In vision the prophet beholds "Joshua the high priest," "clothed with filthy garments" (Zechariah 3:1, 3), standing before the Angel of the Lord, entreating God's mercy in behalf of his afflicted people. As he pleads for the fulfillment of God's promises, Satan stands up boldly to resist him. He points to the transgressions of Israel as a reason why they should not be restored to the favor of God. He claims them as his prey, and demands that they be given into his hands.

I synet ser profeten ypperstepræsten Josua, stå foran Herrens engel og bede Gud om nåde på sit hjemsøgte folks vegne. Josua er iført "snavsede klæder" (Zak. 3,1. og 3). Mens han beder om, at Gud vil opfylde sine løfter, træder Satan dristigt frem og fører anklage imod ham. Han henviser til Israels synder og hævder, at de ikke fortjener, at Gud tager dem til nåde igen, Han påstår, at de tilhører ham, og kræver dem udleveret.