Joshua the High Priest

Joshua (also called Jeshua) was the first high priest to serve after the Babylonian exile. He returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in 538 BC and played a crucial role in rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrificial worship. In Zechariah's vision, Joshua stood before the angel of the Lord in filthy garments, symbolizing Israel's sin. God removed his filth, clothed him in rich robes, and set a clean turban on his head—a powerful picture of divine grace. Zechariah then crowned Joshua, symbolically pointing to the coming Messiah who would unite the offices of priest and king.