The LORD Rebuke Thee

The Story

The Jewish people had come home from exile in Babylon, and they were trying to rebuild their lives and their temple. It was hard, discouraging work. The high priest at the time was a man named Joshua.

One night God gave the prophet Zechariah a vision. In it, Joshua the high priest was standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan was standing at his right hand to accuse him.

Joshua had no defense. He was clothed in filthy garments. The man who was supposed to represent the people before God was covered in the dirt of sin, and the accuser was ready to make his case.

But before Satan could say a word, the Lord spoke. “The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan.” Isn’t this man “a brand plucked out of the fire,” a burning stick pulled out just in time?

Then the angel told those standing nearby, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And he said to Joshua, “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.”

Zechariah spoke up: let them put a clean turban on his head. So they dressed Joshua in clean clothes and set a clean turban on his head, while the angel of the Lord stood by.

Reflection