Zechariah 3:2

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Satan {H7854}, The LORD {H3068} rebuke {H1605} thee, O Satan {H7854}; even the LORD {H3068} that hath chosen {H977} Jerusalem {H3389} rebuke {H1605} thee: is not this a brand {H181} plucked {H5337} out of the fire {H784}?

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to the Accuser, "May ADONAI rebuke you, Accuser! Indeed, may ADONAI, who has made Yerushalayim his choice, rebuke you! Isn't this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?"

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Satan, Jehovah rebuke thee, O Satan; yea, Jehovah that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 3:2 presents a dramatic scene from a prophetic vision where the LORD Himself intervenes to rebuke Satan, who stands as an accuser against Joshua the High Priest, who represents the nation of Israel. This powerful declaration underscores God's sovereign authority over evil and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, whom He describes as a "brand plucked out of the fire," signifying their miraculous deliverance from destruction and His ongoing redemptive purpose for them despite their imperfections.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to the second of Zechariah's eight night visions, recorded in [Zechariah 3:1-10](/zechariah/3-1-10 "Zechariah 3:1-10 - The Vision of Joshua the High Priest"). The vision opens with Joshua the High Priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan at his right hand, ready to accuse him. Joshua is depicted wearing "filthy garments" ([Zechariah 3:3](/zechariah/3-3 "Zechariah 3:3 - Joshua's Filthy Garments")), which symbolize the sin and impurity of the post-exilic community of Israel. Satan's presence and posture indicate his role as the "accuser" ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - Satan, the Accuser")), challenging Israel's right to serve God or rebuild the temple due to their unworthiness. The LORD's immediate and forceful rebuke of Satan in [Zechariah 3:2](/zechariah/3-2 "Zechariah 3:2 - The LORD Rebukes Satan") sets the stage for Joshua's cleansing and restoration, which follows in the subsequent verses ([Zechariah 3:4-5](/zechariah/3-4-5 "Zechariah 3:4-5 - Joshua's Cleansing and New Garments")), highlighting divine grace and justification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied around 520 BC, a critical time for the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon after seventy years of captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years in Babylon")). This period was marked by the challenging task of rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a project that had faced significant opposition and discouragement ([Ezra 4:1-5](/ezra/4-1-5 "Ezra 4:1-5 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple")). Joshua, as the High Priest, represented the spiritual leadership and the entire nation of Israel. The "filthy garments" symbolized not only the general sinfulness that led to their exile but also the ritual impurity that needed to be addressed for proper worship and the re-establishment of the temple cult. The accusations of Satan reflect the spiritual opposition faced by the returning remnant as they sought to restore their covenant relationship with God and fulfill His purposes in the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zechariah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Intercession and Authority**, demonstrating God's direct involvement in defending His people against spiritual adversaries. The repetition of "The LORD rebuke thee" underscores His supreme authority over all evil. Secondly, it highlights **Satan's Role as the Accuser**, consistent with his character throughout Scripture as one who seeks to condemn and hinder God's work. However, his accusations are ultimately powerless against God's sovereign will. Thirdly, the phrase "the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem" powerfully affirms **God's Unwavering Election and Covenant Faithfulness** to His people, Israel, despite their failures. Finally, the vivid metaphor of "a brand plucked out of the fire" vividly illustrates **God's Deliverance and Preservation** of Israel from the fiery crucible of Babylonian exile, emphasizing His miraculous rescue and redemptive purpose for a people narrowly saved from utter destruction. This theme of divine rescue is also seen in other prophetic books, such as [Amos 4:11](/amos/4-11 "Amos 4:11 - Brand Plucked from the Burning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its use here emphasizes God's self-existent, eternal nature and His intimate relationship with His people, underscoring that it is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is actively engaged in this spiritual conflict and defense.
* **rebuke (Hebrew, _gâʻar'_):** (H1605) A primitive root meaning "to chide," "reprove," or "rebuke." In this context, it signifies a forceful, authoritative command to silence or restrain. The repetition of this word by the LORD highlights the absolute power and finality of His declaration against Satan's accusations, demonstrating His complete control over the forces of evil.
* **Satan (Hebrew, _sâṭân'_):** (H7854) Derived from a root meaning "to oppose" or "to be an adversary." With the definite article (as often implied here), it refers to the arch-enemy of God and humanity. His appearance in this vision as the accuser of Joshua perfectly aligns with his biblical role as the spiritual adversary who seeks to condemn and hinder God's people.
* **brand (Hebrew, _ʼûwd'_):** (H181) From an unused root meaning "to rake together," referring to a poker or a piece of wood that has been partially burned but rescued from the fire. This powerful image conveys something or someone saved with great difficulty from destruction, still bearing the marks of the ordeal but preserved by divine intervention. Coupled with "plucked out of the fire," it signifies a miraculous rescue from imminent annihilation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Satan,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the direct confrontation between divine authority and the spiritual adversary. It highlights God's active presence and immediate response to Satan's accusations, signifying that the LORD Himself is the primary defender of His people.
* **"The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan;"**: This is a direct, authoritative declaration. The repetition of "The LORD" emphasizes the source of this rebuke – it is not a mere wish or a plea, but a sovereign command from the ultimate authority in the universe, silencing Satan and invalidating his claims.
* **"even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee:"**: This second part of the rebuke reinforces God's authority and adds a crucial theological dimension. It links the rebuke directly to God's sovereign choice and covenant relationship with Jerusalem (representing Israel). It implies that Satan's accusation is not merely against Joshua or Israel, but against God's own elective purpose, making the rebuke an act of divine self-vindication and faithfulness to His covenant.
* **"is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?"**: This rhetorical question serves as a powerful metaphor and a divine defense of Israel. It vividly portrays Israel's recent experience of Babylonian exile as a "fire" of judgment and their return as a miraculous rescue. The image of a "brand" (a charred stick) emphasizes their narrow escape and the visible marks of their ordeal, yet affirms their preservation by God's grace for His continued purposes, rendering Satan's accusations irrelevant in light of God's redemptive work.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 3:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Personification** is evident in the portrayal of Satan as a distinct individual capable of standing, accusing, and being directly addressed and rebuked by the LORD. This gives tangible form to the spiritual battle being waged. **Repetition** of the phrase "The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan" serves to underscore the absolute authority of God and the finality of His judgment against the accuser. This reiteration emphasizes the divine resolve and the unwavering nature of God's defense of His chosen ones. Most strikingly, the verse employs a powerful **Metaphor** in the phrase "a brand plucked out of the fire." This vivid image transforms Israel's historical experience of exile and return into a universally understandable symbol of miraculous deliverance from utter destruction. It evokes a sense of urgency and near-annihilation, highlighting the extent of God's saving power and grace in preserving a remnant that was almost consumed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 3:2 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals God as the ultimate defender of His people, actively intervening in spiritual warfare to silence the accuser. This divine intercession is not based on the worthiness of the accused (as Joshua is in "filthy garments") but on God's sovereign election and unwavering covenant faithfulness. The "brand plucked out of the fire" metaphor speaks to God's redemptive power, His ability to rescue, restore, and repurpose those who have been through the crucible of sin, judgment, or hardship. It foreshadows the New Testament truth that our standing before God is not based on our own merit but on His grace and the work of a divine advocate.

* [Jude 1:9](/jude/1-9 "Jude 1:9 - Michael Rebukes Satan"): "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."
* [Romans 8:33-34](/romans/8-33-34 "Romans 8:33-34 - God Justifies, Christ Intercedes"): "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."
* [1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12 - Fiery Trials"): "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 3:2 offers immense comfort and assurance for believers navigating the complexities of life and faith. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, especially when facing accusations, whether from external critics, our own conscience, or the spiritual adversary. Just as God defended Joshua, He stands as our ultimate advocate, silencing the accuser and declaring His sovereign claim over us. This verse powerfully teaches that our standing with God is not predicated on our perfect performance or flawless purity, but on His gracious choice and redemptive work. We, like Israel, are often "brands plucked out of the fire"—rescued from the consequences of our sin or the destructive forces of the world, bearing the scars but forever marked by His saving grace. This truth liberates us from the burden of self-justification and empowers us to live in the freedom of His forgiveness and purpose, knowing that our past does not define our future in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the LORD's direct rebuke of Satan in this verse encourage you when you feel accused or unworthy?**
* **In what ways have you experienced being "a brand plucked out of the fire" in your own life, signifying God's rescue and preservation?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign choice of Jerusalem (representing His people) impact your view of His faithfulness to you?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Joshua the High Priest being depicted in "filthy garments" in this vision?**

Answer: Joshua's "filthy garments" ([Zechariah 3:3](/zechariah/3-3 "Zechariah 3:3 - Joshua's Filthy Garments")) are highly symbolic. They represent the spiritual impurity and sin of the entire nation of Israel, particularly after their long period of exile in Babylon. Despite their return to the land, they were still stained by idolatry, unfaithfulness, and the general unworthiness that had led to God's judgment. For a high priest, who was meant to be ritually pure to mediate between God and the people, "filthy garments" signified an inability to properly function in his sacred office. The vision therefore highlights Israel's need for divine cleansing and justification before they could fully serve God and rebuild His temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 3:2 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The LORD's rebuke of Satan, the accuser of God's people, foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over the devil and his schemes. Jesus, as the true and perfect High Priest, stands not in filthy garments but in perfect righteousness, serving as our advocate before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). While Satan accuses believers of their sins ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - Satan, the Accuser Overthrown")), Christ stands as our defense, having paid the full penalty for our transgressions through His atoning sacrifice. He is the one who justifies us, rendering Satan's accusations powerless ([Romans 8:33-34](/romans/8-33-34 "Romans 8:33-34 - God Justifies, Christ Intercedes")). Moreover, the imagery of Israel as "a brand plucked out of the fire" beautifully prefigures the salvation offered to all who believe in Christ. We, too, were destined for the "fire" of judgment due to our sin, but through God's immeasurable grace and the redemptive work of Jesus, we are "plucked out" and given new life, cleansed and clothed in His righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness"); [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Saved by Grace")). Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's choice and deliverance, extending the covenant blessings to all who are united with Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 4:11

I have overthrown [some] of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Jude 1:23

And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jude 1:9

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Romans 8:33

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth.

Zechariah 1:17

Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 12:10

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.