Zechariah 3:5

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. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

And I said {H559}, Let them set {H7760} a fair {H2889} mitre {H6797} upon his head {H7218}. So they set {H7760} a fair {H2889} mitre {H6797} upon his head {H7218}, and clothed {H3847} him with garments {H899}. And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} stood by {H5975}.

I said, "They should put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head and gave him fine robes to wear, while the angel of ADONAI stood by.

Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by.

And I said, Let them set a clean mitre upon his head. So they set a clean mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments; and the angel of Jehovah was standing by.

Zechariah 3:5 is a pivotal moment in a profound prophetic vision given to the prophet Zechariah, illustrating God's powerful act of cleansing and restoration for Joshua the High Priest and, by extension, for Israel.

Context of Zechariah 3:5

This verse follows a dramatic scene where Joshua, representing the nation of Israel, stands before the Angel of the LORD, accused by Satan. Joshua is initially clothed in "filthy garments," symbolizing the sin and defilement of the people. In Zechariah 3:4, the Angel of the LORD commands the removal of these unclean robes and promises "change of raiment." Verse 5 describes the immediate fulfillment of this command: the setting of a "fair mitre" upon his head and the clothing of him with new, pure garments. This act signifies divine intervention, demonstrating God's sovereign grace in dealing with sin and restoring His servant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Cleansing and Forgiveness: The central message is God's willingness and power to forgive sin and cleanse His people. The removal of filthy garments and the donning of new, pure ones is a powerful visual metaphor for the imputation of righteousness. This points to the ultimate cleansing found in Christ, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
  • Restoration to Holy Service: With the cleansing comes restoration to a place of honor and duty. Joshua, as High Priest, was meant to mediate between God and Israel. His defilement rendered him unfit, but God's act re-qualifies him for his sacred office. This highlights that God not only forgives our past but also enables us for future service.
  • God's Grace and Mercy: Despite the accusations and Joshua's evident defilement, God chooses mercy and grace. He silences the accuser and provides the means for restoration, emphasizing that salvation is not by human merit but by divine favor.

Linguistic Insights

The term "mitre" (Hebrew: tsaniph, צָנִיף) refers to the turban worn by the High Priest. The word "fair" (Hebrew: tahor, טָהוֹר) means pure, clean, or ritually undefiled. This "fair mitre" would typically bear the inscription "Holiness to the LORD" (Exodus 28:36), underscoring the sacredness and purity required for priestly office. The act of "clothed him with garments" indicates a complete outfitting with the High Priestly robes, signifying a full and legitimate restoration to his holy functions.

Practical Application

Zechariah 3:5 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Our Righteousness is from God: Like Joshua, we are often defiled by sin, but God, through Christ, provides the "garments of salvation" and the "robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10). Our standing before God is not based on our own merit but on His gracious provision.
  • God Desires to Restore Us: No matter our past failures or current struggles, God is eager to cleanse us and restore us to fellowship and service. He sees us not in our sin, but in the righteousness of Christ, our great High Priest.
  • We Are Empowered for Service: Once cleansed, we are empowered by God's Spirit to live lives of holiness and serve Him effectively, fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 6:11

    Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;

  • Exodus 29:6

    And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

  • Revelation 5:8

    And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

  • Revelation 5:14

    And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

  • Leviticus 8:6

    And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

  • Leviticus 8:9

    And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Revelation 4:10

    The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

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