Commentary on Zechariah

Commentary on Zechariah 3

COMMENTARY ON ZECHARIAH 3 he lord showed me Joshua the high priest standing before an angel of the Lord, and the devil standing at his right hand to oppose him (Zec 3.1–2). What God reveals is wonderful and extraordinary, and beyond human powers to perceive. This being so, God shows the prophet the high priest Joshua, not in a human manner but standing in a godly way before an angel of the Lord. It was not so much the son of Jozadak as the one suggested by him,1 the truly great high priest descended from heaven, made a priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” not in virtue of a fleshly command binding for a time, but according to permanent priesthood. It was said of him, in fact, “You are a priest forever.” Jesus the high priest2 was revealed by the Lord, not in a casual posture but serenely standing and firmly established, like the description in the Gospel: “Standing there Jesus cried aloud, Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.”3 Anyone coming to him drinks, you see, for the reason that his position is immovable. In addition to the sight of him standing there, God presenting him before an angel of the Lord, the devil also appeared, standing at his right hand to oppose him. Now, whom did the devil have to oppose and resist if not those on the right of the one revealed by the Lord standing in front of the angel of great counsel ? Judas also stood on the right, as is said in Psalm 109, “Appoint a sinner over him, and let the devil stand at his right hand.” Note, however, the great difference in the passages: the savior’s betrayer stands at his right, occupying that position “af1 . Joshua son of Jozadak is the priest referred to as a leading figure in the restoration; cf. Ezr 3.2. Didymus does not allow, as Cyril will, a historical basis for the vision. 2. The names Jesus and Joshua are identical in Greek: I[hsou`". 3. Ps 110.4; Heb.7.17, 24; Jn 7.24 cited loosely—and inconsequentially? 66 ter making room for the devil.” It is said, remember, that “he put it into his heart to betray” the person who had chosen him, both excellent teacher and savior; and after putting it into his heart, he entered into him so as to set in motion the plan of betrayal in him as in the sons of disobedience, Scripture saying, “After the morsel, Satan entered into him.”4 In the case of the high priest, on the other hand, he stood on his right for no other purpose than to oppose him, especially because he tries to undo those being assisted and instructed by him. Is it not with hostile intent that he stands on the right when he makes demands on those called to faith and the other virtues, according to the verse, “Lo, Satan has made demands on you to sift you like wheat, but I prayed for you,” O Peter, our disciple, “lest your faith fail”?5 In addition to the fact that no harm is experienced by those he opposes, they even receive power against him so as to trample on every hostile force, not sustaining harm of any kind, thanks to their hope in the one crushing under the feet of the holy ones the rebellious and pernicious devil. It is written, remember , “Everyone with hope in God” remains unharmed and unmoved, the evil one being incapable of reaching or touching the person assisted by God’s protective right hand. Note, for example , what the psalmist leaves ringing in the ears of those who find themselves under God’s hand, “You made the Most High your refuge, trouble will not befall you nor the scourge come near your dwelling, because he has given his angels orders about you,” and a little later, “You will tread on asp and basilisk, and tread underfoot lion and dragon.”6 The one called lion and dragon here is called “the ancient Satan” in the Apocalypse of John. It would seem in that interpretation that “devil” and “Satan” are used interchangeably, the Hebrew term “Satan” meaning “adversary” in Greek. When they are understood in that sense, we are better off having the devil as a foe and adversary than as a friend: companionship COMMENTARY ON ZECHARIAH 3 67 4. Ps 109.6; Eph 4.27; Jn 13...