Zechariah 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Zechariah 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Joshua stands before Yahweh’s angel, with Satan at his right hand as an adversary (v. 1). Yahweh rebukes Satan, saying, 'Yahweh who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you!

Key verse

“Yahweh said to Satan, “Yahweh rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Yahweh who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”
Zechariah 3:2 (WEB)

Outline

Zechariah 3:1 Joshua Before the Angel
Zechariah 3:2 Yahweh Rebukes Satan
Zechariah 3:3–4 Filthy Garments Removed
Zechariah 3:5–7 Clothing and Commissioning
Zechariah 3:8–10 The Branch and Future Hope

Discussion questions

In v1, who stands at the right hand of Joshua the high priest?
What are Joshua's garments like in v3, and what do they signify?
In v7, what are the consequences promised if Joshua walks in Yahweh's ways?
The phrase 'the Branch' in v8: how does it connect to the hope for Israel?
When have you felt like Joshua, needing a change from 'filthy garments' to purity?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Zechariah 3: Jude 1, Luke 22, Zechariah 6.

Before next time: read Zechariah 4.