Question 1

Who is "my servant the Branch" mentioned to Joshua the high priest?

Accepted Answer

"My servant the Branch" is a title for the promised Messiah. He would come from humble beginnings like a small shoot from a stump, yet grow to rule and bless God’s people. Calling him God’s servant shows that he would fully do his Father’s will. Calling him the Branch points to new life, growth, and fruit that come through him. In this passage, Joshua’s priesthood points ahead to this greater priest and king, who would bring real forgiveness and a new start for God’s people.

Question 2

What does the stone with seven eyes laid before Joshua represent?

Accepted Answer

The stone laid before Joshua points to the Messiah as the sure foundation for God’s people, like a cornerstone in a building. The “seven eyes” show fullness of sight and care. Either many eyes are fixed on him, or the eyes are in the stone itself, showing perfect wisdom and watchfulness. In simple terms, God is saying that his chosen one will be the solid base of his work, carefully watched over by God and fully able to watch over and guide his people.

Question 3

What does it mean that God will remove the iniquity of the land in one day?

Accepted Answer

When God says, “I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day,” he is pointing to a single, complete act of forgiveness. The daily and yearly sacrifices of the priests could not finally take sin away. But the Messiah, pictured here as the Branch and the stone, would deal with sin once for all in a single saving day. This looks ahead to his suffering and death, where the guilt of God’s people is lifted, not bit by bit, but fully and finally by one perfect sacrifice.

Question 4

Why are Joshua and his fellow priests called "men wondered at"?

Accepted Answer

Joshua and the priests with him are called “men wondered at” because their lives and work were signs to others. They had come back from exile like brands plucked from the fire, and God was restoring the priesthood in a small and humble way. People looked at them with surprise, both for their strange troubles and for their rescue. But they were also a living picture that pointed ahead to the coming Messiah. When he came, the deeper meaning of their service would become clear.

Question 5

What is the meaning of sitting under the vine and under the fig tree?

Accepted Answer

Sitting under the vine and under the fig tree is a picture of peace, rest, and plenty. Vines and fig trees give sweet fruit and cool shade. When God says his people will invite each other to sit there, it shows a time when sin is taken away, fear is gone, and neighbors can enjoy each other’s company in safety. It points to the peace that comes in the Messiah’s kingdom, where forgiveness leads to calm hearts and warm fellowship instead of trouble, worry, and fighting.

Question 6

How does this passage connect Joshua the high priest to the coming Messiah?

Accepted Answer

Joshua is serving as high priest after the exile, but his role is only a shadow of something greater. God speaks to him about the Branch and the stone, both pictures of the Messiah. Joshua offers sacrifices, but cannot fully remove sin. The Messiah, however, will take away iniquity in one day. Joshua and his fellow priests are like signposts: their calling, their struggles, and even their cleansing in the vision all point to the perfect priest who will stand for his people and bring real, lasting forgiveness.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s care and wisdom toward his people?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God does not leave his people in their sin or weakness. He promises to bring his servant the Branch at just the right time. The stone with seven eyes shows that God’s saving plan is watched over with perfect wisdom and care. God himself says he will engrave the stone and remove the land’s iniquity. This means he takes the initiative, designs the way of salvation, and sees it through. His goal is not only to forgive but to give his people peace and shared joy.

Question 8

How can the promise of peace under the vine and fig tree apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

Believers today can see this picture as pointing to the peace that comes from knowing their sins are forgiven through the Messiah. When guilt is removed, there is no need to hide from God or fear his anger. That inner rest can overflow into how we treat others, making us more ready to welcome, share, and live at peace as neighbors. While life is still hard in many ways, this promise encourages us to look to Christ for deep safety of heart and to invite others into that rest.

Zechariah 3:8

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.

The Vision of Joshua the High Priest

The Branch

Cross References

Zechariah 3:8

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.

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The Vision of Joshua the High Priest

The Branch

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