A Vivid Dream Zechariah 3:1-10
Introduction The book of Zechariah is full of vivid imagery and peculiar visions that all help in the conveying of God’s message. This paper will examine the specific vision described in Zechariah 3:1-10. The intent of this essay is to examine the message of this vivid vision that Zechariah received and also to determine the application for readers at that time and for believers today.
Compare English Versions The first step in studying this passage had been to read it over and over in multiple English translations to get a feel for how it could be interpreted in English. While there is some difference in the wording of different English translations it does not seem to change what is being communicated in the text. Some interesting differences in v.4b do appear when describing the new clothing that is given to Joshua, it is described as simply a “change of raiment” (King James) or more elaborately “pure elaborately” (ESV) and in the NRSV “festal apparel”. The following verse describes the charge unto Joshua from the Angel of the Lord as being “protested” (King James) or “gave his charge” or even “spoke very solemnly” (Living Bible) which all seem much different than “assured” (NRSV). There is obviously some discrepancy as to the tone of this charge. Overall, the different English translations all describe a very similar vision experience.
Structural Outline 1. Clean clothes for Joshua (3:1-5)
1.1 Set the scene (3:1)
1.2 Rebuke of Satan (3:2)
1.3 Removal of iniquity (3:3-4)
1.4 Clean garments and turban (3:5) 2. Promises from the Angel of the Lord (3:6-10)
2.1 Joshua’s Commission (3:6-7)
2.2 Promise of a coming Servant (3:8)
2.3 In that Day (3:9-10)
Genre of the Text This section of text is from the Prophet of Zechariah which places it in the genre of prophetic literature; however it also resembles apocalyptic literature like that found in the book of Revelation. What distinguishes this type of literature as
Compare English Versions The first step in studying this passage had been to read it over and over in multiple English translations to get a feel for how it could be interpreted in English. While there is some difference in the wording of different English translations it does not seem to change what is being communicated in the text. Some interesting differences in v.4b do appear when describing the new clothing that is given to Joshua, it is described as simply a “change of raiment” (King James) or more elaborately “pure elaborately” (ESV) and in the NRSV “festal apparel”. The following verse describes the charge unto Joshua from the Angel of the Lord as being “protested” (King James) or “gave his charge” or even “spoke very solemnly” (Living Bible) which all seem much different than “assured” (NRSV). There is obviously some discrepancy as to the tone of this charge. Overall, the different English translations all describe a very similar vision experience.
Structural Outline 1. Clean clothes for Joshua (3:1-5)
1.1 Set the scene (3:1)
1.2 Rebuke of Satan (3:2)
1.3 Removal of iniquity (3:3-4)
1.4 Clean garments and turban (3:5) 2. Promises from the Angel of the Lord (3:6-10)
2.1 Joshua’s Commission (3:6-7)
2.2 Promise of a coming Servant (3:8)
2.3 In that Day (3:9-10)
Genre of the Text This section of text is from the Prophet of Zechariah which places it in the genre of prophetic literature; however it also resembles apocalyptic literature like that found in the book of Revelation. What distinguishes this type of literature as