Zechariah 3:1-10
“And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan... Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?... I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment... for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH... and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.”
King James Version
The vision of Joshua the high priest accused by Satan, cleansed and reclothed, and the promise of God's servant the BRANCH who removes iniquity 'in one day.'
Fulfillment References
Zechariah 6:12-13 Isaiah 11:1 Jeremiah 23:5 Hebrews 9:26
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe BRANCH who removes iniquity 'in one day' is Jesus, whose one offering (Heb. 9:26-10:14) cleanses His people — the accuser silenced before the one God.
JewishThe cleansing of the high priest and the promise of the Branch (Zemach), read of the restored priesthood and the hope of a Davidic figure.
CatholicThe BRANCH fulfilled in Christ, who removes sin; Joshua's cleansing prefigures the justification of God's people.
ProtestantA vivid gospel preview — accused, cleansed, reclothed by grace; the BRANCH is the Messiah who removes iniquity 'in one day' (the cross).
OrthodoxChrist the Branch cleansing and clothing His people in righteousness.
DispensationalThe Branch is the Messiah; Joshua's cleansing anticipates Israel's future national cleansing.
AcademicScholars note 'the BRANCH' (Zemach) as a royal-messianic term and debate the interplay of priest (Joshua) and the coming royal Branch in Zechariah.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.