Zechariah 3:2
And the LORD said to Satan: "The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?"
The LORD said to Satan
This phrase introduces a divine dialogue, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew term for "LORD" here is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. In the context of the heavenly court, God directly addresses Satan, the accuser, highlighting the spiritual warfare and the divine authority over evil.

The LORD rebuke you, Satan!
The repetition of "The LORD" in this rebuke emphasizes the power and authority of God over Satan. The Hebrew word for "rebuke" is "gāʿar," which means to reprove or reprimand. This is not merely a suggestion but a command that carries the weight of divine judgment. It reflects God's protective nature over His people and His ultimate control over the forces of darkness.

Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you!
The phrase "who has chosen Jerusalem" is significant in understanding God's covenantal relationship with His people. The Hebrew word for "chosen" is "bāḥar," indicating a deliberate and purposeful selection. Jerusalem symbolizes God's dwelling place and His chosen people, Israel. This choice is rooted in divine love and purpose, reinforcing the idea that God's plans for His people are sovereign and unassailable.

Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?
This metaphorical language paints a vivid picture of salvation and deliverance. The "burning stick" represents Joshua, the high priest, and by extension, the nation of Israel, who are in a state of peril and judgment. The Hebrew word for "snatched" is "nāṣal," meaning to rescue or deliver. This imagery conveys God's redemptive action, pulling His people from the brink of destruction. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and mercy, illustrating that despite their sin and the accusations of Satan, God has intervened to save and restore.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in this passage, demonstrating His authority and power over Satan.

2. Satan
The adversary and accuser, who stands against Joshua, representing opposition to God's people and purposes.

3. Joshua
The high priest, symbolizing the people of Israel, who is being accused by Satan but is defended by the LORD.

4. Jerusalem
The chosen city of God, representing His people and His divine plan for redemption and restoration.

5. Burning Stick
A metaphor for Joshua and, by extension, Israel, indicating their deliverance from judgment and purification.
Teaching Points
Divine Authority Over Evil
God has ultimate authority over Satan and evil. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God rebukes and restrains the adversary.

God's Choice and Grace
The LORD's choice of Jerusalem and His people is based on His grace, not their merit. This encourages believers to rely on God's grace for their salvation and sanctification.

Rescue and Redemption
The imagery of a burning stick snatched from the fire illustrates God's redemptive work. Believers are called to remember their deliverance from sin and live in gratitude and holiness.

Spiritual Warfare
The passage highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. Christians are reminded to put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Intercession and Advocacy
Just as the LORD intercedes for Joshua, Jesus Christ is our advocate before the Father. Believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing they have an advocate in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the LORD's rebuke of Satan in Zechariah 3:2 provide comfort and assurance to believers today?

2. In what ways does the imagery of a "burning stick snatched from the fire" relate to your personal experience of salvation?

3. How can understanding God's choice of Jerusalem deepen our appreciation for His grace in choosing us as His people?

4. What practical steps can you take to stand firm in spiritual warfare, knowing that God has authority over Satan?

5. How does the role of Jesus as our advocate, as seen in this passage and other scriptures, influence your prayer life and relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Job 1:6-12
This passage also depicts Satan as the accuser, presenting a parallel to his role in Zechariah 3:2.

Jude 1:9
The archangel Michael's rebuke of Satan echoes the LORD's rebuke in Zechariah, emphasizing divine authority over evil.

Isaiah 64:6
The imagery of being snatched from the fire connects to the concept of human righteousness as filthy rags, highlighting God's grace in salvation.

Amos 4:11
The phrase "a burning stick snatched from the fire" is used similarly, indicating God's mercy in rescuing His people from destruction.

Revelation 12:10
Describes Satan as the accuser of the brethren, reinforcing his role in opposing God's people.
A Brand Plucked Out of the FireB. D. Thomas.Zechariah 3:2
A FirebrandZechariah 3:2
A Rescued BrandJames Stewart.Zechariah 3:2
A Suggestive QuestionB. Beddome, M. A.Zechariah 3:2
Danger and DeliveranceG. Brooks.Zechariah 3:2
The Brand Plucked Out of the FireHugh Stowell, M. A.Zechariah 3:2
The Rescued BrandS. H. Tyng, D. D.Zechariah 3:2
The Sinner Rescued from PerditionThe EvanglistZechariah 3:2
Satan and ChristW. Forsyth Zechariah 3:1-5
Three Things Which Concern the SoulW. Forsyth Zechariah 3:1-5
The Good Man on Earth in His Intercessory FunctionD. Thomas Zechariah 3:1-6
By Nature and by GraceJ. Jowett, M. A.Zechariah 3:1-7
Christ the Advocate of His Church and PeopleJ. R. Woodford, M. A.Zechariah 3:1-7
God's Method of SalvationJ. S. Fulton.Zechariah 3:1-7
Help and OppositionG. Brooks.Zechariah 3:1-7
JoshuaE. Auriol, M. A.Zechariah 3:1-7
Joshua and SatanJ. R. Woodford, M. A.Zechariah 3:1-7
Joshua the High PriestD. J. Burrell, D. D.Zechariah 3:1-7
Joshua the High PriestMonday Club SermonsZechariah 3:1-7
Joshua the High PriestT. Vincent Tymms.Zechariah 3:1-7
Joshua the High PriestG. R. Hovey, D. D.Zechariah 3:1-7
Joshua the High Priest Before the Angel of JehovahT. V. Moore, D. D.Zechariah 3:1-7
Joshua the PriestF. B. Meyer, B. A.Zechariah 3:1-7
The Good Man an IntercederHomilistZechariah 3:1-7
The Great ContentionBishop Reynolds.Zechariah 3:1-7
The Hinderer RebukedA. W. Snape, M. A.Zechariah 3:1-7
The Lord, the Defender of His PeopleGeorge Hutcheson.Zechariah 3:1-7
The Vision of JoshuaOutlines by a London MinisterZechariah 3:1-7
People
Joshua, Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Adversary, Branch, Brand, Burning, Chosen, Delivered, Fire, Fixing, Indeed, Isn't, Jerusalem, Lord's, O, Plucked, Pulled, Push, Rebuke, Satan, Sharp, Snatched, Stick, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 3:2

     8738   evil, victory over

Zechariah 3:1-2

     4121   Satan, enemy of God
     5201   accusation

Zechariah 3:1-4

     8486   spiritual warfare, armour

Zechariah 3:1-7

     7342   cleanliness

Zechariah 3:1-8

     7377   high priest, OT

Library
June 24. "I Will Clothe Thee with Change of Raiment" (Zech. Iii. 4).
"I will clothe thee with change of raiment" (Zech. iii. 4). For Paul every exercise of the Christian life was simply the grace of Jesus Christ imparted to him and lived out by him, so that holiness was to put on the Lord Jesus and all the robes of His perfect righteousness which he loves to describe so often in his beautiful epistles. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved," he says to the Colossians, "bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering"; and,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Right of Entry
'I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.'--ZECHARIAH iii. 7. A WORD or two of explanation will probably be necessary in order to see the full meaning of this great promise. The Prophet has just been describing a vision of judgment which he saw, in which the high priest, as representative of the nation, stood before the Angel of the Lord as an unclean person. He is cleansed and clothed, his foul raiment stripped off him, and a fair priestly garment, with 'Holiness to the Lord' written
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 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,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Change of Raiment
"Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments."--Zech. iii. 4, 5. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Lord Jesus, all my sin and guilt Love laid of old on Thee, Thy love the cross and sorrow willed, Love undeserved by me. The victory over death and hell Thou, Lord, for me didst win; And Thou hast nailed upon
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

Home Occupations and Travels in England and Wales.
1828--1833. On their return home Martha Yeardley was attacked with a severe illness, consequent probably on hard travelling and bad accommodation during the journey. Under date of the 18th of the Fifth Month, J.Y. writes:-- How circumstances change! Last Yearly Meeting we were in London with the prospect of a long journey before us, and now my dear Martha is on a bed of sickness, and I have myself suffered; but through all there is a degree of peaceful resignation in the belief that all is done
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Some Helps to Mourning
Having removed the obstructions, let me in the last place propound some helps to holy mourning. 1 Set David's prospect continually before you. My sin is ever before me' (Psalm 51:3). David, that he might be a mourner, kept his eye full upon sin. See what sin is, and then tell me if there be not enough in it to draw forth tears. I know not what name to give it bad enough. One calls it the devil's excrement. Sin is a complication of all evils. It is the spirits of mischief distilled. Sin dishonours
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

How to Make Use of Christ, as Truth, for Comfort, when Truth is Oppressed and Born Down.
There is another difficulty, wherein believing souls will stand in need of Christ, as the truth, to help them; and that is, when his work is overturned, his cause borne down, truth condemned, and enemies, in their opposition to his work, prospering in all their wicked attempts. This is a very trying dispensation, as we see it was to the holy penman of Psalm lxxiii. for it made him to stagger, so that his feet were almost gone, and his steps had well nigh slipt; yea he was almost repenting of his
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Sum and Substance of all Theology
Note: On Tuesday, June 25th, 1861, the beloved C. H. Spurgeon visited Swansea. The day was wet, so the services could not be held in the open-air; and, as no building in the town was large enough to hold the vast concourses of people who had come from all parts to hear the renowned preacher, he consented to deliver two discourses in the morning; first at Bethesda, and then at Trinity Chapel. At each place he preached for an hour and a quarter. The weather cleared up during the day; so, in the evening,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Concerning Worship.
Concerning Worship. [780] All true and acceptable worship to God is offered in the inward and immediate moving and drawing of his own Spirit which is neither limited to places times, nor persons. For though we are to worship him always, and continually to fear before him; [781] yet as to the outward signification thereof, in prayers, praises, or preachings, we ought not to do it in our own will, where and when we will; but where and when we are moved thereunto by the stirring and secret inspiration
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Its Meaning
Deliverance from the condemning sentence of the Divine Law is the fundamental blessing in Divine salvation: so long as we continue under the curse, we can neither be holy nor happy. But as to the precise nature of that deliverance, as to exactly what it consists of, as to the ground on which it is obtained, and as to the means whereby it is secured, much confusion now obtains. Most of the errors which have been prevalent on this subject arose from the lack of a clear view of the thing itself, and
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
What Christ hath done to purchase, procure, and bring about our justification before God, is mentioned already, viz. That he stood in the room of sinners, engaging for them as their cautioner, undertaking, and at length paying down the ransom; becoming sin, or a sacrifice for sin, and a curse for them, and so laying down his life a ransom to satisfy divine justice; and this he hath made known in the gospel, calling sinners to an accepting of him as their only Mediator, and to a resting upon him for
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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