In brief
Joshua, son of Jehozadak, is the high priest of the Jews who return from exile in Babylon. With the governor Zerubbabel, he rebuilds the altar and lays the foundation of the temple in Jerusalem. When the work stops, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage him to resume. In a vision of Zechariah, Satan accuses him, but Yahweh removes his filthy garments and clothes him in rich clothing. It is a powerful picture of grace that cleanses and restores God's servant.
What does the name Joshua the High Priest mean?
His name is generally understood to mean Yahweh saves; it is the same name as Joshua, son of Nun. Ezra and Nehemiah spell it Jeshua. He is always introduced as the son of Jehozadak (Haggai 1:1), generally identified with the Jehozadak taken into captivity when Judah was deported (1 Chronicles 6:15).
The story of Joshua the High Priest
The return from exile
Ezra 2:1-2Joshua is among the leaders who return from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah with Zerubbabel, among those whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive. Nehemiah 12:1 names him with Zerubbabel at the head of the list of the priests and Levites who came back from exile. He serves as high priest for this people restored to the land.
The altar rebuilt
Ezra 3:1-6In the seventh month, the people gather in Jerusalem. Joshua, son of Jehozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel rise and build the altar of the God of Israel, as written in the law of Moses. Despite fear of the peoples of the land, they offer the morning and evening burnt offerings there and keep the feast of tabernacles.
The foundation of the temple
Ezra 3:8-13In the second year, Zerubbabel and Joshua set to work with the priests, the Levites and all who had come back from captivity. When the foundation of the temple is laid, they praise Yahweh: “For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel.” Shouts of joy mingle with the weeping of the old men who had seen the first house.
Awakened by Haggai's word
Haggai 1:1-14; 2:4The work has stopped, and the people say the time has not come to rebuild. In the second year of King Darius, Yahweh sends his word through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel and Joshua. They obey the voice of Yahweh, who stirs up their spirit and that of the people. God strengthens Joshua and promises his presence.
Filthy garments and rich clothing
Zechariah 3:1-5In a vision, Zechariah sees Joshua standing before the angel of Yahweh, with Satan at his right hand to accuse him. Yahweh rebukes Satan: Joshua is a burning stick plucked out of the fire. He is clothed with filthy garments. The angel orders them taken off and tells him: “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.” A clean turban is set on his head.
A sign of the Branch to come
Zechariah 3:7-8; 6:9-13Yahweh promises Joshua free access if he walks in his ways. Joshua and his companions are men who serve as signs: God will bring his servant, the Branch. Later, Zechariah is told to set crowns on Joshua's head and to announce a man whose name is the Branch, who will build the temple and be a priest on his throne.
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What Joshua the High Priest teaches us
- No one can appear before God in their own clothes: it is he who removes iniquity and clothes us with purity.
- Satan accuses, but Yahweh rebukes him and defends those he has chosen by grace.
- Serving God begins at the altar: Joshua restored worship before the temple was even built.
- When the work of God stops, his word stirs up the spirit of those who listen.
- The vision of the Branch, king and priest on his throne, directs our gaze to Jesus Christ, our high priest.
Key verses
The heart of the vision. God does not ask Joshua to wash himself: he orders that his filthy garments be taken off and gives him rich clothing. It is a picture of grace that forgives and cleanses.
Facing the accuser, Yahweh takes Joshua's side. A burning stick plucked out of the fire: a man saved from judgment, kept by the grace of the God who has chosen Jerusalem.
God strengthens Joshua, Zerubbabel and all the people so that they resume the work. The promise that sustains the work is simple: Yahweh of Armies is with them.
Bible verses to meditate on
Sermons about Joshua the High Priest
Frequently asked questions
Why was Joshua wearing filthy garments in Zechariah 3?
The vision explains it itself: in taking off these garments, the angel says he is removing his iniquity (Zechariah 3:4). The filthy garments therefore represent sin, that of the high priest and, through him, that of the people. God cleanses him by grace and clothes him in rich clothing and a clean turban.
Is Joshua the high priest the same as Joshua son of Nun?
No. Joshua son of Nun is Moses' successor who led Israel into Canaan. Joshua son of Jehozadak lived several centuries later, at the return from exile in Babylon. They share the same name, but the second is high priest in the time of Zerubbabel, Haggai and Zechariah.
Where is the story of Joshua the high priest in the Bible?
He appears in Ezra 2 to 5, for the return from exile and the rebuilding of the altar and the temple, and in Haggai 1 and 2, where the prophet encourages him. The vision of the filthy garments is in Zechariah 3, and the symbolic crowning in Zechariah 6:9-15. Nehemiah 12 also mentions him.