In [Zechariah 3:3-5](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ZEC.3.3-5), the prophet sees the high priest Joshua son of Jozadak standing before the angel of the lord. The high priest stands before in filthy garments, the angel then has his old garments removed and puts on new fine garments representing righteousness. For this, the angel says that **He** has taken away Joshua's iniquity. > [!bible]+ [Zechariah 3:3-5 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/38/3/) > 3. Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. 4. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” 5. And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by. In an act that goes beyond mere intercession, the angel commands the removal of the filthy garments and the dressing of Joshua in clean, fine garments, symbolizing the removal of sin and the bestowal of righteousness. Notably, the angel proclaims, "I have taken your iniquity away from you," directly attributing to Himself the power and authority to forgive sins. This action illustrates the Angel's role not just as a messenger but as an active participant in divine redemption, highlighting a profound aspect of divine mercy and justice being administered by the Angel of the Lord.