Page:Visions and Prophecies of Zechariah (Baron, David).djvu/119

 not also make it the aim of his life to perfect holiness in the fear of God now, and who shall not in the end be conformed to His image, and be actually and fully like Him in character.

And what Israel shall be nationally in the day when, stripped of their own filthy garments, they are clothed in machalatsoth (the new priestly outfit), and, with the fair mitre with qodesli layehovaJi on their foreheads, go forth as " the priests of Jehovah " and as " the ministers of our God " among the nations that also all believers in Christ are already now as individuals. We, too, are " a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's oivn possession," and are sent forth into the world, not only with our lips, but also in our lives and conduct, " to show forth the praises (the excellences) of Him Who hath called us out of darkness into His marvellous light."

But let us now proceed to the second half of this chapter.

The symbolical transaction of the removal of the filthy garments from Israel's high priest, and his being fitted out in machalatsoth^ or " rich apparel," with the " clean mitre " on his head, is followed by a solemn charge and most glorious promises.

"And the Angel of Jehovah protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith Jefwvah of hosts: If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou also's halt judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by"

The word va-ya-ad (" protested ") means solemnly to protest, or " testify." Etymologically it signifies " to call God to witness." It occurs, for instance, in the words of Solomon to Shimei, " Did I not make thee swear by Jehovah, and protested unto thee," etc. (i Kings ii. 21) and is intended to express the solemnity and importance of the charge about to be made.

The expressions " Walk in My ways " and " Keep My charge " (mishmarti thislimor] are frequently used in the Pentateuch for " holding on in the way of life, well-pleasing