< Zechariah 3 >

1 Then the Lord showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing on his right accusing him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebukes you Satan. I, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you. Isn't he like a half-burned stick snatched from the fire?” 3 Joshua was wearing filthy clothes as he stood in front of the angel. 4 The angel said to those standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See how I have taken away your sins from you, and now I am dressing you with fine clothes.” 5 Then I said, “Wrap a clean turban around his head.” So they wrapped a clean turban around his head and put the clothes on him while the angel of the Lord stood there. 6 Then the angel of the Lord solemnly advised Joshua, saying, 7 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: If you follow my ways and observe my commands, then you will govern my Temple and its courtyards. I will allow you to walk among those standing here. 8 Pay attention, high priest Joshua and all your fellow-priests that you teach! You are a sign of good things to come. Look! I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. 9 See that I have placed a precious stone in front of Joshua, a single stone with seven faces. Watch, for I myself am going to engrave seven eyes on it, declares the Lord Almighty, and I will wipe away the sins of this land in a single day. 10 On that day everyone will invite their friends to sit in peace under their vines and fig trees, says the Lord Almighty.”

< Zechariah 3 >