Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
those that stood before him—the ministering angels (compare the phrase in I Kings 10:8; Daniel 1:5).
Take away the filthy garments—In Zechariah 3:9 it is "remove the iniquity of that land"; therefore Joshua represents the land.
from him—literally, "from upon him"; pressing upon him as an overwhelming burden.
change of raiment—festal robes of the high priest, most costly and gorgeous; symbol of Messiah's imputed righteousness (Matthew 22:11). The restoration of the glory of the priesthood is implied: first, partially, at the completion of the second temple; fully realized in the great High Priest Jesus, whose name is identical with Joshua (Hebrews 4:8), the Representative of Israel, the "kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19:6); once clad in the filthy garments of our vileness, but being the chosen of the Father (Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 44:1; Isaiah 49:1-3), He hath by death ceased from sin, and in garments of glory entered the heavenly holy place as our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 9:24). Then, as the consequence (I Peter 2:5), realized in the Church generally (Luke 15:22; Revelation 19:8), and in Israel in particular (Isaiah 61:10; compare Isaiah 3:6; Isaiah 66:21).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Zechariah 3:4:
Leviticus 16:20-22
Isaiah 3:22
Jeremiah 50:34
Zechariah 3:1
Zechariah 3:2
Luke 15:22
Revelation 7:14
Revelation 12:7
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