Definition: And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Zechariah 3:1. It's a really significant and somewhat unsettling part of the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a tense moment between God and Joshua, a high priest, and an angel. It suggests that God is preparing for something difficult or dangerous to happen. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he shewed me…” – This is a somewhat poetic way of saying "and I saw." It’s not describing a literal vision; it’s about a feeling of being shown something important. “…Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD…” - Joshua was a very important leader in Israel, known for his knowledge and skill as a priest. He was positioned to receive God's word. “and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.” – This is where it gets interesting. “Satan” is a figure from Jewish tradition who represents evil or opposition. This verse describes Satan actively opposing Joshua. It’s suggesting that Satan isn’t just passively present; he’s deliberately trying to hinder God's plans. Overall Interpretation – A Possible Message: This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the coming of evil and challenges to God’s authority. It suggests: A Struggle for Power: There’s a battle between good (God) and evil (Satan). Opposition to God’s Will: Satan is actively working against God's purpose. The Future is Uncertain: The verse implies that things are not going to be easy for God or His people. Important Note: It’s important to remember this passage comes from a very ancient text, and its interpretation has evolved over time. Different people have different ideas about what it means. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Talk about how this passage relates to other stories or themes in the Bible?