The first three visions had to do with God’s program regarding the establishment of Jerusalem as the center of God’s glory on earth. It will be filled to overflowing with a people living in the peace and security of God’s presence. Gentile dominion and oppression will have been removed. This is God’s work on behalf of his people. In the next two visions (the c units) the focus is on God’s ministry within the people themselves. In this vision he cleanses them, making them fit to enter his presence; in the fifth vision he empowers them, enabling them to do his work. These two visions form the focal point of the whole, emphasizing the fact that this internal ministry of the Spirit of God is essential to God’s purpose—a cleansed and empowered people.

Joshua the high priest (3:1) here serves …