4. those that stood before him--the ministering angels (compare the
phrase in
1Ki 10:8;
Da 1:5).
Take away the filthy garments--In
Zec 3:9
it is "remove the iniquity of that land"; therefore Joshua
represents the land.
from him--literally, "from upon him"; pressing upon him as an
overwhelming burden.
change of raiment--festal robes of the high priest, most costly and
gorgeous; symbol of Messiah's imputed righteousness
(Mt 22:11).
The restoration of the glory of the priesthood is implied: first,
partially, at the completion of the second temple; fully realized in
the great High Priest Jesus, whose name is identical with
Joshua
(Heb 4:8),
the Representative of Israel, the "kingdom of priests"
(Ex 19:6);
once clad in the filthy garments of our vileness, but being the chosen
of the Father
(Isa 42:1; 44:1; 49:1-3),
He hath by death ceased from sin, and in garments of glory entered the
heavenly holy place as our High Priest
(Heb 8:1; 9:24).
Then, as the consequence
(1Pe 2:5),
realized in the Church generally
(Lu 15:22;
Re 19:8),
and in Israel in particular
(Isa 61:10;
compare
Isa 3:6; 66:21).
JFB.
Picture Study Bible