Fourth vision: Joshua and Satan

1I was given another vision. This time Joshua the high priest was standing in front of the LORD's angel. And there was Satan, standing at Joshua's right side, ready to accuse him.3.1: a Ezra 5.2; b Rev 12.10. 2But the LORD said, “Satan, you are wrong. Jerusalem is my chosen city, and this man was rescued like a stick from a flaming fire.”3.2: Jd 9.

3Joshua's clothes were filthy. 4So the angel told some of the people to remove Joshua's filthy clothes. Then he said to Joshua, “This means you are forgiven. Now I will dress you in priestly clothes.”

5I spoke up and said, “Also put a clean priestly turban on his head.” Then they dressed him in priestly clothes and put the turban on him, while the LORD's angel stood there watching.

6After this, the angel encouraged Joshua by telling him that the LORD All-Powerful had promised:

7If you truly obey me, I will put you in charge of my temple, including the courtyard around it, and you will be allowed to speak at any time with the angels standing beside me.3.7 with the angels…me: Or “with me”. The angels are members of God's Council, who stand beside the throne of God in heaven and are allowed to speak with him and for him. 8Listen carefully, High Priest Joshua and all you other priests. You are a sign of things to come, because I am going to bring back my servant, the Chosen King.3.8 Chosen King: The Hebrew text has “Sprout” or “Branch”, a term used of royalty (see Isaiah 11.1).3.8: Jr 23.5; 33.15; Zec 6.12.

9Joshua, I have placed in front of you a stone with seven sides. I will engrave something on that stone, and in a single day I will forgive this guilty country. 10Then each of you will live at peace and entertain your friends in your own vineyard and under your own fig trees.3.10: Mic 4.4.