89:5-8; Luke 2:13-15; Revelation 19:14). Human beings such a true prophet of God is privileged to visit and see the heavenly council of the LORD (e.g., see 1 Kings 22:19-23; Job 15:8; Jeremiah 23:18, 22). Additionally, Hebrews 1:14 confirms that heavenly angels help and serve God’s people (believers) at the living LORD God’s will and direction (see also Exodus 14:19-20; Daniel 12:1). At the Lord Jesus’ Second Coming (Advent), He will come with the heavenly angels to both judge and bless (e.g., see Matthew 13:36-43; Matthew 24:30-31; Mark 13:26-27; Luke 20:35; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude 1:14-16; Revelation 14:14-20).

Moreover, the Holy Scriptures refer to “archangels,” who are called the mightiest of angels (e.g., see Daniel 10:10-14, 18-21; Daniel 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9; Revelation 12:7-9). Jewish apocalyptic literature of the postexilic period described seven archangels who stand in the Presence of God: Suruel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Gabriel, Remiel, and Uriel (Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26; see also Tobit 12:15; 1 Enoch 20:1-7; 1 Enoch 9:1; 1 Enoch 40:9).

In the Holy Scriptures, including the book of Zechariah, the Satan appeared before the living LORD God Almighty in His heavenly court (Zechariah 3:1-3; see also Job 1:6-12; Job 2:1-6; Ephesians 6:12). Zechariah’s portrayal of Satan echoes the stories in Genesis 3 and Job chapters 1 and 2. Satan has supernatural powers to oppress, tempt, deceive, and harm people and to test a person’s allegiance and faithfulness to the living LORD God Almighty (e.g., see Job 1:9-11; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 13:16; Luke 22:3, 31-32; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Sadly, Satan and his evil spirits are present in the LORD’s heavenly court but for malicious intent! The Holy Scriptures teaches you can recognize Satan and his evil minions by their bad fruit and bad deeds. Satan and his evil minions are liars, deceivers, adulterous, greedy, unforgiving, drunkards, selfish, prideful, murderers, divisive; and thieves (e.g., see Matthew 7:15-23; John 8:44; John 10:10; Jude 1:12, 16, 19; Revelation 12:9). From the very beginning, Satan has been sinning as the lawless one (e.g., see 1 John 3:8).

However, the living LORD God Almighty CONTROLS, REBUKES, and CONSTRAINS Satan and his evil spirits for His divine purposes and will (Zechariah 3:1-3; see also 1 Samuel 16:13-14; 1 Kings 22:19-23; Job 1:6-12; Job 2:1-8; Psalm 109:6; Luke 22:31). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus can deliver anyone FROM and PROTECT one from Satan and his evil minions (e.g., see Matthew 6:13; John 17:15; Acts 26:15-18). Importantly, the living LORD God Almighty turns people over to Satan and his evil alliance who disobeys Him and refuse to walk in His good and holy ways (e.g., see Luke 22:31; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20). Through one’s evil and lawless lives, the living LORD God Almighty allows such disobedient and rebellious people to experience the unrest, chaos, depression, destruction, and depravity of the Satan and his evil alliance (e.g., see Romans 1:18-32; Jude 1:10-11).

In Zechariah 3, the living LORD God Almighty turned to Satan and said, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” (see Zechariah 3:2, New International Version). Satan stood attacking and accusing Joshua and God’s chosen people, the Jews (see Zechariah 3:1-2). However, the living LORD God rebuked and protected Joshua and His chosen people from Satan (Zechariah 3:2; see also Deuteronomy 4:20; Zechariah 1:16-17). The living LORD God once again plucked, redeemed, and saved His people out of the fires and dangers (Zechariah 3:2; see also Deuteronomy 4:20; Isaiah 48:10; Isaiah 43:1-6)! The people of Zechariah’s generation REPENTED, CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and RETURNED to the living LORD God with wholehearted faith and obedience to Him (Zechariah 1:3, 6, 16; see also 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 44:22; Daniel 9:2-19; Malachi 3:7). Because of the people’s repentance and confession, the living LORD God FORGAVE all their sins and RESTORED His people with this blessings, mercy, and grace (Zechariah 3:4; see also 1 John 1:5-7, 9). The living LORD God returned to His people and removed His people from Satan, our enemy, as well as restored His people to carry out His plan to bless the world (e.g., see Genesis 12:1-3; Ephesians 6:16)! Amazingly, Zechariah’s prophecy matches his name, which means “The LORD (Yahweh) remembers.”

Unlike the previous generations, Zechariah’s generation followed the prophet’s message of repentance and obedience, and the living LORD God returned to His people with His abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness (Zechariah 1:3-6, 12-13, 16-17; Zechariah 2:5, 10-13; see also Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). The living LORD God’s Name and nature is “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness ….” (e.g., see Exodus 34:5-7; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 85:15). As James proclaims in the New Testament: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8, NKJV). Through their repentance and obedience, the living LORD God rescued and redeemed His people and forgave His people of ALL their sins (Zechariah 1:3, 6; Zechariah 2:6; Zechariah 3:2, 4; see also Isaiah 64:6, 8-9; Haggai 1:13; Haggai 2:4-5). In fact, the living LORD God was removing Joshua and His chosen people from the fire of hell, great trials, and Satanic attacks and restoring them to their role as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Zechariah 3:2; see also Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:10).

The living LORD God wants to restore, comfort, protect, and bless His people through their repentance, humility, and obedience to Him and His covenant (Zechariah 1:3, 13; see also Leviticus 26:40-41; 2 Chronicles 7:13-15, 17; Proverbs 2:6-7; Isaiah 40:1-2; Isaiah 55:6-7; James 4:10). As the Holy Scriptures teaches, the living LORD God wants EVERYONE to live good, peaceful, moral, and truthful lives in His world and to seek Him and not deceptive, adulterous, and evil (Zechariah 7:8-10; Zechariah 8:14-17, 19; see also e.g., Micah 6:6-8; Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 6:33). The living LORD God loves righteousness, goodness, fairness, and mercy, but He hates robbery, falsehood, and wrongdoing (e.g., see Genesis 18:19; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 5:16; Isaiah 61:8). Therefore, the living LORD God declared to Zechariah:

¹⁴ “Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered Me, … ¹⁵ so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. ¹⁶ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts; ¹⁷ do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, … ¹⁹ … Therefore, love truth and peace.” Zechariah 8:14-17, 19, New International Version

The Holy Scriptures teaches that Satan and his evil alliance only come to kill, steal, deceive, and destroy, but the living LORD God gives life, peace, and protection through faith and obedience to Him (e.g., see Genesis 3:1; John 10:10; John 15:1-5; John 16:33). Satan and his evil alliance are our enemies, tempters, and accusers. In fact, Satan means “accuser” or “adversary” in Hebrew. Israel understood one of Satan’s roles is to bringing accusations, harm, and attacks against people in the heavenly council or Throne Room of God (e.g., see Job 1:6-12; Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:17). However, the living LORD God sends His angels as barriers or hedges of divine protection for His people against Satan and his evil attackers (e.g., see Job 1:8-10; Psalm 3:3; Psalm 34:7; Psalm 91:11; Hebrews 1:14). Even more important, the LORD God sent His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) to rescue and redeem believers in Him and His Son from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His Son (e.g., see Colossians 1:12-14). Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have His armor as spiritual security (see Ephesians 6:10-19).

Importantly, the living LORD God of heaven (Yahweh also designated Jehovah) is the ONLY God and King of all the earth (e.g., see Daniel 2:46-47; Daniel 7:11, 26-27). Yahweh is the Most-High God, and He is the holy and sovereign Ruler and God over all human kingdoms (e.g., see Daniel 4:3, 17, 25-27, 32, 34-35, 37; Daniel 5:21; Isaiah 45:5-7). The living LORD God is One with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) (e.g., see John 1:1-5, 14, 18; John 10:30; John 14:6, 9, 21, 24; John 17:11, 21). The living LORD God is our Creator, and we must love, obey, honor, respect, and worship Him only with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength (e.g., see Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 13, 16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Daniel 5:24; Daniel 6:25-28; Matthew 22:37). Even more, the living LORD God commands ALL PEOPLE – young, old, rich, poor, black, white, powerful, and week – to REPENT and TURN from their sins and obey Him by doing what is right and good (e.g., see Isaiah 55:6-7; Daniel 4:27).

As Joshua stood before the Angel of the LORD, Joshua’s clothing was filthy and dirty (see Zechariah 3:3). More precisely, Joshua’s garments were soiled with excrements (human waste)! Then, the Angel of the LORD said to the other angelic beings standing there, “Remove his filthy clothing” (Zechariah 3:4; see also Isaiah 61:3, 10). Turning to Joshua, the Angel of the LORD said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes” (Zechariah 3:4, 9; see also Isaiah 6:7; Isaiah 61:10; Jeremiah 31:34; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Micah 7:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 7:14). In other words, the living LORD God removed Joshua and His people from Satan (Belial) and his destructive and attacking spirits, and cloth Joshua with His righteousness. In the New Testament, another beautiful image of the living LORD God’s restoration and blessings is the prodigal son (e.g., see Luke 15:21-24). By His grace, the living LORD God removed and forgave Joshua’s sins – his outer filthy garments (see also Revelation 19:8). Next, the prophet Zechariah asked the Angel of the LORD to place a clean turban on Joshua’s head, and the heavenly angels gave Joshua a clean turban for his head (Zechariah 3:5; see also Exodus 28:36-38; Zechariah 6:11). In this vision, many scholars believe the prophet Zechariah saw the living LORD God reinstating and restoring Joshua as priest of His holy and kingdom people – Israel (e.g., see Exodus 19:5-6; Exodus 29:6).

Then, the Angel of the LORD spoke very seriously to Joshua and said, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in My ways and keep My requirements, then you will govern My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here” (see Zechariah 3:6-7, New International Version). Thus, Joshua’s punishment for sins had been taken away and forgiven (see Zechariah 3:4)! Now, the living LORD God instructed Joshua and His people to follow His righteous paths and obey His holy commands. If Joshua and the people would remain faithful and obey, then the living LORD God would place Joshua in charge of His Temple, to keep it holy; and He would let Joshua walk in and out of His Presence with His holy angels (Zechariah 3:7; Zechariah 6:15; see also Genesis 26:5; Jeremiah 7:23; Romans 7:12; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10). In other words, the living LORD God gives us FREE access to Him and His blessed Presence through our holy and obedient living! The living LORD God would allow His obedient people free access to His Throne Room (also known as the heavenly court) (see Zechariah 3:7). The living and sovereign LORD God Almighty is merciful and ready to forgive EVERYONE who genuinely and humbly REPENTS of their sins and TURN wholeheartedly to Him with all LOVE, FAITHFULNESS, and OBEDIENCE (e.g., see Exodus 34:6-7; Leviticus 26:40-43; Psalm 103:8-13; Daniel 9:9; Micah 7:18-19; 1 John 1:9). In other words, Joshua and the people’s restoration and blessings from God were contingent on their repentance, obedience, and faithfulness (see Zechariah 3:6-7). God’s blessings always involve responsibility, and we must never take forgiveness for granted!

Nothing sinful and evil can stand in the continual Presence of the living and holy LORD God nor enter His Kingdom (e.g., see Leviticus 11:44; Isaiah 6:3; Isaiah 60:18-22; Daniel 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 21:8, 27; Revelation 22:14-16). The living LORD God through faith in Him removes our sins and from Satan’s darkness by His grace and mercy not for us to continue sinning but to lead to good works (fruit) and good deeds towards others for His glory (e.g., see Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 2:5, 8-10; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:8-11; Revelation 19:7-8). The Holy Scriptures are clear:

²¹ “But if a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all My decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die. ²² None of the offenses they have committed will be remembered against them. Because of the righteous things they have done, they will live. ²³ Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” Ezekiel 18:21-23, New International Version 2011 Edition

The living LORD God is ALWAYS willing and ready to forgive our sins when we REPENT and TURN from our evil ways and evil practices (see Zechariah 1:3-6)! However, once the living LORD God has graciously forgiven our sins, then WE ARE TO SIN NO MORE (e.g., see John 5:14; John 8:11). Everyone who confesses the Name of the LORD must turn away from wickedness, evil, and sin (e.g., see 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 John 3:6-7; 3 John 1:11). The Holy Scriptures are clear that we must NEVER abuse the LORD God’s grace and mercy to live immoral and sinful lives. Sadly, some ungodly people have wormed their way into churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral, adulterous, and sinful lives (e.g., see 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:4). Instead, the Holy Scriptures call us to use God’s grace to remain true and faithful to God the Father and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ with ALL OUR HEARTS and to rid ourselves of ALL hatred, trickery, falseness, envy, and gossip of every kind (e.g., see Acts 11:23; 1 Peter 2:1-3). The main point of Zechariah’s prophecy is that our obedience and faithfulness to the living LORD God bring His blessings; however, our sin and rebellious bring His judgment!

References to the high priest Joshua also appear throughout the post-exilic books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai along with Zechariah (e.g., see Ezra 2:2; Ezra 3:1-2; Ezra 5:2; Ezra 10:18; Nehemiah 12:1, 8; Haggai 1:1-2, 12; Haggai 2:4; Zechariah 3:1-10; Zechariah 6:9-15). The living LORD God used Joshua along with Zerubbabel to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple after the Babylonian invasions of the land from 605 BC, then 597 BC, and finally 586 BC (e.g., see 2 Kings 24:8-17; 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2 Chronicles 36:17-21; Ezra 3:1-3; Haggai 1:12-15; Haggai 2:4; Jeremiah 52:4-27). Joshua was Israel’s high priest, and Zerubbabel was the governor and also a descendant of King David (e.g., see Haggai 1:1, 12; Haggai 2:4; Matthew 1:12-13; Luke 3:27). Both Joshua and Zerubbabel were instrumental leaders in rebuilding and restoring Jerusalem and the Temple (e.g., see also Haggai 1:13-15; Zechariah 4:6-10).

Next, the Angel of LORD informed Joshua the high priest and all other priests that they were illustrations and signs of the good things to come (see Zechariah 3:8). Joshua and his fellow priests represented the LORD’s Righteous Servant – the Branch (Semah) whom He would send (Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12-13; see also Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1-2; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15-16; Ezekiel 17:22-24; Zechariah 6:12). Even more, this Servant-Branch would become a powerful and all-seeing Capstone (omniscience) that will defeat and destroy the forces of evil and sin in a single day (Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:7, 10; see also Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 28:16; Daniel 2:35, 45; Revelation 5:6). Even more, this Servant-Branch will rebuild the living LORD God’s Temple and will be clothed with majesty as both King and Priest (see Zechariah 6:11-15). Even more important, the living LORD God of heaven will set up an eternal Kingdom headed by His Servant-Branch that shall never be destroyed but break into pieces all human kingdoms by the all-seeing Capstone (e.g., see Daniel 2:43-45; Matthew 21:42-44; Luke 1:30-33; Luke 22:28-30; John 18:36; Revelation 11:15).

That predicted Branch and Capstone is the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah, also means the Anointed One) (e.g., see Acts 4:10-12). The living LORD God Almighty sent His Son Jesus as a Servant, High Priest, and King into the world (e.g., see Matthew 2:2; Mark 10:45; Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:14). The Lord Jesus Christ is the Foundation Stone or Capstone of the Temple that will reign over all other kingdoms (Zechariah 3:9; see also Daniel 2:34-35; Matthew 21:42; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-10). Through our REPENTANCE and FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ’s Name, the living LORD God Almighty (the Father) removed the sins of His land in a single day and bring our salvation (Zechariah 3:9; see also Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Now, since our sins have been forgiven through REPENTANCE and FAITH, believers are commanded to humbly walk in the way of love and light and have no partnership with the ways of darkness (e.g., see Ephesians 5:1-11). Most important, we are commanded to SUBMIT and OBEY to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is Head of the Church (e.g., see Ephesians 5:23-24). Through our repentance and faith in Him, the Lord Jesus Christ has cleansed all our sins, and He cares and provides for ALL our needs for His glory (e.g., see Psalm 23:1; Psalm 118:22-25; Ephesians 5:25-29; Philippians 4:19-20). Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ brings our peace, comfort, and prosperity to enjoy with others (Zechariah 3:10; see also Isaiah 26:3-4; John 16:33).

References

Butler, Trent C. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Rogland, Max. Haggai and Zechariah 1-8: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2016).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – Old Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

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[1] Jeshua is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew name Joshua and the Greek name Jesus. Thus, the Greek name for Jeshua is Jesus, meaning “the LORD saves.” Some scholars see Joshua here in Zechariah’s prophecy as a symbol of Jesus, the Messiah.