Zechariah 3 7

Zechariah 3:7 kjv

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Zechariah 3:7 nkjv

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'If you will walk in My ways, And if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, And likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk Among these who stand here.

Zechariah 3:7 niv

"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.

Zechariah 3:7 esv

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here.

Zechariah 3:7 nlt

"This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: If you follow my ways and carefully serve me, then you will be given authority over my Temple and its courtyards. I will let you walk among these others standing here.

Zechariah 3 verses

Zechariah 3 7 Meaning

Zechariah 3:7 presents a solemn, conditional promise from the LORD of hosts to Joshua the High Priest. It declares that if Joshua faithfully obeys God's commandments ("walk in My ways") and diligently carries out his priestly duties ("keep My charge"), then he will be granted significant authority and leadership within God's temple ("judge My house and also have charge of My courts"). Furthermore, he will receive unique privilege: free access and close fellowship among God's heavenly attendants ("places to walk among these who stand here"), implying a life of divine favor and possibly even an enduring existence in God's immediate presence.

Zechariah 3 7 Context

Verse Context: Zechariah 3:7 concludes the third vision of Zechariah (Zec 3:1-10), where Joshua the High Priest stands accused by Satan but is vindicated and cleansed by the LORD. Joshua's filthy garments (representing the nation's sin and Joshua's own priestly shortcomings) are removed and replaced with rich robes. This verse serves as God's instruction and covenant with the newly cleansed Joshua, outlining the terms for future blessing and restored privilege.

Chapter Context: Zechariah chapter 3 is a pivotal vision illustrating God's gracious removal of sin and the restoration of the high priesthood, symbolic of the restoration of post-exilic Israel. It directly addresses the need for spiritual purity for effective leadership and the nation's spiritual renewal after the Babylonian exile. The vision provides assurance of God's presence and plans for a coming Branch (Messiah).

Historical Context: The prophecy is given during the post-exilic period (c. 520 BC), when the returned Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (high priest), were struggling to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. There was despair, opposition, and spiritual apathy among the people. Zechariah's visions aimed to encourage the people, assure them of God's commitment to their restoration, and emphasize the necessity of holiness for effective leadership and divine blessing in the rebuilt community. The cleansing and commissioning of Joshua were crucial for legitimizing the religious authority and promoting purity in the new temple era.

Zechariah 3 7 Word analysis

• Thus says the LORD of hosts: (Hebrew: Ko amar Yahweh Seba'ot) This formulaic prophetic opening signifies an authoritative divine utterance directly from God, who is portrayed as the commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, indicating His omnipotence and absolute authority over all creation and events. It lends gravity to the ensuing promise and command.
• If you will walk: (Hebrew: im telēḵ) This verb emphasizes an ongoing, active way of life and conduct. It's not a one-time act but a sustained pattern of living in accordance with God's directives. The "if" highlights the conditional nature of the promise.
• in My ways: (Hebrew: bidrāḵay) Refers to God's commandments, statutes, and general moral expectations for His people. It signifies aligning one's life, choices, and conduct with the divine standard.
• and if you will keep: (Hebrew: w'im tishmor) From the root shamar, meaning to guard, protect, observe, obey diligently. It denotes careful adherence and diligent watchfulness.
• My charge: (Hebrew: mishmarti) This term refers to God's specific commands, ordinances, or duties. In the context of the High Priest, it encompasses all aspects of temple service, rituals, moral purity, and theological guardianship entrusted by God to the priestly office. It's the sacred trust Joshua is to uphold.
• then you shall also judge: (Hebrew: tadīn) Implies exercising authority, governing, discerning, or ruling. For a high priest, this meant discerning what is holy from unholy, instructing the people in God's law, and leading the spiritual affairs within the temple.
• My house: (Hebrew: bētī) Primarily refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, God's dwelling place on earth. Joshua would have authority and oversight over the entire complex and its sacred functions. Metaphorically, it can extend to God's people as His spiritual house.
• and also have charge of My courts: (Hebrew: w'gam tishmor et ḥaṣēray) A direct parallel to "keep My charge" but specifically related to the outer areas and administration of the Temple. Joshua's responsibility would extend to the proper maintenance, purity, and sacred usage of all the temple grounds.

Words-Group analysis

• If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My charge: This phrase encapsulates the requirement for faithful obedience. "Walking in ways" focuses on ethical lifestyle and alignment with God's character, while "keeping charge" focuses on fulfilling specific duties and responsibilities, particularly those of the priesthood. Both elements are crucial for divine favor. This is the condition sine qua non for the ensuing blessings.
• Then you shall also judge My house and also have charge of My courts: This describes the reward of expanded authority and responsibility within God's sanctuary. "Judging" implies spiritual leadership, administration, and maintaining righteousness within the sacred space. "Having charge" reinforces the duty of diligent oversight and safeguarding. This priestly privilege underscores the vital link between purity, faithfulness, and legitimate authority.
• And I will give you places to walk among these who stand here: This is the most profound and unique promise. "These who stand here" explicitly refers to the angelic beings present in the vision (Zec 3:4). To "walk among them" implies a profound level of intimacy, privilege, and access to God's immediate presence. It could symbolize shared immortality, unhindered communion with God's heavenly host, or unique divine favor allowing Joshua to operate within the heavenly sphere—a highly honored position granted for faithful service. This points beyond mere earthly authority to a spiritual, transcendent reward.

Zechariah 3 7 Bonus section

The promise of "places to walk among these who stand here" is often interpreted as a preview of immortal life or resurrection, as angels do not experience death in the same way humans do. It symbolizes the transcending of earthly limitations through faithful service. Some commentators link this to the New Testament concept of believers having access to heavenly places in Christ (Eph 2:6), or the ultimate promise of seeing God's face and reigning with Him (Rev 22:3-5; Rev 20:4), where believers will metaphorically "walk" in the direct presence of God and His holy angels. Joshua, standing as a type, foreshadows the High Priest Jesus Christ, who perfectly walked in God's ways and kept His charge, thus eternally entering the Father's presence and opening the way for all who are in Him to share in that privilege. The emphasis on "standing" angels might also suggest stability and an enduring presence within the divine counsel, an honor offered to the faithful High Priest.

Zechariah 3 7 Commentary

Zechariah 3:7 reveals the Lord's unwavering expectation of obedience and faithfulness from His chosen leaders, particularly the High Priest Joshua, representing all of God's people. The conditional nature of the promise—"If you will walk... and if you will keep..."—underscores that divine blessings and empowerment are contingent on genuine adherence to God's covenant and sacred duties. Joshua's authority in God's house and courts, a return to the pristine state envisioned for priesthood, directly depends on his consecrated lifestyle. The climax of the promise, "places to walk among these who stand here," suggests a rare, profound intimacy and privileged access to the divine realm and fellowship with heavenly beings. This is not merely an earthly reward but a glimpse into eternal communion with God, implying that faithfulness on earth opens pathways to divine realities. It highlights God's desire for deep, abiding fellowship with His faithful servants.